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The 1910-S Lincoln Cent is a notable early issue from the beloved Lincoln cent series, and this particular specimen, certified by NGC as AU Details, holds significant numismatic value despite the caveat of its details grade. As an About Uncirculated (AU) coin, it displays the sharp design elements and partial luster typical of coins with minimal circulation. However, the "details" designation indicates that the coin possesses a surface condition—such as cleaning, environmental damage, or other impairment—that precludes it from receiving a numeric grade. Nonetheless, this example offers collectors a chance to obtain a desirable early San Francisco Mint Lincoln cent with strong visual impact.
The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, replacing the Indian Head cent. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the Lincoln cent was groundbreaking in that it featured a real historical figure—a first for circulating U.S. coinage. The design was met with initial acclaim, although controversy over Brenner’s prominent initials (“V.D.B.”) on the reverse led to their temporary removal. By 1910, the second full year of issue, the initials had not yet been restored, and coins of this year continued the simplified wheat reverse without any designer attribution.
The 1910-S issue came from the San Francisco Mint and had a mintage of 6,045,000 pieces. While this number was considerably higher than the mintage of the famed 1909-S VDB, it still places the 1910-S among the scarcer early-date Lincoln cents. Coins struck at the San Francisco Mint in this period are generally known for somewhat softer strikes compared to their Philadelphia counterparts, but they retain great historical significance and appeal, especially when preserved in higher grades. The 1910-S is considered a semi-key date and is particularly scarce in grades above Extremely Fine, making AU and better examples desirable for advanced collectors.
The obverse of the 1910-S Lincoln cent features the iconic bust of Abraham Lincoln, facing right, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arched above his head, “LIBERTY” to his left, and the date “1910” to the right. Just below the date appears the all-important “S” mintmark, indicating its origin from the San Francisco Mint. The reverse continues the Wheat Ears design introduced in 1909, with the denomination “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” centrally placed between two stylized wheat stalks. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears at the top. This reverse design would continue until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial motif in 1959.
Coins in AU Details condition typically show minor wear on the highest points of the design, such as Lincoln’s cheekbone, jaw, and the top edges of the wheat stalks on the reverse. Despite this slight friction, the coin retains a significant portion of its original mint luster. The detail across Lincoln’s hair, beard, and coat, as well as the grain in the wheat ears, remains sharp and well-defined. The eye appeal of a details-graded AU coin can vary depending on the nature of the flaw that prompted the “details” designation. Common issues include cleaning, corrosion, PVC residue, or rim damage. While such issues can reduce the coin’s market value, they do not necessarily compromise its historical or collectible importance.
This coin’s bronze composition—95% copper and 5% tin and zinc—was standard for Lincoln cents from 1909 through 1942 and again after 1946. As with all early copper coins, 1910-S cents are prone to toning and surface changes depending on storage conditions. A cleaned coin may show unnatural brightness or fine scratches under magnification, while environmental damage might manifest as discoloration or minor pitting. The NGC encapsulation helps preserve the coin's current state and affirms both its authenticity and attribution, which is critical for a San Francisco-minted coin in a series often subject to counterfeit mintmarks and tampering.
Despite its “details” status, this AU 1910-S Lincoln cent offers excellent value for collectors looking to fill tough early-date slots with coins that retain strong design detail. The AU level indicates that the coin saw only brief circulation before being set aside, a testament to its relatively well-preserved state. This is especially meaningful for coins from this era, as fewer were saved in high grade compared to later dates. Many 1910-S cents entered circulation and remained in use for decades, resulting in most surviving examples being found in lower circulated grades like Fine or Very Fine.
The coin’s presence in an NGC holder provides assurance of its authenticity and quality. NGC’s Details grading category is useful in that it still communicates the coin’s general level of preservation—here, About Uncirculated—while noting any impairments. For budget-conscious collectors, details-graded coins like this one offer the chance to acquire key or semi-key early Lincoln cents with pleasing appearances without the premium associated with problem-free examples in Mint State grades. It also serves as a great educational example of how subtle handling or storage issues can impact a coin’s professional grade.
In the broader context of Lincoln cent collecting, the 1910-S stands out as one of the more challenging branch mint issues in the early years of the series. Collectors aiming for a complete set of Lincoln cents by date and mintmark often find that the 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, 1910-S, 1911-S, and 1914-D are among the tougher dates to locate in high grades. A coin like this AU Details example provides a means of enjoying the satisfaction of completing a tough entry at a reasonable cost, while still preserving much of the original artistry and depth of the coin’s devices.
The 1910-S Lincoln cent remains a compelling piece for anyone assembling a collection of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. As a representative of the second year of issue and an important San Francisco Mint coin, it embodies the historical transition to presidential coinage and the Mint’s evolving production standards. Though certified as AU Details, this coin still boasts a wealth of character and visual presence, making it a worthy addition to any collection focused on U.S. history, early Lincoln cents, or the enduring influence of Abraham Lincoln on American currency.