The 1939 Lincoln Penny has long been a prized item for numismatists. This iconic penny is one of the most beloved coins in history, and it holds a special place in many collections.
It was minted during an era when America was just beginning to experience great changes, which makes this coin especially unique.
This article will provide an overview of the 1939 Lincoln Penny, including its design features and value on the market today. We’ll also discuss why collectors find it so appealing, as well as some tips for finding good quality specimens that are worth adding to your collection.
Design Features
The Lincoln Penny is an iconic American coin that has been in circulation since 1909. It features a portrait of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, on its obverse side – also known as heads or ‘front’.
The reverse side displays two wheat stalks encircling ONE CENT to signify its monetary value. This design was created by Victor David Brenner and is considered one of the most recognizable coins in the world today.
Throughout its existence, several minor changes have taken place with regards to both sides of the penny. In 1959, for instance, a now-familiar memorial reverse featuring a log cabin replaced the wheat stalks for Lincoln’s 150th birthday celebration. Additionally, an inscription reading E Pluribus Unum was introduced onto the lower portion of Lincoln’s shoulder starting in 1999.
More recently in 2010s, four different reverses were issued to mark each US Presidency from Lincoln onwards; these featured depictions such as a Union Shield and various images related to his legacy such as his birth home and Gettysburg address podium.
These design alterations demonstrate how production techniques continue to evolve with new technology while honoring one of America’s great leaders at the same time. As it stands today, the cent piece remains an integral part of our currency system – representing not only its face value but also lasting symbols of national pride along with generation after generation passing down stories about President Lincoln himself.
Value On The Market
The Lincoln penny has been a beloved coin for decades, with its iconic design and historical significance. But beyond the sentimental value it holds, what is the worth of this coin on the market? To answer that question we must look at some factors such as rarity, condition and grade.
Rarity plays an important role in determining a coins’ value on the market; but only certain years or varieties of the Lincoln Penny are considered rare. One example is the 1909-S VDB, which was minted in limited numbers due to production issues during that time period. As a result, these coins command hefty prices when they’re found in good condition. Additionally, there may be other errors or varieties that have low mintage figures or unusual features making them valuable too.
Condition also matters when assessing how much a Lincoln Penny will fetch on the open market. Even if it’s not one of the rarer examples of this coin series, if it’s well preserved then collectors can still pay top dollar for it since unaltered specimens from any year are always sought after by serious numismatists.
In addition to condition there’s grading which provides further insight into how much a particular piece might be worth. Professional services like PCGS and NGC specialize in assessing coins and assigning grades based on their level of preservation – something all coin buyers should consider before putting down money for any kind of purchase.
In light of all this information it’s easy to see why understanding the value behind different types of Lincoln pennies is so critical when evaluating potential purchases within the hobby – whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced collector.
Popularity With Collectors
Have you ever wondered why the Lincoln penny has become so popular with collectors? It’s an iconic coin in American history, but how did it gain its status among numismatists? To understand its popularity, we must consider a few key factors.
First of all, the Lincoln penny is easy to recognize and identify. Its design features President Abraham Lincoln on one side and two wheat sheaves on the other. The simplicity of this design makes it instantly recognizable for even novice collectors.
Moreover, due to its long production period (1909-present) and high mintage figures, there are many different varieties available within the series which adds a layer of complexity that appeals to more experienced hobbyists.
Furthermore, modern commemorative coins have also contributed to the popularity of the Lincoln penny. These special releases celebrate important milestones or anniversaries associated with President Lincoln’s life and legacy. Collectors can find a wide range of issues celebrating everything from his presidency at Gettysburg Address to his birthplace in Kentucky.
All these aspects elevate the collectible value of this beloved coin – making it an enticing pursuit for both young and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
The ongoing appeal of the Lincoln cent among numismatic circles demonstrates just how influential this piece truly is in our nation’s culture. As such, it remains one of America’s most treasured coins – endearing itself not only into our hearts but also memories for generations to come.
Finding Quality Specimens
Collecting Lincoln pennies is a popular hobby among numismatists. To find quality specimens, there are some key tips to take into note:
- Be sure to examine each coin closely for wear and tear that may diminish its value or beauty.
- Always look out for any signs of tampering with the design or lettering on the face of the penny as this can affect the overall grade of the coin.
