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Lincoln Cent
10 Great Cents
It is safe to say there have been many important coins in the history of the cent denomination. Ranging from expensive and scarce to rather available and inexpensive, important cents take a number of forms, making the top 10 an interesting and diverse group.
The cent was a high priority for the U.S. Mint from its start, with the first cents being minted for circulation in 1793, the year after the Mint opened. Here's my list of the 10 best that have been produced since then.
1. The design of the 1793 Flowing Hair chain cent is credited to Henry Voight. It shows Liberty facing left, with a chain reverse of 15 links—one for each state in the Union. An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 were minted with an abbreviated inscription, "UNITED STATES OF AMERI." The remainder of this 36,103-mintage coin carried "AMERICA."
No sooner had the first cents appeared than the critics came out in force. Particularly offensive to some were the chains. The idea was to show unity, but to some the chain represented captivity. The 1793 Flowing Hair chain cent is extremely popular today. It is usually found well-worn. The demand is always far in excess of the supply, which means even a Good-4 commands a $7,750 price tag.
2. Next is the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. In fact, the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is technically a pattern, as the Flying Eagle cent was not even authorized until 1857.
The 1856 Flying Eagle cent was basically a test of a new, smaller cent that would not have an intrinsic value anywhere near its face value. Therefore, it was a bold departure from prior practice. The first 1,000 were given out to congressmen and others in influence in an attempt to win its approval.
It was coined for circulation into 1858, and collectors soon realized the 1856 was far tougher than the 1857 or the 1858. The Mint at the time was a very different sort of place and collectors wanting an 1856 Flying Eagle cent simply went to the Mint and asked for one. The Mint cheerfully provided the coins. We cannot be sure of the initial mintage, but most put it at somewhere between 1,500 and 3,500.
Over the years the 1856 has not been dismissed as a pattern. From the start it was seen as a prized addition to a cent collection. As such, the coins were selling for $1 each as early 1859.
The 1856 was hoarded by the wealthy collectors of the late 1800s and early 1900s, with famous hoards in some cases topping 500 examples. The significance of those hoards can be seen in today's list price of $6,250 for an 1856 in G-4. The 1856 ranks as a truly significant coin not only because it is scarce but also because it opened the door to the idea of a Small Cent.
3. In 1859 an entirely new cent appeared with James B. Longacre's Indian Head obverse. The 1859 was important as a one-year transitional piece. The following year the design on the reverse was changed to show an oak wreath and a small shield.
Fortunately, despite only being produced for one year, the 1859 had a high mintage of 36,400,000. It is available today at $12.50 in G-4, $215 in Mint State-60, and $3,200 in MS-65.
4. The 1877 Indian Head Cent is next on my list. It had a mintage of 852,500 and was quickly recognized as being scarce. It remains tough today, listing at $590 in G-4, $2,850 in MS-60, and $8,750 in MS-65.
5. The 1908-S Indian Head Cent is important for a very simple reason. It was the first cent to be produced at any facility other than Philadelphia. Until a couple years earlier, there had been a stipulation in the law that coins containing no gold or silver could only be produced at Philadelphia. That somewhat unusual idea had been the result of Western mining interests who wanted nothing to do with coins not containing the metals they were mining. That feeling was especially strong during the 1870s, when the price of silver was declining.
Finally, in the early 1900s, the law was changed, as lower denominations were needed even in the West, and having them shipped from Philadelphia when there were mints in San Francisco and Denver was ridiculous.
The 1908-S was the first cent to be produced in San Francisco, with Denver joining in with cent production starting in 1911.
It is clear the 1908-S was noticed as it was saved in some numbers, making it available today at just $60 in G-4, $275 in MS-60, and $650 in MS-65. The price of a G-4 is unusually close to the MS-60 simply because the 1908-S was a bigger deal than we might think today and that meant significant saving at the time it was released.
