The Lincoln cent, formally known as the Lincoln one-cent piece, is a one-cent coin that has been in continuous production by the United States Mint since 1909. The coin's obverse features a profile portrait of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most revered presidents, and its reverse showcases the Lincoln Memorial. But it's the stories behind this iconic piece that make it a fascinating subject for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we delve into the history and significance of the 1910 S Lincoln cent, exploring its origins, unique features, and the impact it left on American coinage.
The Birth of the Lincoln Cent
Introduced in 1909, the Lincoln cent was designed to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln's birth. The original designs, however, were met with criticism. At the time, the majority of coins bore the image of the current president—then-President William Howard Taft—or an eagle. The change to feature Lincoln was controversial, and the initial designs were criticized for lacking artistic merit.
The process of designing the cent was contentious and included a public competition where over 10,000 designs were submitted. The winner was Victor David Brenner, a talented Jewish designer who had worked on coins for the French government. His design for the Lincoln cent, featuring Lincoln's profile on the obverse and two sheaves of wheat on the reverse, was selected. But the indiscreet use of Brenner's initials, BD, on the reverse initially caused another uproar, prompting their removal in 1918.
1910: The Heralding of the "S" Mint Mark
1910 marked a significant change in the production of the Lincoln cent. Up until then, all Lincoln cents were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. But in 1910, the cent entered production at the Denver Mint. Starting with the 1910 issue, all Denver-minted coins began to bear an "S" mint mark below the Union Shield on the reverse. This introduction made the 1910 S Lincoln cent a truly iconic piece.
The "S" mint mark, while seemingly simple, is a vital piece of information for collectors. It denotes the coin's origin, its rarity, and its potential value. Having the "S" mint mark was a significant development in American coinage as it provided numismatists and collectors with a clear way to identify coins based on their mint of origin.
1910 S Lincoln Cent: A Collector's Treasure
The 1910 S Lincoln cent is a sought-after piece among collectors. Its “S” mint mark makes it a distinct addition to any collection. The coin's design, featuring Lincoln's stern yet wise profile, is a powerful symbol of American history. The obverse also bears the words "In God We Trust," a phrase first seen on coins in 1864, solidifying the coin's position as a piece of American history and culture.
One of the key features of the 1910 S Lincoln cent that sets it apart is its resilient high-relief design. This raised design, while visually striking, was later found to cause wear and tear on coinage machinery. By 1911, the high-relief design was reduced, making the 1910 S Lincoln cent a rare example of the original high-relief design.
The Impact of the 1910 S Lincoln Cent
The introduction of the "S" mint mark on the Lincoln cent had a profound impact on American coinage. Before this, coins were considered largely indistinguishable based on their mint of origin. The "S" mint mark not only provided a clear way to identify coins but also opened up new avenues for collecting, categorization, and understanding the history of American coinage.
Another significant impact of the 1910 S Lincoln cent was its initiation of the use of mint marks on standard-issue coins. Before this, mint marks were only used on Proof coins—specially struck coins intended for collectors. The use of mint marks on standard-issue coins allowed collectors to keep track of the distribution and production of different coins, further enriching the collecting experience.
Collecting the 1910 S Lincoln Cent Today
Collecting 1910 S Lincoln cents today is a rewarding endeavor. Not only do these coins represent a key moment in American coinage history, but they also offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American culture and history. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, the 1910 S Lincoln cent is a fascinating coin that rewards close inspection and study.
One of the key challenges in collecting the 1910 S Lincoln cent is finding specimens in good condition. As the coin was designed for general circulation, many surviving examples bear the signs of wear and tear. However, those that remain in uncirculated or near-uncirculated condition can command high prices among collectors.
In the world of numismatics, the 1910 S Lincoln cent stands as a testament to the power of change and innovation. Its introduction marked a significant shift in American coinage, one that continues to reverberate in the collecting community today. As you embark on your collecting journey, the 1910 S Lincoln cent waits, ready to share its story with those willing to listen.