Assuming it is real it is much better than VF by current standards. I would call it XF45. It would make a great album coin. The 1931-S cent is not rare as most were hoarded shortly after they were issued (the great majority are found in high grades) but it is always popular. Because it is raw and not slabbed it should be discounted somewhat versus what a slabbed coin would bring.
I'm not an expert on authenticating so I will have to leave that to someone who is. Others on this forum probably are. Let's hope they view this post and give their opinion.
@Matthew17 .... Welcome aboard.... I am not a Lincoln cent expert either.... though it does look authentic and in the XF range....We do have experts here which will likely give their opinion shortly. Cheers, RickO
@Jimnight said: @MFeld
I was comparing the OPs cent which is on the left to the genuine cent on the right ...
I'm not sure the S is the same.
Your thoughts?
As mentioned, I can’t tell from that picture provided by the OP. However, he has since posted a clearer picture and the mintmark looks OK to me.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Comments
Assuming it is real it is much better than VF by current standards. I would call it XF45. It would make a great album coin. The 1931-S cent is not rare as most were hoarded shortly after they were issued (the great majority are found in high grades) but it is always popular. Because it is raw and not slabbed it should be discounted somewhat versus what a slabbed coin would bring.
Do you think its real I'm buying from somebody that sells coins.
I'm not an expert on authenticating so I will have to leave that to someone who is. Others on this forum probably are. Let's hope they view this post and give their opinion.
Ok thank you
@Matthew17 .... Welcome aboard.... I am not a Lincoln cent expert either.... though it does look authentic and in the XF range....We do have experts here which will likely give their opinion shortly. Cheers, RickO
It looks like a genuine coin but I can’t tell whether the mintmark has been added. Compare it to pictures of graded examples here: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1931-s-1c-rd/2620
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Looks ok to to me they have one on pcgs where the mint mark looks the same. But like to have other people check to.
I'm trying to get a upclose picture of the s mint mark
What do you think?

I’d pay attn to Mark
Those pictures don’t show the differences between a genuine 1931-S and one with an added mintmark.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@MFeld

I was comparing the OPs cent which is on the left to the genuine cent on the right ...
I'm not sure the S is the same.
Your thoughts?
the relief on the date-mm are different. it distorts things
does it look added? I don't think so.
Here is a new picture of the coin
As mentioned, I can’t tell from that picture provided by the OP. However, he has since posted a clearer picture and the mintmark looks OK to me.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Based on the new picture, my guess is that the mintmark is OK.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
When comparing the two, what I feel makes the S look different is the nick in the topmost of the S. I think it looks ok.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Looks good from here. VF30-35. When in doubt send to our hosts.
The coin looks XF to me. But even if it is, the cost of grading and postage would be a significant portion if its value.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I think the reverse is too weak to make xf. obv. may be xf.
If genuine...and I think it probably is based on the 2nd image...it's probably a $70 coin. Not worth the grading cost. But a decent coin for an album.
Here are pix shown so far, along with a genuine '31-S date & MM.
Lance.
The coin would be going into my lincoln cent album.
A wise move and a nice addition for your album.
Thank you I paid 65 for it.
When I was a kid it was very possible to find a 31S in circulation. I never found one but my buddy did, we were over the moon. Cool coin.
I think it's genuine but won't straight grade because of the reverse rim nicks, which are not heavy but numerous.
Thank yall