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The 1914-D Lincoln Cent certified VF20 by NGC stands among the most coveted and iconic coins in the entire Wheat Cent series. Struck at the Denver Mint during the early years of the Lincoln Cent's production, the 1914-D is regarded as one of the key dates that define a complete Lincoln Cent collection. With its relatively low mintage and historic significance, it has earned a revered status among numismatists. Even in circulated grades such as VF20, this coin maintains exceptional desirability, especially when certified by a reputable grading service like NGC, which guarantees its authenticity and helps preserve its long-term value and collector trust.
The Lincoln Cent series began in 1909 as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the cent was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to depict an actual person. The obverse features a right-facing bust of President Lincoln, modeled after a photograph taken by Mathew Brady. The design is strikingly modest, with finely etched lines in Lincoln’s hair, beard, and coat. Around the bust are the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” above, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1914” to the right. Below the date sits the highly significant “D” mintmark, signifying the Denver Mint. On a VF20 example, these elements remain fully legible, though with moderate overall wear softening the high points of the portrait and letters.
The reverse of the 1914-D continues the original Wheat Ears design that graced all Lincoln Cents from 1909 through 1958. Two stylized stalks of wheat curve along the left and right edges, flanking the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above the central inscriptions is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The reverse design communicates a sense of simplicity and strength—two qualities Brenner believed embodied the American spirit. In a VF20-certified example, the wheat stalks are still visible but show substantial flattening and smoothing, especially at the tips. The central inscriptions remain bold and fully readable, while the motto and outer rims may show light wear and some softness, typical of coins that circulated for a time before being set aside.
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent had a total mintage of only 1,193,000 pieces, making it one of the lowest production runs in the entire series. This scarcity is compounded by the fact that the coin entered widespread circulation quickly and was heavily used in commerce throughout the following decades. As a result, uncirculated and high-grade examples are rare and command significant premiums. VF20 examples like this one represent coins that circulated for years but were still fortunate enough to avoid harsh environmental damage or heavy abrasions. The certified grade ensures a moderate level of wear consistent with a coin that saw regular use but retained its design features and avoided mutilation or corrosion.
Coins produced by the Denver Mint during this period were struck using the standard bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This alloy provided excellent durability for circulation, although over time, copper’s reactive nature caused the coins to darken and tone. The VF20 example typically exhibits an even medium to dark brown tone, reflecting its age and extended use in circulation. Original surfaces may show faint traces of red or reddish-brown in protected recesses, but by this level of wear, most of the original luster has faded. What remains is a smooth, even color that speaks to the coin’s authenticity and historical journey through American commerce.
One of the defining challenges with the 1914-D cent is authentication, as it is among the most counterfeited coins in the Lincoln Cent series. The combination of its high value and relative simplicity of altering common-date cents with added “D” mintmarks has made it a frequent target for forgeries. For this reason, certification by a trusted grading service like NGC adds tremendous value and peace of mind for collectors. An NGC-certified 1914-D cent ensures not only that the coin is genuine but that its grade has been independently verified using rigorous standards. The VF20 designation means it shows moderate wear but remains a pleasing and collectible example of this important key date.
In terms of eye appeal, a VF20 1914-D Lincoln Cent balances historical presence with strong remaining detail. While it does not possess the sharpness of higher-grade coins, it retains enough of its original design to be instantly recognizable and enjoyable. Lincoln’s bust, though worn, still shows the basic structure of the face, coat lapel, and outline of the head. The reverse remains attractive, with the central devices clearly intact and enough detail in the wheat stalks to preserve the essence of Brenner’s reverse engraving. For collectors unable or unwilling to pay the substantial premiums for higher-grade specimens, a VF20 coin provides both historical satisfaction and financial accessibility.
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is often compared in importance to other major keys of the series, such as the 1909-S VDB and the 1922 Plain (No D). Among these, the 1914-D stands out as both a lower-mintage issue and one with an undeniable impact on the market value of mid-to-late date Lincoln sets. Its scarcity, especially in higher circulated grades like VF20 and above, continues to place it at the center of collector interest. Demand for this date is high not only among Lincoln specialists but also among general collectors who seek to own one of the defining coins of American numismatics. Its significance is further heightened by the era in which it was struck—just before the outbreak of World War I and amid rapid growth in the American West.
Because VF20 examples of the 1914-D are relatively more attainable than high-grade specimens, they often serve as the "entry point" for collectors trying to complete a key-date collection. These coins retain a respectable degree of historical and visual integrity without the exorbitant price tag of AU or Mint State examples. For many collectors, owning a certified VF20 1914-D fulfills a lifelong collecting goal. It allows them to acquire a verified example of one of America’s most iconic one-cent pieces while still maintaining budgetary feasibility. Moreover, its authenticity and encapsulation by NGC ensure long-term protection and enhance liquidity should the owner decide to sell or upgrade later.
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent certified VF20 by NGC is far more than a coin—it is a cornerstone of one of America’s most collected and beloved coin series. With its combination of low mintage, historical context, respected design, and scarcity in collectible grades, it offers immense value to the collector community. In VF20 condition, it maintains strong aesthetic qualities, significant remaining detail, and an undeniable link to its past. Whether viewed as an essential date in the completion of a Wheat Cent set or as a prized standalone piece in a broader numismatic collection, the 1914-D VF20 cent carries with it a sense of importance and timeless appeal that will continue to captivate generations of collectors.