1911 1C Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse PCGS MS67+RD (CAC)

1911 1C Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse PCGS MS67+RD (CAC)--$14,500.00

      When one comes across a coin such as this, the first response is typically, "simply stunning." And it truly is. For the collector who only wants simply outstanding specimens, this should be on his or her bucket list. In his book The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents, David W. Lange writes, "...uncirculated coins of this date [1911] are more likely than previous P-mint cents to have unattractive toning or spotting...When gems are found, however, they more often than not have outstanding luster." This one certainly does. Fully red gems can be found, such as this example, but they command strong prices from registry set collectors. But they are definitely worth the price.

      In 1908 sculptor Victor David Brenner (1871-1924) was called from New York City to the nation’s capital to meet President Roosevelt and craft his image for a Panama Canal medal. “Mr. President, permit me to make a suggestion,” Brenner said to Roosevelt. “Please let the Lincoln head be adopted for the poor little cent piece. Let us thus try to endear Lincoln into the hearts of all our fellow beings in this country…To reverence him and become more familiar with that which he has done for us.” Without realizing it, Brenner, with his simple, heartfelt appeal, was requesting something quite revolutionary. The image of a president had never appeared on regular U.S. circulating coinage. Up to that point, it was Miss Liberty, in various forms and styles, that graced the obverse of American issues. Roosevelt liked Brenner’s idea of featuring Lincoln on the cent. The centennial of Lincoln’s birth (1809-1909) was approaching, and the Indian Head cent was more than 50 years old.