The 1912 Lincoln penny is a numismatic collectible that has intrigued generations of coin collectors. Its unique design and history make it an especially attractive piece for both novice and experienced numismatists.
This article will provide a detailed overview of the 1912 Lincoln penny, from its mintage to its current market value.
The 1912 Lincoln cent was struck at three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. It features Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and two crossed wheat ears around the words “One Cent” on the reverse side. This makes it part of the first series of US coins to feature a President's likeness since 1792.
All versions are composed of 95% copper with 5% tin & zinc alloy, making them highly resistant to wear over time.
Mintage And Mints
The mintage of the Lincoln penny is a topic often discussed amongst numismatists. Produced in 1909 and still minted today, these coins have had a long history of production in the United States Mints.
The first pennies were produced at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark; however, other branches of the US Mint soon began to produce their own variations. In 1911, San Francisco added an ‘S’-mintmark to its cents while Denver used a ‘D’-mintmark beginning in 1906.
A total of five different US Mints have been involved in the manufacture of this coin since it was introduced more than one hundred years ago - Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point (beginning in 1974), Denver, and New Orleans (ending in 1909).
From 1933 to 1942, all Lincoln cent production took place at Philadelphia for circulation issues only and without any mintmarks. This changed starting 1946 when both Philadelphia and San Francisco resumed regular striking of coins for general circulation purposes before halting once again from 1955 until 1959 due to shortages caused by increased demand during that period.
Design Features
The Lincoln penny has been a fixture of American currency since 1909. But what makes this coin unique?
As any numismatist knows, the design features of the Lincoln penny make it one of the most recognizable coins in circulation today.
The obverse side of the coin bears the iconic face of President Abraham Lincoln, with his name and 'In God We Trust' inscribed beneath him.
The reverse shows two wheat stalks encircling the denomination—a fitting tribute to 1916's centennial celebration of Lincoln's birth.
This classic design was created by Victor David Brenner, whose initials appear on both sides near the rim.
But beyond its aesthetics, this small but powerful piece of change carries an even deeper significance: It symbolizes America’s commitment to democracy and liberty for all citizens.
For more than 100 years, Americans have carried these pennies in their pockets as reminders that freedom is not something we take lightly; rather, it should be cherished and protected above all else.
Coin Composition
The Lincoln Penny is a U.S. coin minted since 1909, featuring the face of President Abraham Lincoln on its obverse side. It has been struck in four different compositions over its lifetime; from 1909 to 1982 it was composed of 95% copper and 5% tin & zinc, while 1983 saw the composition switch to 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper for one year only before reverting back to 95/5 copper-alloy in 1984 with no further changes ever since.
Numismatists consider the 95/5 copper alloy coins produced between 1909 and 1982 as the most collectible due to their longevity and aesthetic appeal when compared with the other compositions.
Here are three distinct characteristics that make these coins particularly attractive:
- The orange-brown patina created by oxidation over time gives each individual penny an antique look
- Each coin's diameter measures 19mm allowing them to be easily stored away or displayed
- Copper based coins have a weight of 3 gm per penny, making them easy to count out and handle
It is clear why collectors cherish these 95/5 pennies - they possess qualities that few other coins do and will continue to remain popular among numismatists for years to come.
Market Value
The beauty of the Lincoln penny is simply unmatched. It's a sight to behold, and its composition makes it unlike any other coin in circulation today. Every intricate detail was crafted with precision, making it one of the most iconic coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
From copper to zinc plated steel, each Lincoln penny has gone through several changes throughout its history; however, no matter what the composition may be at any given time, the value remains constant amongst collectors.
The market for these pieces is unbelievably strong due to their historical significance and rarity. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar just for a glimpse at these beauties!
For those who take part in numismatic collecting, owning a piece of such an important part of American history can lead to immense satisfaction and appreciation. With so much potential in store when it comes to Lincoln pennies, you'd be remiss not to consider adding some to your collection.
Collecting Tips
Collecting Lincoln Pennies is an engaging and captivating pursuit, especially for the novice numismatist. To build a successful collection of these beloved coins, there are several tips to follow:
- First off, it’s important to understand the different types of Lincoln pennies that have been minted throughout history. This includes steel cents from 1943 produced during World War II due to copper shortages, as well as wheat-back pennies dating back to 1909. Additionally, some varieties of Lincoln pennies feature errors or misprints which can significantly increase their value over those without any errors.
- It's also recommended that all collectors properly store their treasures in archival quality holders and albums specifically designed for coin collecting.
- As you begin amassing your collection, it’s wise to consult with other experienced numismatists who share similar interests and goals when it comes to accumulating vintage coins like the Lincoln penny.
- Last but not least, be sure to stay up-to-date on current market values by visiting online auctions sites and reading trade magazines dedicated solely to coin collecting. Doing so will help ensure that you're getting top dollar for each individual piece within your personal collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Significance Of The 1912 Lincoln Penny?
The Lincoln Penny has long been a symbol of American history, and the 1912 edition is no exception. With its minting in that year coming at a time of great cultural change and progress, this coin carries more significance than just being a part of our currency; it represents all the advancements made during that era.
This penny is highly sought after by numismatists across the globe for its unique design, rarity and symbolic importance to US culture. Its iconic profile of Abraham Lincoln serves as an enduring reminder of his legacy and the country's commitment to preserving democracy.
Is The 1912 Lincoln Penny Rare?
The 1912 Lincoln Penny is definitely a rare gem for any numismatist. The coin was minted with only a limited quantity that year, making it difficult to find in circulation today.
With its unique design and historical relevance, the 1912 penny has become highly sought after by collectors around the world. Even though it may be hard to come across one of these coins, any collector would consider themselves lucky if they ever got their hands on one!
Are There Any Errors Or Varieties Associated With The 1912 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, one is always looking for errors and varieties associated with coins. The 1912 Lincoln Penny is no exception. While it may not have as many errors or varieties as other series such as the 1909-S VDB, there are still some that can be found in circulation today.
Among them are:
- doubled die obverse
- repunched mint marks (RPMs)
- misaligned dies
All of these make the 1912 Lincoln Penny an interesting piece to collect.
Is The 1912 Lincoln Penny Worth More Than Its Face Value?
The 1912 Lincoln penny is truly a treasure! It's worth far more than its face value, and numismatists can't seem to get enough of this rare find.
This coin has become increasingly popular among collectors for its historical significance, making it an incredibly valuable item. Even in circulated condition, the 1912 Lincoln penny can fetch prices several times higher than its original denomination - now that's something special!
How Is The 1912 Lincoln Penny Graded?
When it comes to grading coins, numismatists use a standardized set of criteria. The 1912 Lincoln penny is no exception; its condition and aesthetic qualities determine the grade that's assigned.
In general, higher grades indicate better eye appeal, with fewer signs of wear or damage caused by handling. Factors such as strike quality, surface preservation, and luster also help determine how highly this coin is graded by professionals.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, the 1912 Lincoln penny is truly an amazing coin. Its historical significance and rarity make it highly sought after by collectors across the globe.
With its deep brown coloration, this penny shines like a beacon in any collection. It's worth far more than its face value, with some examples being valued as much as $2,000 or more depending on condition.
For those looking to add a piece of history to their portfolio, the 1912 Lincoln penny should be at the top of their list!