The United States economy was all but decimated during the heart of the Great Depression, and lethargic spending habits suppressed the need for much new coinage during this period. Production of most US denominations was put on hiatus during the early 1930s, though Lincoln cents continued coming from the Philadelphia Mint, though at much smaller numbers than over much of the previous decade. Interestingly, the Philadelphia Mint made uncirculated 1931 Lincoln cents available for purchase to the public as late as 1934. This helped contribute to a relatively large supply of Mint State 1931 Philly cents, which are available in decent supply through MS65-66. The coin is very tough in MS67 and better grades.
| coinage-type | Lincoln, Wheat reverse (Bronze) |
| desg | MS |
| designer | Victor D. Brenner |
| diameter | 19 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 95% copper; 5% zinc & tin |
| mintage | 19,396,000 |
| ngc-id | 22D2 |
| 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 | 2612 |
| pcgs-number | 2612 |
| 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 |