A Cent with Character: Genuine Mint Error from the Early Lincoln Series

This listing offers a fascinating and historically significant piece of American numismatics. It is a 1913-S Lincoln Wheat Cent, officially graded F 15, or Fine 15, by the American Numismatic Association Certification Service, or ANACS. Encased in a secure, tamper-evident slab, this coin offers both authentication and long-term preservation.

What makes this particular piece truly special is the presence of notable obverse planchet laminations, a captivating mint error that tells a unique story about the coin's creation. This is not a post-mint damage mark, but a genuine manufacturing artifact that occurred over a century ago at the San Francisco Mint.

The History of the 1913-S Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it marked the first time a United States coin featured a real historical figure rather than the allegorical Liberty motif.

By 1913, the design was firmly established. The obverse showcases the iconic profile of the 16th President, while the reverse displays the classic Wheat Ears design, two durum wheat stalks framing the words ONE CENT. This reverse style remained in use until 1958, earning the series its beloved Wheat Cent nickname.

The S mint mark on this coin confirms its origin at the San Francisco Mint, a facility historically known for producing lower-mintage coins compared to Philadelphia and Denver. San Francisco Mint issues are highly sought after by collectors for their relative scarcity and West Coast heritage.

Understanding the Planchet Lamination Error

The most distinctive feature of this specific coin is the visible planchet lamination on the obverse. To appreciate this, it helps to understand the minting process.

A coin begins as a blank metal disc, called a planchet, which is punched from a large rolled sheet of metal. Occasionally, impurities such as oxides or dirt become trapped within the metal during the rolling process. Alternatively, weak spots or microscopic gas bubbles can form in the alloy. During the high-pressure striking of the coin, these weak points can cause the metal to split or separate along a horizontal layer. This creates a lamination, where a thin flap or a ragged fissure of metal peels away or remains attached to the surface.

On this 1913-S cent, you can observe this manufacturing anomaly on the obverse, manifesting as a distinct surface irregularity that disrupts the field and Lincoln's portrait. This error was born in the minting press itself, not from circulation wear or environmental damage, making it a genuine piece of numismatic mint-made history.

Condition and Grade

The coin has been graded F 15, or Fine 15, by ANACS. It displays well-defined details for the grade, with Lincoln's hair, cheekbone, and the wheat stalks remaining clear. The surface displays attractive, aged brown-copper patina consistent with a century of storage. The prominent obverse planchet laminations are documented and add to the coin's character.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 1 Cent
Year: 1913
Mint: San Francisco, S mint mark
Composition: 95 percent Copper, 5 percent Tin and Zinc
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Certification: ANACS, American Numismatic Association Certification Service
Grade: F 15, Fine 15

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity, as ANACS is one of the oldest and most respected grading services in the United States. It features a historic design, part of the first series of United States coins to feature a President. It offers mint error appeal, as planchet laminations are a highly collectible error type that adds character and story to the coin without affecting its genuine status. It bears a scarce mint mark, with the S mint mark making this a more desirable issue than its Philadelphia counterparts. Most of all, it is a genuine piece of numismatic history, a coin that was born with character over a century ago at the San Francisco Mint.

This coin is more than currency. It is a cent with character, offering a genuine mint error from the early Lincoln series in a certified and preserved condition. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.



Dimensions:
Height 4.5, Width 3, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.1 lbs

Condition:
Very Good - F 15 grade indicates significant wear but details are still discernable; the planchet laminations are a manufacturing defect, not post-mint damage.

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In the rare event that the item did not confor

• Low Estimate: 300.00
• High Estimate: 600.00