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The 1910-S Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition is a significant piece of early 20th-century American numismatics and an important installment in the storied Lincoln cent series. Minted just one year after the coin's initial debut in 1909, the 1910-S issue was struck at the San Francisco Mint and stands as a relatively low-mintage date from the first decade of production. As a branch mint release, the coin bears the distinctive “S” mintmark on the reverse below the wheat ears, marking its West Coast origin. Early San Francisco Lincoln cents are widely admired by collectors for their scarcity, historical value, and appeal as part of a series that has remained in continuous production for over a century.
The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, marking a departure from classical imagery that had dominated U.S. coinage for decades. It was the first circulating American coin to feature a real person and was designed by Victor David Brenner, a sculptor whose portrait of Lincoln was based on a photograph by Mathew Brady. The decision to honor Lincoln was widely supported by the public and initiated a new era of American coin design that prioritized national figures and modern artistic sensibilities. The 1910-S Lincoln cent represents the second year of this new standard and contributes to the foundation of a long-running and highly collected series.
The obverse of the 1910-S Lincoln cent features a right-facing bust of President Abraham Lincoln, framed by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” above, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1910” to the right. The design is detailed and expressive, with a solemn depiction of Lincoln that captures his character and legacy. On coins in Almost Uncirculated condition, Lincoln’s hair and cheekbone typically retain much of their original sharpness, with only minor rub evident on the highest points. The fields around the portrait are generally clean and free from major blemishes, maintaining a pleasing appearance for collectors who value early, well-preserved examples of this enduring design.
The reverse of the 1910-S is equally emblematic of the coin’s historical context. It showcases Brenner’s original wheat reverse, which features two stylized wheat ears curving inward from either side toward the center, framing the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is situated at the top. This reverse was used from 1909 to 1958 and is now commonly referred to as the “Wheat Back” or “Wheat Ears” reverse. On AU examples of the 1910-S, the wheat stalks remain largely intact, with strong lines in the kernels and minimal smoothing at the highest points. The “S” mintmark, positioned beneath the denomination, is bold and easily visible, though occasionally softly struck depending on the die state.
The San Francisco Mint produced just 6,045,000 Lincoln cents in 1910, a modest mintage when compared to the Philadelphia Mint’s output for that year and minuscule in comparison to modern mintages. This makes the 1910-S one of the semi-key dates of the early Lincoln cent series. While not as rare as the 1909-S VDB or the 1914-D, it is nonetheless a desirable coin, particularly in higher circulated and lower uncirculated grades. Coins in Almost Uncirculated condition are especially attractive to collectors seeking high detail without the premium often attached to fully Mint State specimens. AU coins offer an excellent balance between quality and affordability while retaining much of the original mint luster.
Coins graded as Almost Uncirculated typically fall within the AU50 to AU58 range on the Sheldon scale. These coins show only slight wear on the highest points, usually limited to the tips of Lincoln’s ear, jawline, and coat lapel on the obverse, and the tops of the wheat stalks on the reverse. For the 1910-S, an AU58 example may still display traces of cartwheel luster, especially in protected areas near the rims or around the devices. The surfaces should be free from major scratches or corrosion, with a uniform patina or coloration. Natural copper toning may range from red-brown to deep chocolate brown, with some coins exhibiting hints of original red that enhance their visual appeal and desirability.
The composition of the 1910-S Lincoln cent consists of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, the standard bronze alloy used from 1909 until the mid-20th century. This alloy gives early Lincoln cents their distinctive weight and rich coloration, which can vary depending on storage and environmental factors. When properly preserved, AU examples from this period often develop attractive toning, with hues of gold, rose, or auburn that highlight the intricate design. Coins stored in old albums or paper rolls frequently show this kind of natural aging, which many collectors find aesthetically pleasing and indicative of originality.
The collectibility of the 1910-S Lincoln cent is heightened by its place in the early years of the series and its relative scarcity in high grades. Many of the coins struck that year entered circulation quickly and remained there for decades, subject to the wear and damage typical of coins used in commerce. As a result, well-preserved examples are increasingly difficult to find. AU specimens offer an excellent compromise, providing nearly complete detail and strong eye appeal without the substantial price tag of certified Mint State coins. These coins are often chosen for high-quality date-and-mintmark sets and are also popular among collectors assembling “Red Book” collections of early Lincoln cents.
The historical significance of the 1910-S cannot be overstated. As one of the earliest products of the San Francisco Mint in the Lincoln series, it stands at the intersection of numismatic artistry and practical American history. The coin bears the imprint of a rapidly expanding nation that was moving from the ideals of the 19th century into the industrial and global challenges of the 20th. The design’s homage to Abraham Lincoln, paired with the western origin of the “S” mintmark, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with collectors of all levels. Whether part of a comprehensive Lincoln cent set or displayed as an individual treasure, the 1910-S remains a cornerstone of early American small-cent collecting.
An Almost Uncirculated 1910-S Lincoln cent exemplifies both the artistic and historical value that defines classic U.S. coinage. It represents a tangible connection to the early years of a series that is still in circulation today and provides an accessible yet premium entry point for collectors. With its low mintage, appealing design, and strong collector demand, the 1910-S continues to be a cornerstone in the pursuit of early Lincoln cent varieties. Its enduring allure lies not only in its rarity or grade but in its embodiment of American resilience and reverence for a leader whose legacy remains deeply etched in the nation’s memory—and on its coinage.