Penny Collection Album Appraisal

Lincoln Head Cent Collection Album (Whitman Publishing Co.)

This item is a four-panel coin album, referred to as a 'Lincoln Head Cent Collection' album, designed to house a series of Lincoln pennies. The overall item appears to be made of sturdy blue cardboard or thick paper, folded into four distinct sections. Each section features a grid of circular cutouts, specifically sized to hold U.S. one-cent coins (pennies). There are numerous pennies visible within the album, varying in color and apparent condition, from bright copper to darker, tarnished hues, indicating different levels of wear and patina. Some slots are empty, suggesting an incomplete collection. The album is branded with 'Lincoln Head Cent Collection' on the far-right panel, along with text describing the history of the Lincoln Cent, starting with its inception in 1909. The reverse side of this panel also includes instructions on how to insert and remove coins and indicates 'Whitman Publishing Company, Racine, Wisconsin' as the manufacturer. The visible text mentions the designer, Victor D. Brenner, and the change in composition over the years. The quality of craftsmanship appears to be standard for mass-produced coin albums, with cleanly cut holes and legible printing. There are no obvious signs of significant damage or repairs to the album itself, though some coins show heavy circulation wear. The estimated age of the collection, based on the coins and the album design, likely spans from the mid-20th century to possibly later, given that some coins appear to be more modern. The album's design, typical of Whitman coin folders, suggests a style period from the mid-20th century onwards, which aligns with common collecting practices for Lincoln Cents.