Whitman Expo
1926-S One Cent MS RB Values
Details
Ask a panel of coin collectors what the rarest regular-issue, non-variety Lincoln cent is, and assuredly many, perhaps even most, would spit out a reference to the 1909-S VDB. But ask a group of veteran Lincoln cent collectors what the rarest Lincoln penny is, and one will probably hear at least a few collectors reply with a word or two about the 1926-S Lincoln cent. The 1926-S Lincoln cent has long been one of the toughest coins to find in top Mint State grades, especially with a strong strike and clean surfaces.
The 1926-S Lincoln cent is not a rare bird in the circulated grades. Pricey' Yes, even in worn grades, the 1926-S penny runs a bit higher grade for grade in terms of price than many of its S-mint contemporaries. Yet, even in Red-Brown grades this coin is extremely tough at any uncirculated level. It pays to buy a choice specimen whenever possible, avoiding weakly struck examples.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portrait and the date and mintmark (If any) positioned on the right side.
Reverse: Wheat ears flanking the words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the top perimeter.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
4,550,000
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1909-1958
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
Mint Mark:
S
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
3.11 gr
Weight:
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1926, S
Obverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
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