1928 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

The 1928 Lincoln Wheat Cent, particularly the 1928 1C BN (Brown), is an intriguing coin for collectors, both in terms of its historical context and its collectible appeal. The mint for the 1928 1C BN is the Philadelphia Mint, which is notable for having produced a considerable number of these coins during its minting year. ### Mintage and Rarity The 1928 Lincoln Wheat Cent had a significant mintage of 134,116,000 coins. Despite this relatively high mintage, the survival rates in high grades, such as MS65 and above, remain low. This scarcity in top conditions adds an element of rarity for collectors seeking higher-end examples. The PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) assigns the coin the number 2573 for identification and grading purposes. ### Historical Insight From a numismatic standpoint, the 1928 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a representation of the economic environment leading up to the Great Depression. Despite being a common date in lower grades, its historical backdrop adds to its allure. During this period, America was on the brink of massive economic change, which can add a narrative layer to the coin's appeal. ### Value In terms of value, the 1928 1C BN's worth is significantly influenced by its condition. Circulated examples in lower grades sell at lower prices, typically ranging between a few cents to a few dollars. However, uncirculated examples, especially those in MS65 or higher conditions, can fetch premium prices. Auction sales have demonstrated these trends. For example, pristine examples have been sold in the range of several hundred dollars, potentially up to a few thousand, depending on their eye appeal and specific mint state. ### Notable Sales 1. **High-grade examples of the 1928 1C BN** have occasionally appeared in prominent auctions, reaching impressive prices based on condition alone. Particular coins in MS66 or MS67 have caught the eye of serious collectors, leading to significant bidding during auctions, resulting in four-figure price points. 2. **Heritage Auctions and notable auction houses** have documented significant transactions involving this coin. For instance, coins that possess an attractive patina or unique character in their brown toning appeal exceptionally to collectors, impacting their final sale prices favorably. ### Numismatic Appeal From the perspective of a numismatist, the 1928 Wheat Cent in BN is an accessible entry point for collectors interested in the Wheat Cent series, which ran from 1909 to 1958. The coin's representation of Abraham Lincoln serves not only as a tribute to the 16th president but also as a historic piece linking to the early 20th century. Although it is not scarce in lower grades, the quest for well-preserved examples provides a challenge that continues to engage collectors and whets their interest in the historical and tangible connections to the past that these coins represent. ### Conclusion Incorporating the historical relevance, mintage details, and the market appeal of higher-grade specimens, the 1928 1C BN is a staple for collectors delving into early 20th-century American coinage. Its availability at entry-level prices combined with its potential for high value in rare conditions makes it both a timeless collector’s item and a reminder of an era marked by significant change. With the combination of availability, historical allure, and potential for significant auction sales, the 1928 Lincoln Cent remains a cornerstone in numismatic collections.