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The Lincoln Cent, a significant piece of American numismatic history, was first introduced in 1909 to mark the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. By 1935, the series had seen considerable changes and developments, reflecting both economic and historical shifts in the United States. The 1935 Lincoln Cent, particularly in Red Uncirculated condition, offers a unique window into the era of the Great Depression and showcases the enduring legacy of Lincoln's portrayal on American coinage.
The design of the 1935 Lincoln Cent is credited to Victor David Brenner, whose portrait of Abraham Lincoln has become iconic in American numismatics. The obverse of the 1935 Lincoln Cent features a finely detailed bust of Lincoln facing left. Brenner's design captures the essence of Lincoln's character, with careful attention to the features that define the 16th President of the United States. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" arches above Lincoln's portrait, a reflection of the era's values and national sentiments. Directly below the portrait, the year "1935" is prominently displayed, providing a clear reference to the coin's year of minting. The reverse side of the coin is characterized by the two stalks of wheat, which frame the central denomination of "ONE CENT." The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" complete the design, emphasizing the unity and strength of the nation.
The 1935 Lincoln Cent was produced at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, with the Denver Mint providing coins with an "D" mint mark. The Philadelphia Mint coins were produced without a mint mark. For the 1935 issue, the total mintage was approximately 119,600,000, which includes both mint marks. This substantial mintage reflects the high demand for coinage during the Great Depression, a period marked by economic hardship and recovery. Despite the large mintage, the Red Uncirculated examples of the 1935 Lincoln Cent are highly valued due to their pristine condition and the preservation of their original finish.
The Red Uncirculated 1935 Lincoln Cent is particularly prized among collectors for its exceptional state of preservation. Coins in this condition exhibit the original vibrant reddish-orange color, which is indicative of having been carefully preserved from the time of minting. The surfaces of a Red Uncirculated 1935 Lincoln Cent should be smooth and lustrous, showcasing a high level of detail in both the obverse and reverse designs. Lincoln’s portrait, the wheat stalks, and the inscriptions should all be sharply defined, reflecting the quality of the original strike. The coin will show no signs of wear, discoloration, or environmental damage, preserving the coin's aesthetic and historical value.
In summary, the 1935 Lincoln Cent in Red Uncirculated condition represents a key example of American numismatic craftsmanship during the 1930s. The coin's design, reflecting the artistic vision of Victor David Brenner, captures the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln while showcasing the quality of early 20th-century minting practices. The high mintage of the 1935 Lincoln Cent underscores its role in meeting the economic needs of the Great Depression era, yet the Red Uncirculated examples remain rare and highly sought after for their pristine condition and vibrant appearance. Collectors and historians value this coin not only for its historical significance but also for its role in illustrating the evolution of American coinage during a pivotal period in the nation's history.