-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 26463
Checkout
The 1911-D Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition is a compelling and historically important coin from the early years of the Lincoln cent series. Struck at the Denver Mint, it represents one of the earliest branch mint issues of the series and remains a favorite among collectors for its relative scarcity and strong strike characteristics. The 1911-D was produced just three years after the introduction of the Lincoln cent in 1909, and it played a key role in establishing the Denver Mint’s contribution to the nation’s circulating coinage. Though not considered a major rarity, the 1911-D is far from common in higher circulated grades and becomes increasingly desirable in well-preserved AU condition.
The Lincoln cent series began in 1909 as the first U.S. coin to depict an actual person rather than a symbolic representation. Sculptor Victor David Brenner was selected to design the new cent in honor of the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. His obverse portrait of Lincoln was adapted from a photograph by Mathew Brady and was praised for its dignity and realism. The series broke new ground in U.S. numismatics, and its debut was met with widespread public interest. The reverse of the coin, featuring two wheat ears flanking the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” remained in use through 1958 and came to be affectionately known as the “Wheat Reverse.”
The 1911-D cent marked the first full year that the Denver Mint produced Lincoln cents in substantial numbers. Though the Denver facility had opened in 1906, it initially focused on gold and silver coinage. The 1911-D issue followed the limited 1909-D production and helped cement Denver’s role in producing base-metal coinage for Western circulation. The presence of the “D” mintmark, located on the reverse below the wheat ears, adds a layer of geographic and historical intrigue to the coin. Collectors today continue to pursue early Denver Mint cents as important representatives of the U.S. Mint’s westward expansion and its efforts to meet the needs of a growing population across the Rocky Mountain and Pacific regions.
The obverse of the 1911-D cent features Lincoln’s profile facing right, with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” arched above his head, “LIBERTY” positioned to the left, and the date “1911” on the lower right. In AU condition, the portrait retains most of its original detail, with only slight wear on the high points such as Lincoln’s cheekbone, jawline, and hair above the ear. The devices remain sharp, and the coin typically retains traces of original mint luster, particularly in the protected fields around the devices. The fine engraving lines in Lincoln’s coat and the separation between his jaw and collar can still be observed, giving the coin a near-Mint appearance to the casual observer.
The reverse showcases the classic Wheat Ears design, with the stalks curling gracefully around the central inscriptions. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is centered at the top of the reverse, and the “D” mintmark is found below “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” On well-preserved AU examples, the grain detail in the wheat stalks remains strong, and the outer rims are fully intact. Only the highest points of the stalks may show minimal flattening from circulation. The lettering remains crisp and fully legible, and the reverse’s color can vary from original red-brown to deep chocolate, depending on the coin’s storage environment. Some AU pieces may even retain light hints of original red coloration, which is particularly prized by collectors.
The Denver Mint struck 12,672,000 Lincoln cents in 1911, a relatively modest figure compared to the massive mintages of later decades. While this mintage is not low enough to make the 1911-D a true key date, it is nonetheless one of the scarcer early Denver Mint issues. Many of the coins entered commerce and were used extensively in daily transactions, especially in the western United States. As a result, heavily circulated examples are more common, while higher-grade specimens, including those in AU condition, are less frequently encountered. Coins that survived with minimal wear and strong eye appeal are especially attractive to collectors building early Lincoln cent date-and-mintmark sets.
In Almost Uncirculated condition, the 1911-D Lincoln cent offers a high level of visual quality at a more affordable price than fully uncirculated specimens. Coins in this grade show only the slightest touch of friction, usually confined to the highest points of Lincoln’s portrait and the wheat ears on the reverse. AU grades generally fall within the range of AU50 to AU58 on the Sheldon scale. Coins at the upper end of this spectrum may retain much of their original cartwheel luster and present a nearly unblemished surface, while those on the lower end may exhibit slightly more muted toning or a light rub in the open fields.
The 1911-D cent is composed of the standard bronze alloy of the era: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This alloy gives early Lincoln cents their distinctive color and weight and is responsible for the pleasing patinas these coins often develop over time. Depending on the conditions under which they were stored, AU examples may range from golden-brown to deep chestnut in tone. Some may exhibit iridescent hues under certain lighting conditions, especially if they were kept in archival holders or albums that permitted a degree of natural toning. Collectors often favor coins with even color and original surfaces, as these factors contribute to both aesthetic appeal and long-term value.
Among collectors, the 1911-D Lincoln cent is appreciated for its blend of history, scarcity, and affordability. It offers an accessible pathway into the study of early 20th-century U.S. coinage and provides a compelling target for completionists assembling full Lincoln Wheat cent sets. While not as renowned as the 1909-S VDB or the 1914-D, the 1911-D remains an essential component of a well-rounded collection. Its status as one of the first widely issued Denver Mint Lincoln cents gives it additional historical context, while its presence in AU condition allows collectors to enjoy a high level of detail without the premium attached to Mint State examples.
The legacy of the 1911-D Lincoln cent continues to resonate with numismatists more than a century after it was struck. It represents a moment in time when the U.S. Mint was expanding its reach and refining its operations across multiple facilities. For collectors who appreciate coins with character, originality, and strong visual integrity, an Almost Uncirculated 1911-D is a satisfying acquisition. It bridges the gap between circulated and uncirculated, offering the best of both worlds—authentic historical circulation with minimal wear. As part of the enduring Lincoln cent series, it stands as a tribute to American craftsmanship and a reminder of a pivotal era in both minting history and national development.