The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
Numismatic Rarity
Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
Relative Rarity By Type
Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
Relative Rarity By Series
Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
David Hall:
The 1912-S, like all early S-mint Lincolns, is a scarce semi-key date in all grades. It is rare in mint state and very rare in gem full red condition. The strike can be somewhat soft. Interestingly, the color on the 1911 to 1915 S-mints is usually quite light. It has been speculated that an off-alloy was in use in San Francisco during those years. So the color on gems is light. I have never seen a 1912-S Lincoln cent that I would grade MS66RD.
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