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Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 26566
The 1939 Lincoln Cent is a notable example of American numismatic history, representing a transitional period during the late 1930s. The Lincoln Cent series, introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, continued to be a symbol of American heritage and identity. By 1939, the series had undergone various changes, reflecting both the economic climate of the time and evolving design preferences. The Red Uncirculated 1939 Lincoln Cent offers a pristine example of this important series, valued for its historical significance and exceptional condition.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the Lincoln Cent features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, facing left. Brenner’s depiction of Lincoln is both respectful and detailed, capturing the president’s solemn expression with fine craftsmanship. Above Lincoln’s head is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST,” underscoring the nation’s values and trust in divine guidance. The year of minting, “1939,” is located directly below Lincoln’s image, providing a clear indication of the coin’s production year. On the reverse side, the coin showcases two wheat stalks that encircle the denomination “ONE CENT.” The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” complete the design, reinforcing the coin’s role in representing American unity and identity.
The 1939 Lincoln Cent was minted in three facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each facility used a distinct mint mark to identify its production. The Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of the 1939 Lincoln Cents without a mint mark, while the Denver and San Francisco mints used “D” and “S” mint marks, respectively. The total mintage for the 1939 Lincoln Cent across all mints was approximately 130,510,000 coins. This substantial mintage reflects the continued demand for Lincoln Cents as the United States emerged from the Great Depression and transitioned into the World War II era.
In terms of condition, the Red Uncirculated 1939 Lincoln Cent is highly prized among collectors. Coins in this grade are distinguished by their original, vibrant reddish-orange color, which indicates that the coin has been preserved in its original mint state. A Red Uncirculated example of the 1939 Lincoln Cent will exhibit smooth and lustrous surfaces, with all design elements remaining sharp and well-defined. The portrait of Lincoln and the surrounding inscriptions should be free of wear, discoloration, or tarnish, maintaining the coin’s pristine appearance. The absence of any signs of circulation is crucial, as it reflects the coin’s exceptional quality and the care taken to preserve it over time.
The Red Uncirculated 1939 Lincoln Cent holds significant appeal for collectors due to its historical context and the quality of its preservation. The coin represents a key moment in the Lincoln Cent series, capturing the design and craftsmanship of the late 1930s. Its high mintage underscores its widespread circulation, yet the availability of Red Uncirculated examples highlights the importance of maintaining quality and condition. Collectors and numismatists value this coin not only for its artistic and historical significance but also for its role in showcasing the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln through American coinage.