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The 1911-S Lincoln Cent in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition stands as a key collectible among early issues in the long-running Lincoln cent series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the third year of production for the Lincoln design, the 1911-S is valued for its low mintage, branch mint status, and scarcity in higher grades. This coin bridges the period between the novelty of the 1909 debut and the standardization of production that followed. With fewer than 5 million pieces produced, and far fewer surviving in AU or better condition, the 1911-S is an essential acquisition for collectors seeking to complete a high-grade set of early Lincoln wheat cents.
The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin was notable for both its historical significance and artistic merit. The obverse depicts a right-facing portrait of President Lincoln based on a photograph by Mathew Brady, while the reverse design featured two stylized wheat ears flanking the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The wheat reverse would remain in place until 1958, defining an entire era of American small cent production known as the Wheat Cent or Wheat Back era.
The 1911-S Lincoln cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which had already developed a reputation for producing coins in lower quantities than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. With a mintage of just 4,026,000 pieces, it is among the scarcer issues of the early Lincoln cent series. As with other San Francisco issues from this period, the 1911-S is frequently found well-worn, having seen long service in circulation. Locating examples in higher grades—particularly Almost Uncirculated or Mint State—is a far more difficult endeavor, as the majority of coins were not saved at the time and only a limited number have survived with minimal wear.
The obverse of the 1911-S features the standard Lincoln profile design. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” arch above the portrait, “LIBERTY” appears to the left of Lincoln’s shoulder, and the date “1911” is found on the right. On coins in AU condition, the fine details in Lincoln’s hair, beard, and facial contours are still visible, with only a slight smoothing of the high points. These areas, including the cheekbone, jawline, and top of the head, are typically where minor wear first appears. The overall presentation remains sharp and attractive, and original mint luster may still be seen in protected areas near the rim or around the lettering and devices.
The reverse features Brenner’s classic wheat ears design, with stalks gracefully framing the central inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears along the top rim. The “S” mintmark, signifying the San Francisco Mint, is located just below the denomination. On AU examples of the 1911-S, the wheat lines are generally clear and well-defined, though the highest points of the stalks may show slight flattening. The reverse legends remain bold and fully readable, and the rims are typically complete and free from major nicks or damage. The overall sharpness of the design elements reflects both the quality of the dies and the care with which these coins have been preserved.
The 1911-S is composed of the standard early Lincoln cent alloy—95% copper, 5% tin and zinc. This bronze composition results in coins that naturally develop toning over time, ranging in hue from golden-brown and red-brown to deeper chocolate shades. Almost Uncirculated examples may still retain some traces of the original red coloration, particularly in recessed areas or along the periphery of the devices. Coins stored in paper rolls or albums often develop attractive, even patinas, and examples that exhibit eye-pleasing coloration without spotting or corrosion are especially sought after by advanced collectors. The presence of original luster, even in partial amounts, adds greatly to the desirability of AU coins.
The condition of a 1911-S Lincoln cent in AU grade generally places it within the AU50 to AU58 range on the Sheldon scale. These coins display light friction on the high points but retain nearly all of their original detail and often a good portion of mint brilliance. The surfaces should be free from heavy contact marks or distracting flaws, and the color should be even and natural. Coins at the upper end of the AU spectrum are often difficult to distinguish from low-end Mint State examples, especially when accompanied by good strike quality and residual luster. For collectors seeking value and quality, AU examples offer an appealing combination of sharpness and affordability.
Despite its age and relatively low mintage, the 1911-S is often overshadowed by more famous early dates like the 1909-S VDB or the 1914-D. However, it remains one of the scarcer branch mint issues from the pre-1920 era and is increasingly difficult to find in grades above Fine. Almost Uncirculated examples represent a small fraction of the original mintage and continue to gain appreciation among numismatists as original rolls have long since disappeared. The survival rate in upper circulated grades is quite low, and demand is consistent among those assembling high-grade wheat cent collections or registry sets focused on early 20th-century copper coinage.
From a historical perspective, the 1911-S cent offers insight into a transformative period in American history. The country was still in the early years of the Progressive Era, marked by political reform, industrialization, and expanding westward population. The San Francisco Mint was tasked with serving the needs of the growing Pacific and Mountain states, and the coins it produced were immediately absorbed into the bustling commerce of the region. The relative scarcity of surviving high-grade 1911-S cents reflects the practical, everyday role they played in that historical context, making well-preserved examples even more meaningful for those who collect not just coins, but the stories they carry.
An Almost Uncirculated 1911-S Lincoln cent is a compelling addition to any collection of U.S. coins. It offers a powerful blend of scarcity, visual appeal, historical importance, and connection to one of America’s most revered figures. While fully uncirculated examples command significant premiums, AU specimens allow collectors to enjoy nearly all the detail and beauty of the design at a more accessible price point. For those building a complete date and mintmark set of wheat cents, the 1911-S is an essential inclusion. Whether admired for its craftsmanship, its symbolism, or its place in numismatic history, this coin continues to stand out as a testament to the enduring legacy of early American coinage.