The 1931 S Lincoln Cent is an important coin in the numismatic world, with its low mintage and historical value. This article discusses the coin’s introduction, history, specifications, design, rarity, condition, errors, value, and a concluding overview.
The 1931-S Lincoln Cent has a special place in the hearts of coin collectors. It is part of the Lincoln, Wheat reverse (Bronze) series struck from 1909 to 1958 with its low mintage and historical value, this coin is a critical date for collectors.
History of 1931 S Lincoln Cent
The 1931 S Lincoln Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of only 866,000 coins, which makes it the second lowest mintage in the entire Lincoln Cent series. Collectors began to collect the coin as soon as the mintage data became available because they knew it would become rare. Because of the coins’ scarcity in circulation, collecting began shortly after they came out and lasted into the early 1930s.
However, a significant portion of these coins were not released until 1935, when dealers and collectors purchased them directly from the US Mint in rolls and bags at face value plus shipping. This made uncirculated samples easier to find in the modern age.
Specifications
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Mintage: 866,000
- Mint: San Francisco
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Design
Obverse
The obverse shows a bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the upper side. The word “LIBERTY” is written to the left of the portrait, while the date and mintmark (“S” for San Francisco) are on the right side of the coin.
Reverse
The reverse design has wheat ears flanking the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The motto is “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed along the top perimeter.
Rarity and Condition
The 1931-S Lincoln Cent is famous as a key date in the series because of its low mintage. While the coin was collected in large quantities by collectors, it is estimated that fewer than 100,000 examples exist today, with most being in circulated grades. Fortunately, enough uncirculated coins were maintained by collectors, making them known in different conditions, including MS65 and higher. However, availability especially decreases in MS66 and better grades.
Errors
The 1931 S Lincoln Cent is also one of the most heavily counterfeited coins in the series. One notable counterfeit technique is the spark-erosion process, which results in coins with a “pimply” surface. This process involves placing a genuine host specimen in an electrolytic solution opposite a blank piece of conductive metal, causing sparks to jump to the blank and create a reverse duplicate die. Counterfeiters often polish the high portions of the die, but the incuse areas (the raised portions on the coin) retain the “pimples,” making these fakes relatively easy to identify when compared to genuine examples.
Value of 1931 S Lincoln Cent
The 1931 S Lincoln Cent is valuable across various grades. According to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) Price Guide, the value of even a Good-4 sample is $90. The coin’s value rises when it grades, making high-quality uncirculated examples extremely sought after by collectors.
Also Read – 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
The 1931 S Lincoln Cent is a valued coin among numismatists because of its historical value, low mintage, and scarcity. If you are a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, the 1931 S Lincoln Cent has a precious glimpse into the rich history of American coinage.