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The 1922-D Lincoln Cent is a key-date issue in the early years of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series and holds a significant place in American numismatic history. Struck exclusively at the Denver Mint, this coin stands out for its scarcity and the widespread confusion caused by varieties with weak or missing mintmarks. The 1922-D is the only Lincoln Cent struck in that year, as the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints did not produce one-cent coins in 1922. As a result, all legitimate 1922 Lincoln cents bear the “D” mintmark—either strongly struck or, in many rare cases, faint or missing due to overused dies. In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the coin retains a pleasing level of detail and is an attractive, affordable example of a coin often sought after by both advanced and intermediate collectors.
The obverse of the 1922-D Lincoln Cent features Victor David Brenner’s classic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, facing right. Lincoln’s bust, including his cheek, jawline, hair, and bowtie, remains well-defined in Extra Fine condition, though minor wear is visible on the high points. Key inscriptions on the obverse include “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the upper rim, “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln’s profile, and the date “1922” to the right. Just below the date appears the mintmark “D” for the Denver Mint. On well-preserved XF examples, the mintmark is visible, though it may be lightly struck or slightly worn. Some varieties known as “No D” or “Weak D” exist due to die erosion and filled dies, and while these are highly collectible in their own right, a typical XF 1922-D will show at least a traceable “D.”
The reverse design is equally iconic, featuring two wheat stalks flanking the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears along the top border. On an Extra Fine specimen, the wheat ears show considerable detail, particularly in the lower leaves and upper grain lines, although some flattening on the highest contours is expected. The reverse remains well-struck on most 1922-D examples, though some coins—especially those struck with worn dies—may show minor softness or fading in the central devices. Nevertheless, the reverse on XF examples maintains its symmetry, with clean, readable lettering and a sharp general outline of the design elements.
The Denver Mint was solely responsible for the production of Lincoln Cents in 1922, which was unusual in a series typically struck at multiple mints. Due to equipment issues and die deterioration, the overall quality of the 1922-D cent mintage was inconsistent. The total mintage is officially recorded at 7,160,000 coins, a relatively low figure for the Lincoln series. Of these, only a fraction have survived in collectible condition, and even fewer retain the crispness and eye appeal of Extra Fine or better. Furthermore, due to weak strikes and heavy circulation, many 1922-D cents have compromised or missing features, making sharply struck XF coins with visible details increasingly difficult to find.
Part of the intrigue surrounding the 1922-D issue lies in the well-known “No D” variety, which has sometimes been misidentified as a Philadelphia Mint product. In truth, all 1922 cents were struck in Denver, but some obverse dies became so eroded or filled with debris that they failed to produce a visible mintmark. The most famous “No D” variety, referred to as the “Strong Reverse, No D,” is a valuable error with a clearly defined reverse but a missing mintmark. However, the typical 1922-D with a visible “D” and even strike—especially in XF condition—still commands collector interest, both for its scarcity and its position as the only cent from that year.
In Extra Fine condition, a 1922-D Lincoln Cent displays light but noticeable circulation wear confined mostly to the highest points. Lincoln’s cheekbone, jawline, and hair show moderate smoothing, yet maintain their overall shape. The bowtie and coat details remain discernible, while the fields between design elements are generally free from major blemishes or corrosion. The reverse wheat ears have some softness at the top, but the central lines and leaf structures remain partially intact. XF coins also preserve the coin’s original color and surface integrity, though they may range from red-brown to chocolate brown in tone depending on storage conditions. Some examples will exhibit slight toning or minor contact marks, but no damage significant enough to detract from overall eye appeal.
The 1922-D Lincoln Cent in this grade remains one of the most challenging dates to locate in affordable, problem-free condition. Many XF examples show signs of uneven striking, off-center mintmarks, or worn die elements. Collectors seeking a quality representation of this issue often gravitate toward coins that balance solid detail with pleasing surfaces, and the XF grade satisfies both criteria. The price premium for XF examples over lower grades reflects the difficulty of finding this key-date coin with significant detail intact. Moreover, coins with a clear “D” mintmark, strong reverse, and minimal surface issues are highly marketable and hold strong long-term value.
As a collectible, the 1922-D is an essential inclusion in any complete Lincoln Cent set. Its absence from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint’s production schedule that year ensures its status as a standout key date. While higher-grade Mint State examples exist, they are extremely scarce and command steep premiums. The XF condition represents an attractive midpoint—providing clarity of design, historical value, and affordability. Collectors focused on assembling sets of early wheat cents will find the 1922-D a satisfying, milestone acquisition, marking both a collecting achievement and a tribute to the enduring appeal of the Lincoln Cent series.
In summary, the 1922-D Lincoln Cent in Extra Fine condition is a critical and desirable coin in the long-running wheat cent series. With its unique mintage circumstances, historic significance, and reputation for weak strikes and low survival rates in higher grades, it occupies a coveted position in early 20th-century American numismatics. In XF condition, it balances strong eye appeal with budget-conscious accessibility, providing collectors a high-quality example of this key-date coin. The visible “D” mintmark, preserved design detail, and historical narrative all contribute to its ongoing popularity among both casual and serious collectors of U.S. coinage.