-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 26952
Checkout
The 1929-S Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated condition stands as a compelling and tangible remnant of America’s interwar period, minted during a year that preceded the most significant economic collapse in U.S. history. Produced at the San Francisco Mint, this issue belongs to the early segment of the long-running Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which began in 1909. Although the mintage of the 1929-S was not exceedingly low, coins from this issue that survive with minimal wear are relatively uncommon. The bulk of the 1929-S mintage entered circulation promptly and saw substantial use during the Great Depression years that followed. Today, examples in Almost Uncirculated condition are valued for their historical resonance, remaining sharpness of detail, and the appealing balance they strike between quality and affordability.
The obverse of the Lincoln Cent features a right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. This design was a significant departure from previous U.S. coinage, as it was the first regular-issue coin to bear the image of an actual person rather than an allegorical figure. On the 1929-S cent, Lincoln’s profile is accompanied by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” arching above, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1929” to the right. Below the date is the “S” mintmark, denoting its San Francisco origin. On Almost Uncirculated examples, Lincoln’s hair, cheekbone, and coat collar retain strong detail, with only faint signs of friction typically visible on the highest points of the relief. The design remains sharply legible and visually striking, showcasing Brenner’s intent to honor Lincoln with a humble yet commanding image.
The reverse carries Brenner’s equally iconic Wheat Ears motif, used from 1909 through 1958. The central inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are framed by two stylized wheat stalks, each arching inward from the rim. Above the lettering sits the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The design, simple and utilitarian, evokes agrarian prosperity and unity—core themes in American identity. On AU examples of the 1929-S cent, the reverse typically shows only slight smoothing at the tops of the wheat stalks or along the raised central lettering. The coin’s fields often remain clean and unmarred, and the inscriptions maintain their clarity. The wear is usually subtle enough to be seen only under magnification or in reflected light, preserving the coin’s overall eye appeal.
The 1929-S Lincoln Cent had a total mintage of 50,148,000 pieces, which placed it among the higher mintage San Francisco issues of the 1920s. However, the number of coins surviving in Almost Uncirculated or better grades is considerably smaller. During this era, the majority of cents were intended for active circulation, and very few were set aside by collectors at the time. The combination of rapid release into commerce and the economic upheaval that soon followed meant that most 1929-S cents endured significant wear. Moreover, coins from the San Francisco Mint in this period often exhibit weak or uneven strikes, a factor that contributes to the difficulty of locating well-struck and sharply detailed specimens in higher grades.
The strike quality of 1929-S Lincoln Cents can vary considerably. While some examples display reasonably full detail, many show softness in Lincoln’s beard, hair, and the tops of the wheat stalks. This is often due not to wear but to the minting process itself, which utilized dies and equipment that were not always in ideal condition. For this reason, collectors seeking an AU example are advised to prioritize specimens that are well-struck for the issue. Coins that combine strong central detail, minimal surface wear, and even color represent the best of what this date can offer. Such examples are increasingly difficult to locate and are valued by advanced collectors for their quality and originality.
The 1929-S Lincoln Cent was struck in the standard bronze alloy of the time—95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Freshly minted cents had a vibrant reddish-orange hue, but copper’s natural reactivity causes it to oxidize over time. As a result, most surviving examples of the 1929-S exhibit a Red-Brown or Brown patina. Almost Uncirculated coins often show a pleasing blend of subdued red luster in the protected recesses, with chocolate or olive-brown toning across the fields. Coins that have not been cleaned or damaged by environmental exposure are especially sought after, as they exhibit the natural aging of copper in a visually harmonious way. The combination of light wear and original color provides a compelling aesthetic that full Red Mint State coins do not always match in character.
Grading Almost Uncirculated Lincoln Cents requires careful observation, particularly for early branch-mint issues like the 1929-S. These coins will exhibit very light wear on the highest points—specifically Lincoln’s cheekbone, jaw, and the top of the shoulder on the obverse, and the uppermost grains of wheat on the reverse. Despite this minimal wear, the design remains essentially complete. Coins graded AU58 are especially appealing to collectors because they retain nearly all the sharpness of a Mint State coin while trading at a significantly lower price point. For budget-conscious collectors, or for those assembling high-grade date and mintmark sets, the AU grade provides a visually satisfying and economically sensible alternative to pricier Mint State examples.
From a historical perspective, the 1929-S Lincoln Cent holds significance beyond its physical characteristics. The year 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression, as the stock market crash in October triggered a prolonged period of economic hardship. Though this coin was struck earlier in the year, it entered circulation during one of the most consequential turning points in American financial history. The 1929-S cent would have circulated throughout the Depression era, serving as a small but essential tool in everyday life—used to buy a newspaper, a cup of coffee, or a loaf of bread. In Almost Uncirculated condition, the coin offers a rare window into that time, having survived nearly untouched through events that consumed so many other coins in daily use.
For collectors of Lincoln Wheat Cents, the 1929-S is a necessary component in any complete set, but its appeal goes well beyond obligation. Its moderate mintage, variable strike quality, and scarcity in higher grades make it a rewarding pursuit. An Almost Uncirculated specimen provides nearly the full visual impact of a Mint State coin with just a hint of honest wear. When combined with rich, original toning and a strong strike, the 1929-S in AU condition becomes an especially desirable example. Whether placed in an album beside other 1920s branch-mint issues or displayed individually for its historical context, this coin serves as both a collectible artifact and a piece of American economic and cultural history.
The 1929-S Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated condition embodies the beauty, complexity, and historical weight of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. With its enduring design, subtle signs of careful use, and links to one of the most pivotal years in modern history, it offers collectors more than metal and minting—it provides a story. Its warm patina, preserved detail, and balanced grade make it a perfect representation of a transitional time in both numismatics and American life. As collectors continue to seek meaningful and historically resonant coins, the 1929-S AU Lincoln Cent will remain a cherished and respected addition to any serious collection of U.S. small cents.