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The 1940-S Lincoln Cent in Red Uncirculated condition is a striking example of pre-World War II American coinage, produced at the San Francisco Mint during a period of rising global tension and domestic economic recovery. Part of the enduring Wheat Cent series that spanned from 1909 through 1958, the 1940-S issue serves as a reminder of the stability and consistency of U.S. coinage during one of the most turbulent decades of the 20th century. While the 1940-S is relatively common in circulated grades, finding specimens in fully red Mint State condition—where the coin retains its original copper brilliance—is far less frequent and significantly more desirable to serious collectors and registry set builders alike.
The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin marked the first time a real individual appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. Brenner’s obverse features a right-facing portrait of Lincoln, based on a photograph by Mathew Brady. The reverse design—used from 1909 to 1958—features two stylized wheat ears surrounding the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arching above. The clean, bold design became one of the most recognized in American numismatics and was beloved by the public for its simplicity and tribute to Lincoln’s legacy. These design elements remain consistent on the 1940-S cent and are particularly well appreciated in high-grade, red-preserved examples.
The San Francisco Mint struck 112,940,000 Lincoln cents in 1940, a substantial mintage reflecting the gradual end of the Great Depression and the increasing need for small change as the U.S. economy rebounded. Though a high mintage figure by the standards of the era, San Francisco Mint coins typically entered heavy circulation on the West Coast, and many saw extensive wear. As a result, uncirculated examples are considerably less common, and those that remain fully red—untarnished by oxidation or environmental factors—are highly sought after. The “S” mintmark beneath the date on the obverse distinguishes this issue from its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts and adds an extra layer of geographic interest for those building complete mintmark collections.
The obverse of the 1940-S Lincoln Cent displays Brenner’s stately depiction of Abraham Lincoln with the familiar inscriptions: “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1940” to the right, just above the San Francisco “S” mintmark. On Red Uncirculated specimens, the copper surface radiates with its original reddish-orange hue and retains brilliant cartwheel luster when rotated under light. San Francisco Mint cents from this period are known for occasionally soft strikes, especially on the central elements of Lincoln’s hair and jawline, but well-struck pieces exist and exhibit exceptional visual impact. On fully red examples, the fine texture of Lincoln’s hair, the curvature of his lapel, and the clarity of the inscriptions stand out in sharp relief against smooth, unblemished fields.
The reverse features the iconic Wheat Ears design, with two curved stalks encasing the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above this central inscription is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” In Red Uncirculated examples, the reverse is particularly vibrant, with rich coloration and defined strike lines that accentuate the texture of the wheat and the boldness of the lettering. While San Francisco cents sometimes show slight weakness in the reverse center, many 1940-S cents were well-executed, and surviving red pieces often have highly attractive surfaces. When free of spots, smudges, or carbon flecks, these coins offer collectors an aesthetically pleasing and historically meaningful addition to any early Lincoln cent display.
The composition of the 1940-S cent is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc—a standard bronze alloy that was used for Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1942. This alloy imparts a brilliant red color when freshly struck, but due to copper’s natural reactivity, the vast majority of cents from this era have toned to red-brown or brown over time. Coins that remain at least 95% original red on both obverse and reverse can earn the coveted Red (RD) designation from professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. Red coins from this period, especially from the San Francisco Mint, are notably more difficult to locate due to a combination of soft strikes, rougher planchet quality, and regional circulation patterns that reduced the survival rate of high-grade specimens.
Uncirculated 1940-S Lincoln cents typically range in grade from MS63RD to MS65RD, with higher-grade examples in MS66RD or MS67RD being significantly scarcer and more valuable. MS63RD coins may exhibit minor contact marks and subdued luster, while MS65RD specimens are expected to be well-struck, eye-clean, and vibrant in appearance. MS66RD examples, particularly those with full cartwheel luster and smooth fields, command strong premiums, and MS67RD examples are among the elite survivors—highlighted by their immaculate surfaces, bold color, and visual harmony. Collectors focused on quality, originality, and eye appeal are especially drawn to these upper-tier grades, which continue to perform well in both auction and private sales.
While the 1940-S is not a key date in the Lincoln cent series, its collectibility lies in the challenge of acquiring a pristine Red Uncirculated example with strong strike, clean surfaces, and exceptional luster. Many surviving Mint State pieces have toned or developed carbon spots over the decades, reducing their value and visual appeal. Coins stored in ideal conditions—such as original mint rolls, paper envelopes, or early coin albums—have a better chance of maintaining their red brilliance. These coins are especially attractive for collectors working on full Red Lincoln cent sets or building registry collections that emphasize color, consistency, and preservation across the entire Wheat Cent series.
The 1940-S Lincoln Cent reflects an important historical moment in American life, just before the country would be drawn into the Second World War. It represents a nation still recovering from the financial devastation of the Great Depression and beginning to rebuild its economy and infrastructure. The Lincoln cent, circulating in great numbers throughout the country, remained a symbol of value, tradition, and stability. Holding a 1940-S cent in Red Uncirculated condition is to hold a brilliantly preserved piece of this pre-war optimism—a reminder of both the enduring artistry of Brenner’s design and the durability of copper coinage in American commerce.
The 1940-S Lincoln Cent in Red Uncirculated condition is a standout example of early 20th-century American small-denomination coinage. Its combination of solid mintage, regional mint identity, and eye-catching red preservation makes it a cornerstone for collectors building advanced Lincoln cent collections. While it is not the rarest or most expensive coin in the Wheat Cent series, its appeal lies in its beauty, its historical context, and the challenge of finding high-grade examples with original surfaces. Whether added to a complete Red set, a San Francisco Mint-focused display, or a high-grade type set, the 1940-S in full Mint State Red offers collectors a luminous and rewarding piece of numismatic history.