The 1937 US one cent coin, also known as the Lincoln Wheat penny, is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. With a mintage of over 1.4 billion coins, it's not particularly rare, but certain varieties and conditions can make some specimens highly valuable. As a numismatist with over a decade of experience, I'm excited to share some secrets about this iconic coin.
First introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat penny was designed by Victor David Brenner and featured a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. The 1937 issue is notable for its high mintage and widespread circulation, which has made it a staple in many coin collections. However, some collectors seek out specific varieties, such as those with errors or unique characteristics.
Understanding the 1937 US One Cent Coin
The 1937 US one cent coin is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, with a diameter of 19.05 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. It has a weight of 3.11 grams and features a plain edge. The coin's design is simple yet elegant, with Lincoln's profile on the obverse and the wheat stalks on the reverse. The mint mark is located on the reverse, below the wheat stalks, and can be one of several locations, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
Valuable Varieties of the 1937 US One Cent Coin
While the 1937 US one cent coin is not particularly rare, some varieties are highly sought after by collectors. These include:
| Variety | Description | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 D | Denver mint mark | 95,000,000 | $0.10-$1.00 |
| 1937 S | San Francisco mint mark | 41,400,000 | $0.20-$2.00 |
| 1937 Doubled Die | Doubled die error | Unknown | $100-$500 |
Condition and Grading
The condition and grading of a 1937 US one cent coin can greatly impact its value. Coins that are well-preserved and have minimal wear can command higher prices than those that are worn or damaged. The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale is commonly used to grade coins, with MS-65 being the highest grade for a circulated coin.
Key Factors in Grading
When grading a 1937 US one cent coin, several factors are considered, including:
- Surface quality: The coin's surface should be free of scratches, dents, and other imperfections.
- Color: The coin's color should be a natural, even brown or red.
- Luster: The coin's luster should be original and not artificially enhanced.
- Strike: The coin's strike should be sharp and well-defined.
Key Points
- The 1937 US one cent coin has a mintage of over 1.4 billion coins.
- Certain varieties, such as the 1937 Doubled Die error, can be highly valuable.
- The condition and grading of a coin can greatly impact its value.
- The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale is commonly used to grade coins.
- Surface quality, color, luster, and strike are key factors in grading a coin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1937 US one cent coin is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. While it's not particularly rare, certain varieties and conditions can make some specimens highly valuable. As a numismatist, I hope this article has provided valuable insights into the world of coin collecting and the secrets of the 1937 US one cent coin.
What is the mintage of the 1937 US one cent coin?
+The mintage of the 1937 US one cent coin is over 1.4 billion coins.
What makes the 1937 Doubled Die error so valuable?
+The 1937 Doubled Die error is highly prized among collectors due to its rarity and unique characteristics.
How is the condition and grading of a coin determined?
+The condition and grading of a coin are determined by factors such as surface quality, color, luster, and strike.