The 1950 Lincoln penny is an iconic coin for numismatists. It's a classic example of the beauty and craftsmanship that was put into US coins during this era.

Produced from 1909-1958, the Lincoln cent has become one of America's favorite coins because of its rich history and unique design.

This article will explore the history and value of the 1950 Lincoln penny, making it a must read for any collector or investor looking to learn more about these fascinating coins.

History Of The Lincoln Penny

The Lincoln penny has a long and storied history, making it one of the most beloved coins in American numismatics. It was first minted in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday and is still being produced today.

This copper-plated zinc cent created by Victor D. Brenner features two different designs on either side. The obverse depicts a bust of Lincoln facing right with his name above it, while the reverse contains an image of the Union Shield with E Pluribus Unum (Out Of Many One) written below it. The original version featured wheat ears around the rim but this motif was replaced by an oak wreath in 1959.

The coin stands out from its peers due to its iconic design depicting our 16th President along with the phrase 'In God We Trust' inscribed on the obverse side. Throughout its lifespan, several varieties have been released in order to mark special occasions or celebrate milestones such as anniversaries of famous battles or presidential inaugurations.

In 2009, four new pennies were issued at intervals throughout that year which depicted images of key events from Lincoln's life including his birth, formative years, professional career and presidency. These unique pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their value and historical significance alike.

Design Of The 1950 Lincoln Penny

The 1950 Lincoln Penny is an iconic coin that has been a part of American currency since 1909. It was designed by Victor David Brenner and features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front, with two wheat stalks encircling the words “one cent” on the back.

Its design has remained relatively unchanged over time, but one notable change occurred in 1950 when the U.S Mint introduced its first version without any mint marks. This marked the start of a new era for the penny as it now had no indication from which US mint facility it originated from.

This small yet significant alteration to the classic design made this particular year of pennies incredibly valuable due to its rarity.

The following are some key points about these coins:

  • They were produced between February 9th and August 29th of 1950 at all three facilities (Philadelphia, Denver & San Francisco).
  • No proof versions have ever been found; only business strikes exist.
  • An estimated 830 million coins were struck during this period making them fairly common compared to other rare coins.

Mintage Of The 1950 Lincoln Penny

The design of the 1950 Lincoln penny was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, but what about its mintage? This is an important factor to consider when analyzing and evaluating coins. Fortunately, information on the number of units produced for each year are widely accessible.

Table 1 below shows the mintages across three different varieties of the 1950 Lincoln penny: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). Each variety had an extraordinary amount struck with no proof versions being issued in any year. One interesting point to note is that this coin features one of only two years where all three U.S. Mint facilities were active at once.

PhiladelphiaDenverSan Francisco
1950118,890,00041,150,000

Despite their massive production numbers both then and now, these coins remain popular among collectors due to their historical significance as well as condition rarity for certain issues like doubled dies or repunched mintmarks. With over 180 million total coins made from all three facilities combined it's easy to see why so many people have acquired them over the past 70+ years!

Value Of The 1950 Lincoln Penny

The 1950 Lincoln Penny is a highly sought after coin among numismatists and collectors. It was minted by the United States Mint in Philadelphia, as part of its Wheat Ear cent series. The coins were struck from 1909 through 1958 with the exception of 1943 when zinc-coated steel cents were used due to copper shortages during World War II.

In terms of value, the 1950 Lincoln Penny is worth around $3 or more depending on condition. A well preserved uncirculated example can be valued at up to $30 while an extremely fine one could fetch upwards of $50 or higher. This makes it one of the most valuable wheat ear pennies still in circulation today.

Given its rarity and increasing demand, many investors are turning to this particular penny for long term investments which often yield great profits over time. Its potential for appreciation has made it even more desirable amongst numismatists seeking rare coins that will hold their value in years to come.

Collecting The 1950 Lincoln Penny

The 1950 Lincoln penny is a highly sought-after coin for many numismatists, and it's easy to understand why. It was the first year that the reverse of the Lincoln penny featured a Union Shield design, replacing the wheat stalks motif which had been used since 1938.

The obverse remains unchanged from previous years: featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909.

Collecting this particular coin can be quite an exciting pursuit for any enthusiast due to its high value and relative rarity. One way to start building your collection would be to purchase circulated coins or uncirculated sets available online.

You may also find that searching through pocket change could help you uncover some great finds as well!

For those looking to add truly exceptional pieces to their collection, there are certain mint errors to look out for such as double die varieties, repunched mint marks (RPMs), overdates, off center strikes and more. Any one of these mistakes might make your 1950 Lincoln penny all the more valuable!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Find Out If My 1950 Lincoln Penny Is Genuine?

Numismatists often seek to authenticate their holdings of Lincoln pennies, as these coins are highly sought after and valuable.

To determine the authenticity of a 1950 Lincoln penny, it's important to first familiarize yourself with its design features and common errors or counterfeits.

An experienced numismatist can examine your coin for signs of wear, double die markings, alterations, scratches and other surface irregularities that could affect its value.

Additionally, you may also want to research online resources such as auction sales records of similar coins or contact an expert in the field who can provide guidance on how best to evaluate your piece.

Where Can I Buy A 1950 Lincoln Penny?

As a numismatist, I'm often asked where to buy coins.

The 1950 Lincoln penny is one such coin that is highly sought after due to its age and rarity.

You can find it at many online outlets, as well as in your local area from reputable dealers or other coin collectors.

Many larger cities may also have weekly or monthly coin shows or auctions where you could potentially purchase the 1950 Lincoln penny if available.

Are 1950 Lincoln Pennies Rare?

Numismatists may be interested to learn that Lincoln pennies from 1950 are considered rare and highly collectible.

This is due to a combination of factors including the historic significance of the year, as well as mintage numbers which were lower than other years.

Although relatively few have survived into modern times, these coins remain an intriguing option for collectors - though not all examples will prove valuable when appraised by experts.

How Much Does Shipping Cost For A 1950 Lincoln Penny?

As a numismatist, I'm often asked what it costs to ship coins like the Lincoln Penny.

When sending a single piece of currency by mail, shipping fees vary depending on where you're sending it and what type of service you choose.

For example, if you’re sending a penny domestically within the US via USPS First Class Mail, it typically costs around $1 plus applicable taxes.

If you need faster delivery or international shipping, however, that cost will generally be higher.

What Is The Best Way To Store A 1950 Lincoln Penny?

When it comes to numismatists, the best way to store a penny is always top of mind.

Collectors know that preserving the condition and quality of their coins is paramount for maintaining its value.

To ensure longevity, storing pennies in an airtight container away from heat and moisture sources will protect your coin from oxidation or tarnishing.

Investing in archival-quality containers specifically designed for coin storage can also help maintain its grade over time.

The extra care taken when storing your penny today could pay off significantly down the line!

Conclusion

As a numismatist, the 1950 Lincoln penny is one of the most sought-after coins. Its rarity and condition make it an attractive item for any collector.

With careful research and preservation techniques, these pennies can be a great addition to any collection.

It's important to remember that while they may not be worth much monetarily, these coins are valuable pieces of history and should be handled with care.

I'm sure you'll find that owning such a prized coin will bring joy and pride for years to come!