United States 1931-S cent
The Lincoln Cent debuted in 1909, replacing the fifty year old Indian Head Cent design. No other American coin design comes close to the hundred year life span of the Lincoln Cent. However, as enduring as the Lincoln Cent might be, it came about only as the result of an interesting set of circumstances.
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned the famous American sculptor and artist, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, to prepare designs for a new Small Cent. Initially, Saint-Gaudens' design for the front of the coin featured a flying eagle motif similar to James Barton Longacre's designs on the Small Cents of 1856-1858. However, this design was scrapped in favor of a head of Victory in profile wearing an Indian headdress. Saint-Gaudens and Roosevelt liked this design so much that they used it on the 1907 $10 instead of on the Cent. Saint-Gaudens died of cancer before making any more progress on the Cent design and it was not until 1909 that Victor David Brenner made the famous bust of Lincoln with which we are all so familiar today. Lincoln was chosen as the subject for the new Cent since 1909 was the centennial of his birth. Until the appearance of Brenner's design, no person (living or dead) had ever appeared on a coin made for general circulation (however, this precedent had already been established on a few commemorative coins).
The earliest versions of the Lincoln Cent featured Brenner's initials (V.D.B.) near the bottom of the back of the coin. Apparently, such a prominent display was considered offensive, and the initials were removed later in 1909. In 1918, the initials re-appeared, this time hidden on the truncation of Lincoln's bust.
A key to the series, the 1931-S is a famous issue due to its low mintage. Plentiful in Mint State or close, rare in worn grades, it has attracted attention for a long time. This issue was not widely released in 1931, but held by the Treasury. Later, specimens were made available for face value to collectors and investors, probably resulting in at least half of them being saved in Mint State. Today these remain readily available in gem quality with good strike, but spotting can be a problem. Many have been dipped. Striking and Sharpness varies, but usually above average. Full Details coins can be found, but are in the minority.
Recorded Mintage: 866,000, a low mintage date but massively hoarded.
Specification: 3.11 g, bronze, 19 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog Reference: KM 132.
- Alexander, David T., Coin World Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Coins, Sidney, OH: Amos Press, 1995.
- Breen, Walter H., Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins, New York: Doubleday, 1987.
- Taylor, Sol, The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent, N. Hollywood, CA, 1983.
- Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.
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