6. The 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln cent is also a coin of great importance. Prior to the 1909 V.D.B. no circulating coin of the United States had depicted a famous American. Although Washington had already appeared on the 1900 Lafayette commemorative Silver Dollar, the idea of not using depictions of real Americans on circulating coins dated from his time. He had joined the House of Representatives in blocking the use of his image on coins.
This held until Teddy Roosevelt came along with the idea that the centennial of Lincoln's birth should be noted on a circulating coin. The artist selected by Roosevelt, Victor D. Brenner, contributed to the fame of the first Lincoln cent by having his initials on the reverse.
Officials had actually approved that idea, but when they saw the first Lincoln cent they changed their minds and the V.D.B. was ordered removed. Before the initials could be removed, 27,995,000 of the new 1909 V.D.B. cents had been produced at Philadelphia, which was enough to make them available today at just $9.50 for an MS-60 and $100 for an MS-65.
The price indicates the heavy saving. Like the 1908-S, the 1909 V.D.B. was much more important than we might think. Many opposed the idea of using famous Americans on the circulating coins, but eventually the nation's coinage would become literally a portrait gallery of historic figures. That all started with the 1909 Lincoln cent.
7. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent can probably be best described as the 1877 of the following century. What is special about the 1909-S V.D.B. is that it had a mintage of just 484,000 before the order came down to remove the initials. That made it instantly a valuable and popular cent.
The 1909-S V.D.B. was readily saved as can be seen in the numbers of examples available today in grades like About Uncirculated-50 and up. Even so, generation after generation of collectors have tried to find a 1909-S V.D.B. in circulation, making it the most desired coin by collectors for years. The 1909-S V.D.B. lists for $550 in G-4, $1,300 in MS-60, and $6,750 in MS-65.
8. The cents of 1943 are special as they are really souvenirs of World War II. In an attempt to conserve copper for the war effort, it was decided that an alternative alloy for the cent was needed and that turned out to be zinc-coated steel.
The new steel cents, which were subject to rusting, were unpopular with the public. The 1943 zinc-coated steel cents would be produced for just one year, with cents of the next couple years being made from recycled shell cases.
The 1943 zinc-coated steel cents, though readily available at low prices, are popular today because of their link to the war. A set of three MS-65 examples from Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver can be had for around $25.
9. The numismatic world was surprised back in 1955 by the discovery that some 1955 cents were doubled on the obverse. The 1955 doubled-die cent was a national sensation and it has kept its popularity. Prices today range from $1,350 in Extremely Fine-40 to $34,500 in MS-65.
10. The final coin on my list of most important cents is the one everyone takes for granted and that is the 1959 Lincoln cent with the Memorial reverse. It is readily available, but the real story is not its price, but its creation to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln cent.
Under the law, once a coin has been in circulation for 25 years the Treasury Department can order a change without consulting Congress. The Lincoln Memorial reverse was the last time a Treasury secretary changed a design using that power, which makes it an important coin.
It will be interesting to see what happens in 2009, when this design reaches its half century anniversary. From the historic to the popular, from the scarce to the common, the most important cents of the United States are a fascinating group. A few others could probably be added to such a list but in every case the 10 most important cents have excellent reasons for standing out in what has now been more than two centuries of very interesting cents.
