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The 1912-D Lincoln Cent in MS64BN condition, certified by NGC, represents a high-quality example of one of the more difficult early branch mint issues in the Lincoln cent series. Struck at the Denver Mint during the fourth year of the Lincoln cent's production, this piece combines both historical relevance and numismatic appeal. The MS64 grade indicates a coin that is just shy of Gem condition, exhibiting minimal marks, full original detail, and strong eye appeal. The BN, or Brown, designation means the copper surface has toned naturally over time to a chocolate or mahogany hue, common for copper coins over a century old. Despite the brown toning, this coin retains a strong presence, with well-defined details and a pleasing, original patina.
The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 as a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday and was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse displays a right-facing bust of Lincoln, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” above, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date to the right. In the case of the 1912-D, a small “D” mintmark appears just below the date, denoting production at the Denver Mint. The reverse design, known as the Wheat Ears reverse, includes two stylized sheaves of wheat surrounding the denomination “ONE CENT” and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above. This design would remain in use until 1958 and has become an icon of early 20th-century American coinage.
The 1912-D was the first Denver-minted Lincoln cent to follow the inaugural 1909-D issue. It had a mintage of 10,411,000 coins, which is a relatively low number for the series. Although not as rare as the 1909-S VDB or the 1914-D, the 1912-D remains a key semi-scarce date among early Lincoln cents, especially in higher Mint State grades. Many of the coins produced at the Denver Mint in the early 1910s were released into active circulation and not saved in large numbers. As such, Mint State examples, particularly those that have not been cleaned or otherwise impaired, are in strong demand among collectors seeking to complete high-grade Lincoln cent sets.
The MS64BN designation reflects a coin that has avoided circulation and retains its original strike and detail. While a brown Lincoln cent does not command the same premium as red or red-brown examples, a Mint State brown coin is still highly collectible due to its original surfaces and historical appeal. The brown toning develops over time as copper oxidizes, and depending on the environment in which the coin was stored, the color may range from deep chocolate to lighter caramel hues. An MS64BN coin like this one may even exhibit hints of red luster remaining around the devices or in protected areas, adding to its attractiveness.
Early Lincoln cents were struck in a bronze alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This composition was used until the middle of World War II and results in coins that are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. As a result, original Mint State survivors with attractive toning and no signs of cleaning are relatively scarce. The 1912-D, being a branch mint issue, often displays slightly weaker strikes compared to Philadelphia issues, especially in Lincoln’s beard, hair, and the reverse wheat lines. Nonetheless, this MS64 example should display nearly full detail, particularly for a coin graded at this high level by NGC.
NGC, one of the most trusted third-party grading services in the numismatic world, certifies coins to assure their authenticity and condition. Their grading standards are rigorous, and an MS64 coin must have only a few small abrasions or light marks visible under magnification, strong eye appeal, and above-average strike. When a coin is graded MS64BN, it confirms that the coin has been preserved well enough to remain uncirculated while maintaining its original coloration and character. Collectors who prioritize originality and historical integrity over bright luster often seek out brown-designated coins for their classic appearance and honest preservation.
This 1912-D cent in MS64BN is particularly appealing to those assembling a complete Lincoln cent set by date and mintmark in high grades. Completing a set of early branch mint issues—such as the D- and S-minted coins from the 1910s—is a formidable challenge, and coins like this help fill those difficult slots without compromising on quality. Additionally, for collectors who appreciate toning and natural surfaces, a brown MS64 coin offers a visually pleasing alternative to often-overpriced red specimens. Many seasoned numismatists even prefer the subdued beauty of brown-toned copper, especially when surfaces remain unmolested and the coin’s design remains crisp and undiminished.
The eye appeal of this coin likely includes smooth, even surfaces with a satin or glossy finish. The patina, developed over more than 110 years, adds a sense of historical authenticity and charm. As Mint State Lincoln cents from the early years are increasingly scrutinized for originality, this certified 1912-D example stands out as a prime candidate for collectors looking for coins with both character and certified quality. It offers an excellent blend of affordability, preservation, and early 20th-century American history, making it a cornerstone piece in any Lincoln cent collection.
The 1912-D also represents a moment of expansion and regional development in U.S. coin production. The Denver Mint, having only begun striking coins in 1906, was still relatively new and establishing its identity during this period. The presence of the “D” mintmark connects this cent to the broader story of westward growth and the federal government's investment in distributing coinage production across the country. Collecting coins from all three operating mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—adds a rich geographic dimension to the Lincoln cent series, and branch mint coins often present additional challenges in terms of mintage and condition rarity.
Overall, the Certified 1912-D Lincoln Cent MS64BN NGC is an outstanding example of early 20th-century numismatics. It showcases high-grade detail, original coloration, and the historical richness of a branch mint issue. Its encapsulation by NGC affirms both its uncirculated status and its value to collectors, making it a desirable addition to a variety of collecting goals—whether a high-grade date and mintmark set, a type set of early Lincoln cents, or simply as a beautiful and historically significant coin in its own right.