-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 26696
Checkout
The 1935-S Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition represents a significant artifact from the era of the Great Depression, encapsulating both historical weight and the enduring appeal of early copper coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is part of the widely collected Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which spanned from 1909 to 1958. During the mid-1930s, the economic landscape of the United States was still recovering from the 1929 stock market crash. Coin production, while consistent, was adjusted to meet the limited demand of a struggling economy. The 1935-S cent stands as a tangible product of its time, one that offers collectors both visual charm and historical depth when preserved in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition.
The Lincoln cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It marked a pivotal moment in American coinage, as it was the first circulating coin to feature the portrait of an actual person rather than an allegorical figure. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse showcases a right-facing portrait of Lincoln rendered with dignity and precision. The reverse features two stylized wheat ears curving inward from either side, enclosing the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” positioned above. This reverse design, used throughout the entire Wheat Cent era, became one of the most iconic in U.S. numismatics for its simplicity, symbolism, and clarity of message.
The San Francisco Mint produced a total of 38,702,000 Lincoln cents in 1935. While not an exceptionally low mintage, this figure was notably smaller than the output from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints in the same year. The reduced quantity, combined with regional circulation and a lower survival rate in Mint State, has made the 1935-S cent more difficult to locate in high-grade Red-Brown Uncirculated condition. Many coins were released directly into everyday use, leaving relatively few preserved in pristine form. Those that survive today with full detail and a combination of original red luster and warm brown toning are appreciated for their aesthetic qualities and their relative scarcity within the broader Lincoln cent series.
The obverse of the 1935-S cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition presents an attractive blend of historical artistry and preserved mint craftsmanship. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” curve above Lincoln’s portrait, while “LIBERTY” is positioned to the left and the date “1935” is to the right, just above the “S” mintmark. The portrait of Lincoln is sharply rendered in higher-grade examples, with detailed definition in the hair, beard, cheek, and lapel. Red-Brown examples exhibit a pleasing mix of the coin’s original reddish-orange mint brilliance and deeper brown patina that develops naturally over time. The resulting tone is rich, complex, and visually engaging, offering both vibrancy and warmth that full Red or full Brown coins often lack in balance.
The reverse continues with Brenner’s Wheat Ears design. The inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are bold and centrally placed, framed on either side by the elegantly stylized wheat stalks. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curves gently across the upper edge of the reverse. On Red-Brown Uncirculated coins, the fields often reflect a subtle luster that shines in protected areas, particularly around the lettering and base of the wheat stalks. High-quality strikes reveal fine grain detail within the wheat and clean separation between the letters. Though some examples may show slight softness, especially from worn dies common to San Francisco production at the time, many well-preserved pieces retain a crisp and well-executed presentation.
The 1935-S Lincoln cent was composed of the standard bronze alloy used from 1909 through early 1942, consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Freshly struck, these coins displayed a rich red-orange hue. Over time, copper’s reactive properties lead to gradual oxidation, causing the surface to tone naturally to red-brown and eventually brown. Coins designated as Red-Brown (RB) by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC retain between 5% and 95% of their original red color, with the rest exhibiting brown toning. These coins are often more stable in appearance than full Red pieces and offer a striking visual balance, combining remnants of luster with the aged, mellow tones of oxidized copper.
Grading of the 1935-S Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition typically ranges from MS60RB to MS65RB. MS60RB and MS61RB coins may exhibit subdued luster and more frequent contact marks, while still retaining uncirculated status. MS63RB and MS64RB pieces offer stronger luster and better surfaces, with limited abrasions and more prominent red coloration in protected areas. MS65RB examples are significantly scarcer and must display clean fields, sharp detail, strong strike quality, and a pleasant, even balance of red and brown tones. While the 1935-S is not an extreme rarity, finding it in the upper Red-Brown Mint State grades with eye-catching toning and full design elements is a rewarding challenge for the dedicated Lincoln cent collector.
The historical context of 1935 imbues the coin with deeper meaning. The nation was still entrenched in the effects of the Great Depression, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were actively reshaping the American economic and social landscape. Projects under the Works Progress Administration and other federal initiatives were putting people back to work, while the national mood remained cautious but hopeful. The Lincoln cent continued to serve as a symbol of resilience and unity, featuring a president whose leadership during another period of national crisis had helped preserve the Union. The 1935-S cent circulated through the hands of Americans struggling to rebuild their lives, making its survival in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition all the more remarkable.
The 1935-S Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition holds a special place in any Wheat Cent collection. Its blend of preserved luster and natural toning offers collectors the best of both worlds—visual appeal and historical authenticity. It serves as an ideal representative of the mid-Depression years, when the U.S. Mint continued to operate at reduced capacity but still produced coins of exceptional character. For those building date-and-mintmark sets, registry sets, or simply appreciating the beauty of early 20th-century copper coinage, the 1935-S offers lasting value and appeal. Its connection to a pivotal moment in American history enhances its narrative, making each surviving example a quiet yet powerful witness to the nation’s endurance.
The 1935-S Lincoln Cent in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition is more than just a piece of currency—it is a preserved artifact of American craftsmanship and perseverance. Its warm, blended tones reflect both its age and its authenticity, while its design continues to resonate with generations of collectors. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a specialized collection or held as a historical keepsake, the coin speaks to the elegance of its design, the challenges of its era, and the enduring power of numismatic artistry. As time continues to tone and diminish remaining examples, those that survive in pristine Red-Brown condition will only grow in appreciation, admired not just for their technical quality but for the quiet story they carry in copper.