About the Author
Coins Collecting Numismatic Portal and Rare Coins Directory. Coins Collecting covers Ancients, World Coins, US Coins, Currency and all numismatic resources for the rare coin collector. The most comprehensive asset management site on the web. Visit us at http://www.assetmanagementcompanyreviews.com
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 1918 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.48 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 34m Buy It Now for only: $1.48 |
 1914 D Lincoln Cent 1031 $65.99 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 12m Buy It Now for only: $220.00 |
 1909 S Lincoln Cent Penny CHOICE XF KEY DATE FIRST YEAR ISSUE $85.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 9m |
 1917 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.85 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $1.85 |
 1909 S Lincoln Head Cent VF Details $34.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 34m |
 1909 S Lincoln Cent Pcgs Genuine VF Details $55.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 55m |
 1927 D Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $2.14 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $2.14 |
 1914 S Lincoln Wheat Cent Very Good $12.17 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 21m |
 FINE 1940 D Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.24 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 48m Buy It Now for only: $1.24 |
 1914 D Lincoln One Cent Better Date NO RESERVE $107.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 14m |
 BEAUTIFUL 1916 LINCOLN CENT in CHOICE RED BROWN UNC Great coin $18.95 Time Remaining: 16h 41m |
 1937 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.59 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 47m Buy It Now for only: $1.59 |
 1909 P Lincoln Wheat Cent VF 25 PCGS $7.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 15m |
 1915 S Lincoln Cent Better Date Nice Circulated Coin $19.00 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 58m Buy It Now for only: $19.00 |
 Key Date 1931 S Lincoln Cent EF problem free very nice $32.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 22m |
 1909 VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent $8.55 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 26m |
 1928 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.85 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $1.85 |
 1915 Lincoln Cent Bright Red BU Flashy Full RD Unc $135.05 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 15m |
 1914 D Lincoln Cent NO RESERVE $152.51 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 18m |
 1926 D Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.74 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $1.74 |
 1909 S VDB PCGS VG 10 LINCOLN Wheat Back Small Cent PENNYGREAT KEY $202.50 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 20h 1m |
 1915 D Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $2.85 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $2.85 |
 Striking 1910 S Semi Key Lincoln Wheat Cent Coin Lot Very Nice XF to XF+ $27.76 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 57m |
 1914 D Lincoln Wheat Penny Cent Key Date $86.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 26m |
 1915 P Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $5.89 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $5.89 |
 1919 S Lincoln Cent Penny CHOICE BU++ BETTER DATE $31.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 22m |
 1938 P Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 57m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 1915 S Lincoln Cent Near Gem BU Unc Uncirculated Red Wheat Penny Nice Rare $177.50 (25 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 41m |
 1912 S Lincoln Cent Penny NEAR GEM BU++ GEM BU BEAUTIFUL RED SURFACES $300.00 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 22h 53m |
 1909 S VDB PCGS VF20 LINCOLN CENT CHOICE ORIGINAL COIN $950.00 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 10m Buy It Now for only: $950.00 |
 1909 S VDB Lincoln Cent Pcgs AU 50 $985.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 21m |
 1915 P Lincoln Cent Mint State Blazing RED ++++++++++++ $499.00 Time Remaining: 37m |
 1921 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $2.25 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 44m Buy It Now for only: $2.25 |
 1909 Lincoln Cent UNC $18.50 Time Remaining: 1h 45m |
 1925 D Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.94 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 36m Buy It Now for only: $1.94 |
 1913 Lincoln Cent Full RED BU Smooth Mint Luster $39.51 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 12m |
 1915 P Lincoln Cent VF $16.00 Time Remaining: 38m |
 1930 S Lincoln We have most teens 20s 30s 40s 50s Wheat Penny Cent $1.14 Time Remaining: 17d 18h 31m Buy It Now for only: $1.14 |
