The 1938 Lincoln penny is a highly sought after item among numismatists. It's one of the most famous coins in American history, and has been produced since 1909 when Abraham Lincoln first appeared on the obverse side of the coin.
This article will discuss the features that make this iconic penny so special to collectors. We'll explore its unique design elements, mintage numbers, and values, as well as look at some related coins from the same era that may be worth collecting.
Whether you're an experienced collector or just starting out, there's sure to be something here for everyone!
Design Features Of The 1938 Lincoln Penny
The 1938 Lincoln Penny is a shining example of classic American coinage design. Like a gleaming sunbeam, it sparkles with the promise of prosperity and hope.
The obverse side features an iconic bust of President Abraham Lincoln looking towards the right, along with the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY' and the date of mintage. On the reverse are two wheat stalks crossing in front of a union shield, encircled by 13 stars representing each state at that time; above is the inscription 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and below is the denomination value 'ONE CENT'.
For numismatists, this coin remains one of the most popular to collect due to its timeless beauty and historical significance. It's easily recognizable profile makes for an ideal gift or souvenir piece, while its bright luster will capture any eye from across a room.
Its status as an enduring symbol of America make it a beloved piece among collectors worldwide. The 1938 Lincoln Penny has been called many things over its long history: beautiful artistry on metal, a direct link to our nation's past, and even an inspiration for modern versions like those released in 2009 during Obama's presidency.
No matter what moniker you give it though, there's no denying its place in American culture as an enduring reminder of times gone by.
Mintage Numbers And Values
The Lincoln penny has been in circulation since 1909, when it was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It quickly became an iconic coin due to its widespread use and is now one of the most widely collected coins by hobbyists across the globe.
The mintage figures for this piece are quite remarkable - over 20 billion were minted between 1909 and 2019!
When assessing a particular Lincoln cent, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration. First is condition; coins with higher grades bring more money than those in lower grades. Mintmarks can also affect value, as certain varieties may command a premium price from collectors. Additionally, certain years may have more demand than others depending on their rarity or desirability among numismatists.
It should also be noted that many counterfeit examples exist; these tend to have poor quality designs and often lack details seen on genuine pieces. To ensure authenticity, buyers would do well to purchase certified coins from reputable dealers who guarantee their items’ provenance.
With all this information considered, collector's looking to acquire a valuable example of the beloved Lincoln Penny will find no shortage of options available to them in today's market.
Related Coins Of The Same Era
Ah, the Lincoln penny - a coin that has been in circulation since 1909. This small yet iconic piece of change is not only beloved by American citizens, but also numismatists around the world!
If you're someone who loves to collect coins and learn about their mintage numbers and values, then this section might be for you.
Now that we've covered all the juicy details on mintage numbers and values associated with the Lincoln penny, it's time to move onto something a little more exciting; related coins from the same era.
Let me tell you folks, there are some seriously cool pieces out there just waiting to be discovered if you take the time to look for them. From Buffalo nickels to Mercury dimes, there are an abundance of beautiful coins produced between 1908-1958 just begging to become part of your collection.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself down to a coin show or hit up some online dealers - you never know what kind of treasures could await when searching for these rare finds!
Why waste any more time reading this boring old article anyway? Go get 'em tiger!
Collecting Tips
Collecting Lincoln pennies can be a fun and rewarding hobby. As a numismatist, there are certain things to remember when building your collection:
- Take note of the condition of each coin
- Check for wear on raised surfaces such as the portrait or lettering
- Note if any areas appear discolored or corroded
- Look at the mint mark – where it is located and if it is visible
- If no mint mark appears, you may have an uncirculated penny from Philadelphia which did not use them until 1980
Research the history behind different varieties of coins that exist. Discover what makes specific years unique, whether it’s because they were struck with a particular metal composition or saw limited production.
This knowledge can help guide your decisions when purchasing coins to add to your collection. With patience and research, you can build something special that will last for generations.
Care And Preservation Of Lincoln Pennies
Lincoln Pennies are a valuable part of the numismatic hobby and should be cared for properly.
The first step in preserving your pennies is to handle them with care. Always use clean, dry hands when picking up coins to reduce risk of leaving behind oils or other contaminants that can damage their surfaces over time.
It's also important to store them safely away from moisture and extreme temperatures, as these elements can cause pitting, corrosion, and discoloration on the surface of the coin.
When displaying your collection, it's advisable to keep the coins out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or darkening of colors.
To further protect them against scratches or dents, consider investing in soft cloths and foam pads specifically made for protecting collectible items such as Lincoln Pennies.
Additionally, make sure all display cases you place coins in have adequate ventilation so no condensation builds up inside which could lead to rusting or tarnishing over time.
Finally, if you need to move or transport your collection anywhere else, always do so using a protective carrying case designed specifically for this purpose. This will ensure that your precious coins stay safe during transit and arrive at their destination without any damages caused by shaking or jostling around during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many 1938 Lincoln Pennies Were Minted?
As a numismatist, I'm frequently asked about the mintage of coins from various years. One popular question is regarding the 1938 Lincoln penny.
That year saw a total mintage of over 109 million coins struck by all three branches of the United States Mint - Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver. As such, it's one of the most common dates in circulation today.
What Is The Current Value Of A 1938 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, I know that the value of old coins like lincoln pennies can be quite significant.
For example, a 1938 Lincoln penny is worth considerably more than its face value - around $1 to $3 in most cases depending on the condition of the coin and any minting errors it may have.
When looking at valuable coins such as this one, keep in mind that even small details can make all the difference when it comes to price.
With proper care and study, you could find yourself with an unexpected treasure!
What Other Coins Were Released The Same Year As The 1938 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, it is important to look at the year of release when examining coins.
In 1938, numerous coins were released in addition to the Lincoln penny. The United States Mint issued several other denominations that same year, including Buffalo nickels and Mercury dimes.
Additionally, commemorative half dollars for both the Long Island Tercentenary and the New Rochelle Sesquicentennial were also minted in 1938.
Collectors can find many exciting pieces from this era with which to expand their collections.
What Is The Best Way To Store And Preserve Lincoln Pennies?
As a numismatist, it is important to store and preserve Lincoln pennies correctly in order to maintain their value over time.
The best way to do so is by keeping them in safe conditions with minimal exposure to air or moisture.
Avoiding direct light sources can also help prevent any fading of the coins’ designs or dates.
It's ideal to keep your pennies wrapped or sealed away in plastic holders, which will protect them from further damage while being stored.
Is It Safe To Clean A 1938 Lincoln Penny?
Cleanliness is an important factor when it comes to preserving the value of a coin, but is it safe to clean a 1938 Lincoln penny?
Generally speaking, numismatists agree that it's not recommended to clean coins, as cleaning can damage and reduce their value.
While some experienced collectors will choose to lightly clean certain coins with mild soaps or appropriate chemicals, they must be handled carefully and with great caution in order to preserve their worth.
Conclusion
The 1938 Lincoln penny is an incredible piece of numismatic history. While it may not be the most valuable coin out there, its historical significance makes it one of the most sought-after coins for collectors.
As a numismatist, I can attest that these pennies are truly a sight to behold - they're practically worth their weight in gold!
When storing and preserving your 1938 Lincoln penny, be sure to handle with care; you don't want any dirt or debris to damage this beautiful collectible.
And while some people may consider cleaning the penny themselves, I would advise against it - after all, why risk ruining such an amazing item?
To me, these remarkable coins will never lose their shine - they'll remain timeless treasures forever!