The 1916-D Lincoln cent is a better date, though it isn't necessarily a semi-key in the strictest sense as a few million exist across the entire grading spectrum. Given a respectable mintage and a substantial number of survivors, the 1916-D is among the earliest of branch-mint Lincoln cents that is encountered with some degree of regularity. Specimens are plentiful even into the uncirculated grades, though are quite scarce above MS64 or MS65.
| coinage-type | Lincoln, Wheat reverse (Bronze) |
| desg | MS |
| designer | Victor D. Brenner |
| diameter | 19 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 95% copper; 5% zinc & tin |
| mint-mark | D |
| mintage | 35,956,000 |
| ngc-id | 22BP |
| obverse-description | Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portrait and the date and mintmark (If any) positioned on the right side. |
| pcgs-link | 2489 |
| pcgs-number | 2489 |
| reverse-description | Wheat ears flanking the words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the top perimeter. |
| weight-grams | 3.11 |
| year-display | 1909-1958 |