-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 26695
Checkout
The 1935-D Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition is an appealing and historically important example from the later years of the Great Depression. Struck at the Denver Mint, this coin is part of the long-running Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which was introduced in 1909 and remained in production until 1958. The 1935-D cent offers collectors a coin that is both accessible and rewarding, combining a classic design, a notable historical context, and the visual character that only copper coins can deliver. When preserved in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition, the coin showcases a blend of original mint red brilliance and natural brown toning, resulting in a warm and nuanced appearance that reflects its age and authenticity.
The Lincoln Cent was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real person, and its introduction in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth marked a transformative moment in American numismatics. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse displays a right-facing portrait of Lincoln with a solemn, contemplative expression. The reverse, used from 1909 until the end of the Wheat Cent series in 1958, features two stylized wheat stalks bordering the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above. The coin’s straightforward yet symbolic design helped it endure for nearly half a century, and it remains one of the most recognizable motifs in American coinage.
In 1935, the Denver Mint produced a total of 47,000,000 Lincoln cents. While this figure is relatively modest compared to some other issues of the era, it is substantial enough to make the 1935-D readily available in circulated condition. However, Mint State examples—especially those retaining their original red and brown surfaces—are considerably more elusive. Red-Brown Uncirculated coins from this issue are prized by collectors who appreciate the character and beauty of aged copper, particularly when the coin has been preserved without signs of wear and with only minimal surface imperfections. These examples serve as both collectible artifacts and attractive additions to high-quality Lincoln cent sets.
The obverse of the 1935-D Lincoln Cent features the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top, “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln’s profile, and the date “1935” to the right, just above the small “D” mintmark. In Red-Brown Uncirculated condition, the coin retains the full design elements with crisp definition in Lincoln’s hair, beard, cheek, and coat. The surfaces show a mix of original red luster—often found in the protected areas around the lettering and portrait—and the mellow brown tones that naturally develop over time. This fusion of red and brown tones gives the coin a handsome, multidimensional appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and indicative of its original, uncirculated status.
The reverse carries the iconic Wheat Ears motif. The central inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are bold and well-defined, flanked by two upward-curving wheat stalks that symbolize agricultural strength and national resilience. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches above the central design. On well-struck Red-Brown Uncirculated examples, the reverse shows strong grain detail in the wheat stalks and full separation in the letters, along with subtle cartwheel luster in the background fields. The toning varies from soft golden browns to rich reddish hues, depending on the coin’s storage conditions and the degree of oxidation it has undergone. This natural coloration adds depth and character to the coin, enhancing its visual appeal.
The 1935-D Lincoln Cent was minted from the standard bronze alloy used from 1909 through 1942, consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. When freshly struck, coins made of this alloy display a bright red-orange color. Over time, copper begins to oxidize, especially when exposed to air, moisture, and heat, leading to darker tones. The Red-Brown designation indicates that a coin has retained between 5% and 95% of its original red luster, with the remainder of the surfaces having turned to shades of brown. Many collectors favor Red-Brown coins for their balance of preservation and authenticity, as they typically exhibit fewer color-related issues than full Red examples, such as spotting or uneven fading.
Red-Brown 1935-D Lincoln cents in Mint State condition generally grade between MS60RB and MS65RB, with higher grades being more difficult to find. MS60RB examples may show more noticeable contact marks or subdued luster but remain uncirculated with full design detail. MS63RB to MS64RB coins offer stronger eye appeal, better color retention, and fewer abrasions. MS65RB coins are especially attractive, featuring vibrant flashes of red luster and sharp details throughout. Well-centered strikes, smooth fields, and even coloration enhance the desirability of these higher-end examples. Though not an exceptionally rare issue, locating a truly premium Red-Brown example of the 1935-D with strong technical and aesthetic qualities takes time and discernment.
The historical significance of the 1935-D cent adds to its appeal. The year 1935 fell in the midst of the Great Depression, a time of massive unemployment, bank failures, and nationwide hardship. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were in full effect, and public confidence in the economy was slowly beginning to return. Despite the grim economic climate, the Denver Mint continued to produce coinage to support the commercial needs of the western states. The Lincoln cent, with its small face value and powerful symbolism, remained a ubiquitous element of everyday life. The portrait of Lincoln, a president who had guided the nation through its greatest internal crisis, offered a sense of continuity and hope during another trying chapter in American history.
The 1935-D Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition offers collectors a richly toned, historically evocative, and visually attractive coin that bridges the artistic vision of early 20th-century coinage with the economic realities of the 1930s. As fewer original Red-Brown coins survive with clean surfaces and strong details, demand for well-preserved examples continues to grow. These coins are favored by collectors seeking a full date-and-mintmark run, as well as by those who appreciate the unique toning and natural beauty of early copper coinage. When properly housed in archival-quality storage, Red-Brown examples can maintain their beauty for generations, serving as tangible links to the past and as lasting treasures of American numismatics.
The 1935-D Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition stands as an enduring example of quality minting, classic design, and Depression-era resilience. Its warm coloration, preserved detail, and symbolic significance make it more than just a piece of small change—it is a quiet but powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Lincoln, the skill of the U.S. Mint, and the perseverance of a nation in hardship. For collectors who value originality, beauty, and historical meaning, this coin remains a deeply rewarding acquisition and a cherished cornerstone of any Wheat cent collection.