A Gem Proof from the Lincoln Memorial Series

This listing offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a high-grade example of modern American numismatics. It is a 1991-S Lincoln Memorial Cent, certified and encapsulated by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS, at the prestigious PR69RD DCAM, or Proof 69 Red Deep Cameo, grade. The coin is securely housed in a clear protective slab, ensuring its preservation and authenticity.

This coin represents the pinnacle of modern proof minting, featuring sharp details, brilliant original red coloration, and bold cameo contrast between the highly reflective fields and the heavily frosted raised devices. With a total mintage of 2,867,787 pieces, achieving the near-perfect PR69 grade with the Deep Cameo designation makes this a highly desirable example for collectors.

Historical Context: The Lincoln Memorial Cent Series

The Lincoln Memorial Cent was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, replacing the iconic Wheat reverse that had been used since 1909. The obverse retained Victor David Brenner's classic right-facing portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse featured Frank Gasparro's design of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Memorial itself is a national monument honoring the 16th president, authorized by Congress in 1910 and completed in 1922. It was built in the style of a Greek temple and features 36 Doric columns representing the 36 states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Gasparro's initials FG appear on the lower-right side of the Lincoln Memorial.

Proof production for the Lincoln Memorial series shifted to the San Francisco Mint in 1968 following a three-year moratorium on proof coinage. The 1991-S proof issue represents a continuation of this tradition, struck with specially polished dies and planchets to achieve a sharp, detailed finish with mirror-like surfaces.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner, features a right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. IN GOD WE TRUST appears on the top periphery, LIBERTY to the left of the portrait, and the date 1991 with the S mint mark on the right side. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features a detailed depiction of the Lincoln Memorial building. E PLURIBUS UNUM is centered above the memorial, with ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 1 Cent
Year: 1991
Mint: San Francisco, S mint mark
Grade: PR69RD DCAM
Certification: PCGS
PCGS Number: 93500
Designer, Obverse: Victor David Brenner
Designer, Reverse: Frank Gasparro
Composition: 97.5 percent Zinc, 2.5 percent Copper, copper-plated zinc
Weight: 2.50 grams
Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
Edge: Plain
Mintage: 2,867,787 pieces

Understanding the PR69RD DCAM Designation

PR69 indicates a near-perfect proof coin with exceptional eye appeal and virtually no visible imperfections under magnification. RD, or Red, indicates that the coin has retained approximately 95 percent or more of its original bright copper-red mint luster, with no significant dulling or toning. DCAM, or Deep Cameo, is awarded to proof coins exhibiting a strong, visually apparent contrast between the highly reflective fields and the heavily frosted raised devices.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services in the numismatic industry. It is securely encased in a tamper-evident PCGS holder, which protects the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity for future generations.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the PCGS slab provides a lifetime guarantee of the coin's genuineness and grade. It is a gem proof quality example, with the PR69RD DCAM designation indicating a near-perfect coin with brilliant red surfaces and striking cameo contrast. It features a historic design, with the iconic Lincoln portrait and the Lincoln Memorial reverse, a staple of American numismatics since 1959. It is a San Francisco proof issue, struck at the historic San Francisco Mint, a facility known for producing high-quality proof coins. Most of all, with only one grade higher available, PR70, this represents a top-tier example of the issue.

This coin is more than currency. It is a gem proof from the Lincoln Memorial series, offering a near-flawless example with brilliant red coloration and exceptional cameo contrast. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

• Low Estimate: 50.00
• High Estimate: 100.00