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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,679 |
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Press Manager
 United States
1420 Posts |
PCGS - Lincoln Cent enthusiasts can reel off the "Big Four" key-dates for their favorite series with little hesitation. 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1931-S. That rare quartet omits the next three big dates on many Lincoln lovers' minds, which include the 1922 No D Strong Reverse, 1943 Bronze, and 1955 Doubled Die. Of course, that trio consists strictly of varieties, not regular-issue dates like the first four rare Lincoln Cents mentioned above. However, that being said, there are plenty of contenders for which other coin in the series should also rise to key-date prominence. The most expensive regular-issue early-date Lincoln Cent in circulated condition after the 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, and 1914-D is the 1911-S.  Lincoln Cent (Wheat Reverse), 1911-S 1C, BN, PCGS MS66BNThe early San Francisco Mint issues are certainly the scarcest of the series, as is colorfully highlighted by all pre-1916 issues from that West Coast branch mint. But the 1911-S is indeed the scarcest of the semi-keys, with a mintage of only 4,026,000 and, according to PCGS estimates, offering only 40,000 survivors - a relatively small number for the Lincoln Cent by any measurement. It also has the lowest mintage of any of the early S-mint Lincoln Cents, with the exception of the 1909-S and 1909-S VDB. But this alone isn't the reason the 1911-S is so scarce today. Read the Entire Article Check out 1911-S Cents on ebay.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Sounds about right to me.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19107 Posts |
I have a few '11 S examples, but nowhere near MS.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
The one in my Dansco is VF at best. Of course, that hole was filled way back in the late 1980s for way less than it would cost me now.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
As many of you know I found a P01 details example in a bank roll.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3207 Posts |
Only 40000 survivors? That's the total of all grades? Both of my 11-S cents came from circulation. Does the same 1% survival rate apply to most other cents from that period?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
The chisled detail on mint examples of the early dates always amazes me.
Edited by Coinfrog
08/24/2021 6:21 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3619 Posts |
They are pricey, but definitely not rare. I've never had trouble locating full reds up to to MS-65 for my clients, or finding or moving them at shows. I have a hard time labeling any non-error Lincoln as "key" or "rare." The 1958 DDO? Yes, that's truly a set stopper. Ditto for the off-metal 1943-1944 cents. The others aren't rare. The issue is demand, which is much higher for Lincolns than, say, Shield nickels. JMHO. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
A lot depends on the grade. In uncirculated grades, both the 14-S and 15-S are tougher, not to mention some of the 20's coins as well like the 24-D, 26-S, etc.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3619 Posts |
 A well struck mid-UNC 1924-D is a beast to find. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I find the 40,000 estimated survival figure to be way, way under. Why? How many five gallon water bottles, buckets and other large containers still hold cents? At least once a year a story appears of someone paying a bill or taxes with them. I heard one several years back of an individual taking four 55-gallon drums of them to the bank. Bet there were at least a few dozen 1911s' in there.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
08/25/2021 09:27 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3207 Posts |
Agree with Ballyhoo. Some dates, like the 1909, no doubt were saved at a higher rate as happens with first year coins. That 40000 estimate for the 1911S seems like someone blindly applied a 1% survival rate. Maybe only 40000 are presently in collectable condition plus known to collectors, but it's not like the other 99% evaporated.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
It's very difficult to find nice examples in the raw. At coin shows I usually only see a few, mostly in circulated condition up to AU. If we're talking about MS only examples, they don't seem near as hard as the mid twenties coins which can be quite scarce at shows and B&M shops. The dreaded 24S and 25S are exetremly difficult to find in a good strike ANYWHERE. The 11S's were struck on fresh hubs and dies, most of them are well struck. MS examples are generally very nice. So, in this perspective, it's not the 5th. However, but by mintage and scarcity in the marketplace - it's positively #5 IMO. I'm still looking for the right one!  Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
Quote:
A well struck mid-UNC 1924-D is a beast to find.  See my post! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
Edited by BadThad
08/25/2021 10:24 pm
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
Here's an S/S I cherrypicked from my local shop. Didn't even realize it was an S/S until I got home. It just happened to be about the nicest raw 11S I had seen in years so I bought it. Well done!  |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,679 |
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Posted 08/24/2021 4:31 pm
