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The 1917-D Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition offers collectors a meaningful glimpse into early 20th-century American coinage during a time of global upheaval and rapid industrial change. Struck at the Denver Mint during the United States’ entry into World War I, the 1917-D is both historically significant and a moderately scarce branch mint issue from the first decade of the Lincoln cent series. As one of the earlier D-mint Lincoln cents, it is a necessary inclusion in a complete date-and-mintmark set, and AU specimens—retaining nearly full detail—are especially valued for their balance of historical wear and visual appeal.
The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 as a replacement for the Indian Head cent, with Victor David Brenner’s design marking a revolutionary change in American coinage by featuring a real historical figure. Abraham Lincoln, one of the most respected American presidents, was chosen to honor the centennial of his birth. Brenner’s design introduced a right-facing bust of Lincoln on the obverse, while the reverse bore a pair of stylized wheat ears flanking the denomination and country name. This reverse would remain in use until 1958 and is now known affectionately as the “wheat cent.” By 1917, the design had become familiar to Americans and was firmly established as a staple in everyday commerce.
The 1917-D issue represents one of the earlier efforts of the Denver Mint to contribute to the Lincoln cent series, with the facility having begun cent production only a few years earlier in 1911. Located in Colorado, the Denver Mint primarily served the needs of the western United States. Coins from the Denver Mint can be identified by the small “D” mintmark located below the date on the obverse of the coin. The 1917-D was produced during a period when coin production was rapidly increasing to meet the demands of a growing wartime economy, yet its total mintage of 55,120,000 still places it in the lower-middle range of early Lincoln cent mintages.
The obverse of the 1917-D Lincoln cent features the familiar profile of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” is positioned to the left, and the date “1917” appears on the lower right, accompanied by the “D” mintmark just beneath. On coins in Almost Uncirculated condition, the fine details of Lincoln’s hair, cheek, and coat are largely preserved. There may be the faintest wear on the high points—typically around the ear, jawline, and temple—but overall sharpness remains strong. The design’s integrity is retained, and the fields may still show subtle traces of mint luster around the devices and rims.
The reverse of the 1917-D continues with Brenner’s classic wheat design. Two sheaves of wheat curve gracefully along either edge of the coin, framing the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above the central wording, the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is arched along the upper rim. In AU condition, the reverse retains excellent definition, with most or all of the wheat kernels visible and strong clarity in the inscriptions. Slight flattening may appear on the tips of the stalks or at the tops of some letters, but the overall presentation remains sharp. The raised rims are typically well-defined, protecting the internal devices from excessive wear and keeping the coin’s integrity largely intact.
The alloy composition of the 1917-D Lincoln cent remains consistent with other early bronze cents: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This composition gives the coin its distinctive reddish-brown hue when freshly struck, though most surviving examples—especially those that have seen even light circulation—tend toward shades of medium brown to chocolate, depending on storage conditions. AU examples may still exhibit glimmers of original red coloration, particularly around the lettering and protected areas of the portrait or reverse devices. Coins stored in older coin albums or envelopes may also show attractive natural toning, adding to the coin’s character and visual interest.
Coins graded Almost Uncirculated generally fall within the AU50 to AU58 range on the Sheldon scale. These grades indicate a coin that saw only brief circulation, retaining most of its original design detail and luster. AU58 coins, in particular, can appear nearly indistinguishable from lower-end Mint State examples to the untrained eye, showing only minimal signs of rub on the highest points. For the 1917-D Lincoln cent, coins in this grade often possess excellent strike definition, pleasing surfaces, and light original color. Contact marks, if present, are usually minor and restricted to non-focal areas, making the coin attractive to collectors seeking high-end circulated examples without the cost of certified Mint State coins.
Strike quality among early Denver issues can vary, but the 1917-D is generally well struck, with bold features on both obverse and reverse. That said, some weakness can occur around Lincoln’s jawline or in the central areas of the wheat stalks due to die fatigue or misalignment. AU specimens with particularly sharp strikes are especially prized, and when found with minimal marks and a rich, original tone, they can command strong premiums. Coins with evidence of die cracks or other minting anomalies are sometimes also sought after by variety collectors and specialists within the Lincoln cent community.
Historically, the 1917-D Lincoln cent reflects a nation transitioning from neutrality to active involvement in World War I. Coinage needs were increasing as the U.S. economy mobilized for war, and the Denver Mint played an important role in supplying coinage to western states. This makes the 1917-D an intriguing coin for both numismatists and history enthusiasts. Its place in American history is further underscored by the cent’s representation of Lincoln—himself a symbol of national unity—being issued during a time when the country once again faced the challenge of global conflict.
The 1917-D Lincoln cent in AU condition holds a special place in early 20th-century numismatics. It provides an ideal balance of affordability, condition, and historical context. Many collectors building type sets, full wheat cent collections, or mintmark-specific runs find the AU grade to offer both visual appeal and financial practicality. With a relatively modest original mintage and fewer high-grade survivors compared to its Philadelphia counterpart, the 1917-D is well-positioned for long-term interest and stable demand among enthusiasts of classic U.S. coinage. Its iconic design, branch mint origin, and state of preservation make it a rewarding addition to any collection.
As the Lincoln cent series continues to hold its place as one of the most collected coin types in American numismatics, early issues like the 1917-D in Almost Uncirculated condition offer a compelling snapshot of minting history, artistic continuity, and national identity. Whether valued for its craftsmanship, connection to wartime America, or as part of a pursuit for a complete set, the 1917-D remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the Lincoln cent and the role of coinage in capturing moments of historical significance in everyday objects.