The 1931 S is one of a hand full of 1930 or later Lincoln Cents I do not have in mint state condition (and slabbed), so I for one appreciate these threads. The mint was not consistent throughout the 1930s in the style of "3" used for the decade, and that makes it all the more important to check on that part of the date.
It's not easy to find a decent looking 1931-S Lincoln.
They languished for years in mint bags before they were released due to the depression. It messed up the surface on most if you're looking for a nice uncirculated specimen.
Pete
"I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
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It does appear to be altered... Here is an obverse image. Cheers, RickO

The 1931 S is one of a hand full of 1930 or later Lincoln Cents I do not have in mint state condition (and slabbed), so I for one appreciate these threads. The mint was not consistent throughout the 1930s in the style of "3" used for the decade, and that makes it all the more important to check on that part of the date.
They did a heckuva job on the 2nd "1". Hope they don't do a 14D, we might be in trouble.
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.
Of course counterfiet - just compare to a real date.
Sorry for blurry copied photo........
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
Must be more of those out there than I thought.
Okay, now I have to go double check mine................................................................................again! 😂
Post a pic! It’s actually one of my favorite coins. Lots of MS ones out there, but finding them with nice eye appeal can be a challenge.
@coastaljerseyguy- Okay, thanks for that. I don't have a clue what I'm looking at. Let me go get the album and take some pictures. Standby..
Here you go @coastaljerseyguy- Either way, it could stand an upgrade.
(https://us.v-cdn.net/6027503/uploads/editor/5e/74mee9wk1a80.jpg "")
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
Here's mine its color fits perfectly in my old Meghrig Album(whenever I take it out of the holder) lol
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.
It's not easy to find a decent looking 1931-S Lincoln.
They languished for years in mint bags before they were released due to the depression. It messed up the surface on most if you're looking for a nice uncirculated specimen.
Pete
Oakstar, looks real to me. Looks like a nice set, I don’t think you need to upgrade the 31-S.
Thanks @Connecticoin