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The 1938-S Lincoln Cent, a part of the iconic Lincoln series, holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists and coin collectors. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, it is a product of the U.S. Mint’s efforts to provide coinage for the American economy during the late 1930s, a time of recovery from the Great Depression. The 1938-S Lincoln Cent, which features a distinctive red uncirculated appearance, is highly regarded for its bright, lustrous finish and well-preserved condition, making it a desirable addition to a collection of U.S. coins. It is one of the many variations of the Lincoln Cent series, which has remained a staple of American currency since its inception in 1909.
The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The series, which features a portrait of the 16th President of the United States, was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner. Over the years, the coin has undergone several design changes, but it has remained a symbol of American history, democracy, and the enduring legacy of Lincoln. By the time the 1938-S was produced, the Lincoln Cent had become one of the most widely circulated and recognized coins in the world, with millions of them being minted each year. The 1938-S variant, in particular, stands out for its higher mintage at the San Francisco Mint, giving it a unique place in the broader history of the series.
The design of the 1938-S Lincoln Cent is consistent with the familiar features of the Lincoln series. On the obverse, Abraham Lincoln’s portrait is displayed in a right-facing profile, with the inscription “LIBERTY” above and the year “1938” below. To the left of Lincoln’s portrait is the word “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which has been a part of U.S. coinage since 1864. The reverse of the 1938-S Lincoln Cent depicts a simple but elegant design with two wheat stalks on either side of the coin, encircling the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” At the bottom, the coin also reads “ONE CENT,” denoting its denomination. The reverse design, known as the “wheat reverse,” was used from 1909 until 1958 and remains an enduring symbol of American coinage history.
The 1938-S Lincoln Cent was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which was one of the primary minting facilities for the U.S. Treasury during this era. The minting process at the time involved creating dies to strike the coins, with the Mint workers ensuring the coins met the required standards. The San Francisco Mint’s output during the late 1930s was substantial, reflecting the high demand for coinage as the country was slowly recovering from the economic hardships of the Depression. The 1938-S Lincoln Cent was minted in large quantities to supply the American economy, with over 45 million coins being produced that year. This high mintage, however, did not prevent the 1938-S Lincoln Cent from becoming a key piece in the Lincoln Cent series, particularly when found in red uncirculated condition.
The 1938-S Lincoln Cent is particularly prized in its red uncirculated form, which refers to coins that have retained their original, vibrant copper color and have not been subject to significant wear or tarnish. Red uncirculated coins are considered to be in the highest quality grade for coins of this type, as they exhibit the most eye-catching appeal. The 1938-S Lincoln Cent in red uncirculated condition features a deep, reddish-orange hue that is the result of the copper content in the coin. This is contrasted by the sharp details of the design, which remain crisp and well-defined. The uncirculated state of the coin ensures that all the fine details of Lincoln’s portrait, the wheat stalks on the reverse, and the inscriptions on the coin are perfectly visible, providing an aesthetic appeal that is highly valued by collectors.
The coin’s mint condition and striking appearance are key to its value. Red uncirculated Lincoln Cents like the 1938-S are coveted by collectors because they are relatively rare in comparison to coins that have been heavily circulated. Coins in this grade exhibit no signs of wear, scuffing, or damage, preserving their original appearance as intended by the U.S. Mint. The 1938-S Lincoln Cent, in particular, is considered a high-quality example of the series, and many collectors seek out this coin to complete their Lincoln Cent collections. The coin's combination of historical significance, exceptional design, and excellent condition makes it one of the standout coins of the 1938 series and an attractive piece for any collector interested in U.S. numismatics.
The mintage of the 1938-S Lincoln Cent was significant, with more than 45 million coins struck at the San Francisco Mint that year. While the coin was produced in relatively large quantities, the availability of high-quality red uncirculated examples is more limited. Over time, many of the coins produced in 1938 were circulated, leading to wear and tear on their surfaces. The rarity of the red uncirculated 1938-S Lincoln Cent makes it a sought-after coin for collectors, especially those who aim to assemble a collection of high-grade Lincoln Cents from various years. Its relative scarcity in this condition contributes to its desirability and value within the numismatic community.
In terms of coin condition, the 1938-S Lincoln Cent in red uncirculated condition represents the pinnacle of quality for this issue. Coins that are graded as uncirculated typically show no signs of wear and retain all their original luster and finish. The specific grade of a coin can vary depending on the certification process, but the 1938-S Lincoln Cent is often found in grades ranging from MS60 (Mint State) to MS70 (the highest possible grade). Coins in the MS65 to MS70 range are considered highly desirable for collectors, and they command premium prices at auctions and in the marketplace. Coins in the lower grades, such as VF or F, will show signs of circulation, including wear and loss of detail, which detracts from their overall appearance and value.
The 1938-S Lincoln Cent in red uncirculated condition is one of the premier coins in the Lincoln Cent series, particularly for collectors who are focused on the highest-quality examples. With its beautiful, vibrant copper color, well-preserved details, and historical significance, this coin stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during the late 1930s. Its high mintage ensures that it remains widely available for collectors, but its exceptional condition makes it an especially valuable piece in the world of numismatics. Collectors who seek to own a piece of U.S. coinage history will find the 1938-S Lincoln Cent to be a rewarding and valuable addition to their collections.