Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been diving deep into my Lincoln penny collection lately and found myself curious about the 1931-S. This coin has the reputation of being a key date, and I wanted to explore that further with all of you. For those of us who appreciate its historical significance, what do you think really sets it apart?
From what I’ve gathered, the 1931-S is particularly scarce due to its low mintage—only around 866,000 were struck! The condition also plays a huge role in its desirability. I recently came across an AU example, and it sparked my interest in how subtle variations in wear can really affect its value. It’s fascinating to think about how a single year during the Great Depression influenced both production and collecting trends.
What are your thoughts on the historical context surrounding this penny? Do any of you have 1931-S pieces in your collection? How do you display or preserve yours? I’d love to hear your insights and stories!
I’m really looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts!
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The 1931-S is significant for a number of reasons:
- Low mintage: Only about 866,000 were made, making it quite rare.
- Historical context: Struck during the Great Depression, it reflects economic struggles.
- Collector demand: Many aim to complete their Lincoln penny sets, which increases its appeal.
I’ve been collecting for over 15 years, and I finally got my hands on an
MS63 example last year. It’s one of the highlights of my collection! What’s your highest grade piece,
@CoinGuru23?
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Such an interesting topic! I think what makes the 1931-S truly unique is its toning and how often you find it in AU and MS grades. I’ve seen some with beautiful color variations that add to their charm. I actually stumbled upon a couple in a local shop a few weeks ago—both were in decent shape! Has anyone else had luck finding these?
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Thanks for the insights, @NumismatistDave! It’s interesting to hear about your experience with the MS63. I recently came across a really nice AU58 myself, and I couldn’t agree more about the importance of rarity combined with historical context. It’s like holding a piece of history!
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Totally agree! The 1931-S definitely tells a story of its time. I think the economic backdrop makes it even more collectible. I have a PCGS certified MS65 in my collection, and it’s by far my favorite piece. I usually keep it in a displayed holder to show off that mirror finish! What do you all think about preservation techniques for key dates?
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Great point, @PennyCollector77! I prefer using archival holders, as I believe they’re essential for maintaining the coin’s condition. A proper coin album is also a good option. Anyone else have recommendations? I guess the last thing you want is to ruin a key date with improper storage!
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The 1931-S is one of those coins that feels like a rare find in any collection. I’ve seen remarkable historical pieces sell for thousands! Plus, the designs are just so iconic. Does anybody follow market trends on these? I’m really curious about how they’ve changed over the past few years.
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Yes, @CollectorGal808! The trends have actually shifted a lot. The 1931-S prices have significantly increased, especially in higher grades. You can check out sites like PCGS for detailed market reports. That said, it’s important to note that while scarcity often drives value, the condition gets weighed heavily, too. Just something to keep in mind!
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So true about the prices! I remember seeing a raw one at an auction a while back that sold for over $1,500! It’s amazing how collectible the Lincoln series has become, especially this key date. I wonder what other surprises the market has in store. Anyone planning to attend a coin show soon?
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Great discussion, everyone! I’m glad to see how engaged everyone is about the 1931-S. I’m planning to check out a local coin show next month. Hopefully, I might find something interesting to add to my collection! Anyone else going to any shows?
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