- Review professional grading services’ standards before committing to purchase an expensive specimen so you know what you’re buying is up-to-par with industry expectations.
The best way to ensure you have found a great piece is by researching extensively beforehand and knowing exactly what type of condition your target item should be in when acquired.
Furthermore, it’s important to inspect every detail before making a final decision – from luster and coloration down to minor variations like die rotation, mintmarks, and other features unique to certain coins.
With these measures taken care of, collecting Lincoln Pennies can bring rewarding results!
Historical Significance
The Lincoln penny is a beacon of our nation’s history, symbolizing the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential Presidents. It has been burned into American memory as both an iconic representation of Abraham Lincoln’s resolve in leading our country through some of its darkest days and a reminder that his advocacy for equality lives on to this day.
As the longest running series in United States coinage, the Lincoln Penny has played an important role in numismatic culture since its introduction over 115 years ago. With each passing year it remains highly sought after by collectors from all walks of life; many consider it their favorite among all coins produced by the U.S. Mint due to its rich heritage and beautiful design.
This beloved piece of money serves as a daily reminder that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, standing tall amongst other pieces issued centuries prior – connected across time by shared values and beliefs held dear.
Its presence continues to be felt throughout society, inspiring us to strive towards creating a better future with justice and equality at its core.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find A 1939 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, I am often asked where one can find a 1939 Lincoln penny.
While the production of this coin was relatively small due to the outbreak of World War II during that same year, it is possible to find them in circulation or at auctions and shows throughout the US.
It’s important to note that these coins are highly sought after by collectors so they’re likely to come with a hefty price tag if you want to add it to your collection.
Is The 1939 Lincoln Penny Still In Circulation?
Irony can be found in many aspects of numismatics and the circulation of coins is one such example.
Surprisingly, despite being over 80 years old, a 1939 Lincoln penny could still show up in your pocket change!
While it may seem impossible, these coins are still around due to their high mintage number and how well-preserved some copies have remained throughout the decades.
So while you might not find this particular piece of history on every corner, if your lucky enough – you may just come across one yourself!
How Much Is A 1939 Lincoln Penny Worth?
As a numismatist, I’m often asked how much Lincoln pennies are worth.
The value of any coin is determined by its condition, rarity and market demand.
A 1939 Lincoln penny can be worth anywhere from 10 cents to over $2,000 depending on the grade of the coin.
In uncirculated condition it may fetch up to around $20-$40 whereas coins graded MS-65 Red or higher can bring in prices ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.
How Can I Tell If My 1939 Lincoln Penny Is Of Good Quality?
Authenticating a coin’s quality is an essential task for any numismatist. The Lincoln penny series is no exception, as the condition of each individual specimen can drastically affect its value.
To determine if your Lincoln penny has been well-preserved and retains its original lustre, start by checking both sides of the coin for scratches or discolouration from circulation. If these signs are present, it may indicate that the piece was circulated extensively and would be worth less than one in mint state.
Additionally, examine the details of the portrait to identify any sign of wear; generally speaking, coins with minimal evidence of handling will retain their fine details more clearly.
Lastly, look at the rim around the edge – coins with full rims typically have higher values than those whose edges appear worn down. By following these steps you’ll be able to accurately assess the quality of your Lincoln penny.
Are There Any Rare Varieties Of The 1939 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, I am often asked about rare varieties of Lincoln pennies. The 1939 Lincoln penny is no exception; there are many different varieties that have been identified as being quite rare and valuable to collectors.
For example, the 1939-D Wheat Reverse Penny has an estimated value between $600 and $1000 in uncirculated condition, while the 1939-S/D Overdate with a Doubled Die Obverse can be worth up to $3,000 or more!
Additionally, some of the San Francisco struck coins from this year were produced with a reverse die showing two lines on either side of the “E” in ONE – making them quite desirable for coin enthusiasts.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the 1939 Lincoln penny as an incredible collector’s item. It features unique design elements that make it stand out from other coins of its era.
Its rarity and value have only increased over time, making it a great addition to any collection.
I’m sure many collectors would be thrilled to get their hands on a 1939 Lincoln penny if they could find one.
For those lucky enough to come across this marvelous coin, don’t let it slip away – its worth is far greater than any monetary figure!