 1911 S Lincoln Wheat Cent Free Shipping $29.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 27m |
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Complete 2009 Lincoln Penny Roll Set $18.39 This coin set commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Issued on the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln Cent's entry into circulation, this Lincoln Penny Roll Set includes a roll of all four designs released in 2009. |
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Lincoln Cents for Kids (Hardcover) $4.94 Lincoln Cents for Kids: 1979-2012 collector`s Lincoln cent folder From Lincoln cents to the new National Parks quarters, Warman`s coin folders for Kids offer everything the young numismatist needs to start on a hobby that could ... |
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Lincoln Cents (Hardcover) $3.95 Description not available. |
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A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents $16.53 Description not available. |
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Lincoln Cents Collection Starting 1975 $3.95 In 1959 Victor David Brenner's original reverse design was replaced in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The new reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial and is the work of Frank Gasparro. His initial FG appear at the lower righ... |
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Lincoln Cents 1965-2015 (Hardcover) $5.06 Description not available. |
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Warman`s Premium Lincoln Cent Album (Hardcover) $15.43 Description not available. |
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Strike It Rich With Pocket Change (Paperback) $12.27 Can You Spot The Errors? This coin looks a bit mangled, as if a car ran over it. It`s really a copper cent struck on a silver dime. And no, that doesn`t make it worth a nickel. The excess of metal at the top of the Lincoln cent is ca... |
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Complete Lincoln Cent Encyclopedia $3.94 The most important new reference book a casual or diehard Lincoln Cent collector can own. Shane M. Anderson has authored sections on buying/selling, counterfeit detection, grading, varieties, storage/handling, and a date-by-date synopsis. |
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Lincoln Wheat Cent Starter Set $54.03 The Lincoln Wheat Penny designed by Victor Brenner was one of the most popular and enduring coin designs in U.S. History. The Lincoln Wheat Cent series ran from 1909 through 1958 and was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. 50 Lincoln Wheat Pennies of different dates and mintmarksIncludes at least one 1909 cent and one 1943 steel cent Two volumes of Archival Quality Folders with openings for every business strike One pair of white cotton gloves to safely handle the coinsDimensions: 8 inches high x 6 inches wide x 2 inches deepModel: 47057 |
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Lincoln Cent Hobbies Sweatshirt dark by CafePress $39.5 This Lincoln Cent Design will bring smiles and groans as you tell folks that Coin Collecting is a Cents-ible Hobby. The Lincoln Penny is HOT right now. Great Gift Hobbies Sweatshirt dark Tee, TShirt, Shirt Comfort? Without sacrificing style? No sweat. This soft-fleece sweatshirt from Hanes looks great, wears well, and keeps you cozy-warm. 10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. Double-needle coverseaming along neck, armholes wai |
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Lincoln Cent Hobbies Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $48 This Lincoln Cent Design will bring smiles and groans as you tell folks that Coin Collecting is a Cents-ible Hobby. The Lincoln Penny is HOT right now. Great Gift Hobbies Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90 |
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Lincoln Memorial Cent Folder-1959-1998 $1.79 these coin folders are handsome and durable. they hold coins securely and are 6 1 2x 8 3 8 to easily fit on your bookshelf. green leather look with gold embossing on exterior. |
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The Complete Lincoln Cent Encyclopedia $26.22 This book is in Used condition |
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1972 Coin Set - 6 Coins (Ike dollar, Kennedy half, Washington quarter, dime, nickle, Lincoln cent) $12.48 1972 Coin Set - 6 Coins (Ike dollar, Kennedy half, Washington quarter, dime, nickle, Lincoln cent) |
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Cool Coins -- Lincoln Cent Hobbies Organic Kids T-Shirt by CafePress $24 This 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is just too cool to spend. Besides that, it's worth WAY MORE than one cent Excellent design for coin collectors, numismatists, and those who love them. Hobbies Organic Kids T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt For boys girls growing up in a green world, this naturally-grown organic T-Shirt is a great statement. Plus it feels great to wear and stands up to the rigorous demands of earth-friendly kids at play.100% organic cotton jersey. 4.3 oz. 10 |
