The Lincoln Cent holds the distinction of being the longest-running coin in U.S. history. Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, its elegant design by Litvak-American sculptor Victor David Brenner marked the beginning of a new era in American coin artistry.
Although the golden age of U.S. coin design is often associated with sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Brenner’s work remains in circulation and continues to be admired.
In 1931, the San Francisco Mint produced only 866,000 Lincoln Cents, making it one of the few coins from the small cent era (starting in 1857) with a mintage under one million. Other notable coins in this category include the 1877 Indian Head, the 1909-S Indian Head, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent.
By the early 1930s, these coins were already attracting attention from collectors due to their relative scarcity, as noted in publications like The Numismatist, which spurred a hunt for the 1931-S Lincoln Cent.
By 1935, San Francisco-based dealer R.A. Webb was selling “strictly uncirculated” 1931-S cents for 35 cents each, while the 1877 Indian Head Cent in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition was priced at $2.50. During this time, the 1909-S VDB Cent was similarly priced to the 1931-S, though it hadn’t yet gained its reputation as the key coin of the series.
Approximately half a million of the 1931-S cents were reportedly sent to the Federal Reserve Bank in Salt Lake City, accounting for more than 50% of the total mintage. Due to its popularity with collectors and speculators, the 1931-S Lincoln Cent was hoarded in large quantities, leading to its limited circulation.
Today, surviving examples are typically found in Extremely Fine (XF) or better condition, with Mint State examples commanding a premium. Collectors can expect to pay at least $100 for a choice example in XF condition and upwards of $300 for a Choice Uncirculated specimen.
Counterfeits and altered versions of the 1931-S Lincoln Cent exist, with some fakes being particularly deceptive. Altered dates can be identified by examining the clarity of the “1” at the end of the date and the unique shape of the “3,” which differs from other coins minted in the 1930s.
Cast counterfeits often have a grainy or porous appearance and lack sharp details, especially in the lettering. Genuine 1931-S cents are typically well-struck, though some examples may exhibit poor color or signs of cleaning to remove tarnish.
Design Details of 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Obverse:
Brenner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln shows the president from the shoulders up, dressed in a period suit with a bow tie. Brenner’s initials, V.D.B., appear on Lincoln’s shoulder truncation.
The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed along the top rim, while the word “LIBERTY” is located behind Lincoln’s neck on the left side. The date, “1931,” is placed to the right of Lincoln’s portrait, with the mintmark “S” for San Francisco below the date.
Reverse:
The reverse features Brenner’s “Wheat Cent” design, with two sheaves of wheat flanking the sides. The motto “E · PLURIBUS · UNUM” wraps around the top rim. The denomination “ONE CENT” is prominently displayed in large sans-serif letters, with the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” beneath it.
Edge:
The edge of the 1931-S Lincoln Cent is plain, without any reeding or lettering.
Designer:
Victor David Brenner, born in Lithuania in 1871, immigrated to New York at the age of 19. A classically trained sculptor, Brenner gained a prestigious client list that included future president Theodore Roosevelt.
Brenner had previously created a medallion of Lincoln, and in 1908, Roosevelt commissioned him to adapt this image for the new cent design. By the time of his death, Brenner had crafted over 125 different medals, sculptures, and coins.
Coin Specifications:
| Country: | United States of America |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue: | 1931 |
| Denomination: | One Cent (USD) |
| Mintmark: | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage: | 866,000 |
| Alloy: | .950 Copper, .050 Tin and Zinc |
| Weight: | 3.11 g |
| Diameter: | 19.00 mm |
| Edge: | Plain |
| OBV Designer: | Victor David Brenner |
| REV Designer: | Victor David Brenner |
| Quality: | Business Strike |
Conclusion
The 1931-S Lincoln Cent is a highly sought-after coin among collectors due to its low mintage, historical significance, and the enduring popularity of the Lincoln Cent series. While many examples have survived in excellent condition, the coin remains in demand, particularly among those seeking high-quality specimens. Collectors should be vigilant about counterfeits and alterations when purchasing this rare piece of American numismatic history.
FAQ
Why is the 1931-S Lincoln Cent considered rare?
A. The 1931-S Lincoln Cent had a low mintage of only 866,000 coins, making it one of the few coins from the small cent era with a mintage under one million.
What factors contribute to the value of the 1931-S Lincoln Cent?
A. The value is influenced by the coin’s condition (grade), rarity, and demand among collectors. Mint State examples and those in XF or better condition command higher prices.
How can you identify a counterfeit 1931-S Lincoln Cent?
A. Counterfeits can often be identified by examining the clarity of the “1” in the date, the shape of the “3,” and checking for a grainy or porous appearance, which is common in cast fakes.
What should I expect to pay for a 1931-S Lincoln Cent?
A. Prices typically start at $100 for a choice XF example and can exceed $300 for a Choice Uncirculated specimen.
Was the 1931-S Lincoln Cent widely circulated?
A. No, the 1931-S Lincoln Cent was heavily hoarded by collectors and speculators, resulting in limited circulation.
References
- “The Numismatist,” American Numismatic Association
- U.S. Mint Historical Data
- Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins
