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The 1939-S Lincoln Cent is a highly sought-after coin, particularly for collectors of U.S. coins from the 20th century. The coin, minted in San Francisco, is part of the Lincoln Cent series, which was introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. The 1939-S, in particular, is notable for its distinct characteristics, which make it a unique piece in the series. The coin was struck during a time when the United States was recovering from the Great Depression and was about to enter World War II. As a result, the 1939-S Lincoln Cent carries with it a historical context that adds to its appeal for collectors.
The Lincoln Cent itself has been a staple of American coinage since its introduction, with a design by sculptor Victor David Brenner. On the obverse of the 1939-S, we find an image of President Abraham Lincoln, facing right, with the inscription “LIBERTY” to the left and the year “1939” beneath his portrait. Above the portrait is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a phrase that has appeared on U.S. coins since 1864. The reverse of the 1939-S Lincoln Cent features a design of two wheat stalks on either side of the denomination “ONE CENT,” with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed along the upper edge. The design of the wheat stalks was created by engraver John R. Sinnock, and this design remained on the Lincoln Cent until 1959, when it was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial design.
The 1939-S Lincoln Cent was minted in San Francisco, as indicated by the “S” mintmark located beneath the date on the obverse. The “S” mintmark indicates that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which was known for producing higher-quality coins during this period. San Francisco, historically, has been home to some of the most famous coin designs and mints in the United States. The 1939-S, being struck at this prestigious mint, stands out in terms of its quality and its contribution to the history of U.S. coinage. However, this coin is particularly desirable due to its status as part of the “wheat cent” series, which was discontinued in 1959 in favor of the Lincoln Memorial design. Therefore, the 1939-S Lincoln Cent holds a special place in numismatic history as a coin from the tail end of the wheat cent era.
The mintage of the 1939-S Lincoln Cent was relatively high, with over 100 million coins being produced that year. However, despite this relatively large mintage, the coin’s appeal lies in its condition and the quality of the strike, especially in higher grades such as Uncirculated. In Uncirculated condition, the 1939-S Lincoln Cent displays a pristine, bright appearance with sharp, clear details. The coin is often sought after in Red-Brown Uncirculated condition, which means the coin has a mix of red and brown toning, indicating that it has been in circulation for a period of time but still retains much of its original luster. The 1939-S Lincoln Cent is one of the more popular coins in the series due to its combination of historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
The 1939-S Lincoln Cent is also notable for its role in the context of the larger Lincoln Cent series. The Lincoln Cent, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, quickly became one of the most popular and enduring coin designs in American history. The coin's design and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln made it an important symbol of the United States. The 1939-S, produced in the waning years of the wheat cent design, represents the final chapter of the original Lincoln Cent before the design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959. This makes the 1939-S Lincoln Cent a transitional piece in the history of U.S. coinage.
The historical context surrounding the 1939-S Lincoln Cent also adds to its significance. In 1939, the United States was still recovering from the Great Depression and facing the looming threat of World War II. While the country was not yet involved in the conflict, tensions were rising both domestically and internationally. The 1939-S Lincoln Cent, therefore, serves as a reminder of a pivotal time in American history, just before the country entered the war and began the massive economic mobilization that would follow. As such, coins like the 1939-S Lincoln Cent are not just pieces of currency; they are tangible links to a critical period in the nation's past.
The condition of the 1939-S Lincoln Cent is important for collectors, and a coin graded as Red-Brown Uncirculated (such as the 1939-S Uncirculated example) is a highly desirable piece. Coins in Uncirculated condition exhibit minimal wear, with all design elements sharp and well-defined. The luster of an Uncirculated coin is still intact, giving it a brilliant shine that sets it apart from coins that have been in circulation for an extended period of time. A coin like the 1939-S in Uncirculated condition is not only a beautiful piece but also an important part of American numismatic history.
Collectors of Lincoln Cents often look for specific characteristics when evaluating a coin, particularly when it comes to older coins like the 1939-S. The clarity of the date and mintmark, the condition of the design elements, and the coin's overall luster are all factors that contribute to its value. The 1939-S Lincoln Cent, with its clear overdate and sharp details, is a perfect example of what collectors seek in a high-quality coin. Additionally, because the 1939-S is part of a larger set of Lincoln Cents, it is often collected alongside other key dates from the series, making it a popular choice for those building a comprehensive collection.
The value of the 1939-S Lincoln Cent is influenced by its rarity and demand among collectors. Although over 100 million coins were minted in 1939, the condition in which these coins survive greatly affects their value. The Red-Brown Uncirculated examples, in particular, are prized for their quality and aesthetic appeal. While the 1939-S is not as rare as some other coins in the Lincoln Cent series, its appeal lies in its historical significance, its place in the larger context of the Lincoln Cent series, and its potential to be found in high-quality grades.
In conclusion, the 1939-S Lincoln Cent remains one of the most iconic and collectible coins in American numismatics. With its historical context, attractive design, and association with the larger Lincoln Cent series, it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. The coin's rarity in higher grades, such as Red-Brown Uncirculated, only increases its desirability and value. For collectors, the 1939-S Lincoln Cent is more than just a piece of currency—it's a reminder of an important moment in American history, making it an essential part of any comprehensive coin collection.