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Cool Coins -- Lincoln Cent Hobbies Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 This 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is just too cool to spend. Besides that, it's worth WAY MORE than one cent Excellent design for coin collectors, numismatists, and those who love them. Hobbies Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable. |
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Lincoln Cent Hobbies Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $32.5 This Lincoln Cent Design will bring smiles and groans as you tell folks that Coin Collecting is a Cents-ible Hobby. The Lincoln Penny is HOT right now. Great Gift Hobbies Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Our Long Sleeve T-Shirt adds an extra element of style for a casual night out, or to keep the chill off. Made of 100% ringspun cotton for maximum comfort, put on your new favorite T-Shirt from a favorite, trusted name in t-shirts, Hanes.6.1 oz. 1 |
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The Bicentennial Commemorative Abraham Lincoln Coin Set: 1909-2009 Lincoln Cent Collection $12.95 No other coin in United States history has had the historic significance of the Lincoln Penny. Now, a complete collection of Lincoln cents brings together 4 ALL NEW designs in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, plus all the other Lincoln Pennies from 1909 to 2009, including the coveted 1909-VDB! Your collection begins with Issue One featuring a commemorative collectible panel with two 2009-KY pennies (one from each mint) and a FREE coin magnifier. Soon after you will receive your first FREE custom-designed Lincoln Bicentennial coin collector album and Issue Two, 2 collectible panels with 4 Lincoln coins. Additional panels and coins, in sets of 2 panels with 4 coins, each a separate issue, will follow.‡Enjoy a century of coins with this remarkable Abraham Lincoln coin collection, a Bradford Exchange Mint exclusive. The Lincoln Pennies in this collection span some remarkable times in U.S. history including WWII, the Civil Rights Era and the Moon landing. Each panel in your collection contains vivid narrative to bring the story of America to life, year by year. And as part of your complete collection you will receive the 1909-VDB (Victor David Brenner) penny, which was the first penny ever to feature the initials of the designer! Soon after its release, the US Mint stopped minting coins with the initials because there was rioting in the streets, making this a rare and coveted penny. Strong demand is expected for this remarkable penny collection, and you don't want to miss out. Order now! |
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1974 YEAR SET- 6 COINS- IKE DOLLAR KENNEDY HALF WASHINGTON QUARTER DIME NICKEL LINCOLN CENT-- ALL DATED 1974 IN A PLASTIC DISPLAY. $1000 1974 YEAR SET- 6 COINS- IKE DOLLAR KENNEDY HALF WASHINGTON QUARTER DIME NICKEL LINCOLN CENT-- ALL DATED 1974 IN A PLASTIC DISPLAY. |
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1978 YEAR SET-6 COINS -IKE DOLLAR KENNEDY HALF WASHINGTON QUARTER DIME NICKEL LINCOLN CENT- ALL DATED 1978 ENCASED IN A PLASTIC DISPLAY $1000 1978 YEAR SET-6 COINS -IKE DOLLAR KENNEDY HALF WASHINGTON QUARTER DIME NICKEL LINCOLN CENT- ALL DATED 1978 ENCASED IN A PLASTIC DISPLAY |
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U.S. Small Cent Types Collectible Coins $179 Own every U.S. Small Cent type ever minted! Available exclusively from The Bradford Exchange Mint, this set brings together all four U.S. small cent types ever minted. These collectible coins include the Flying Eagle Cent (1856-1858), the Indian Head Cent (1859-1909), the Lincoln "Wheat Back" Cent (1909-1958), and the Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008).Your magnificent coins will arrive protected in a deluxe display folio allowing you to view both the obverse and reverse of the coin while enjoying a wealth of historical information and little known facts about these important American coins. High demand is expected for this once-in-a-lifetime collectible penny set, so don't delay. Order now! |
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Lincoln Legacy Coin Collection $23 Never To Be Minted Again! Spanning more than 100 years of Lincoln history on U.S. coins! Beautifully showcasing his life, from his humble log cabin beginnings, to his political career, to the creation of his memorial and presidential library, the coin set folder includes the following: Lincoln Presidential $1 coin; Lincoln Wheat Cent, "War" Penny, Lincoln Memorial Cent; all 4 bicentennial 2009 Lincoln cents (uncirculated), and the 2010 shield cent (uncirculated). A must-have for history buffs and coin collectors alike. |
Complete Lincoln Cent Collection with Keys and Varieties.