The Lincoln cent was still very new in 1910.
The United States Mint had just introduced the design a year earlier to honor Abraham Lincoln.
During this era, the Philadelphia Mint produced special proof coins for collectors using a unique method.
Instead of the mirror-like surfaces people see on modern proof coins, these pieces had a granular, matte finish.
Workers created this sandblast texture using specialized techniques on the dies and planchets.
Collectors of the day did not care for the dull look, so many were spent or stored poorly.
Today, these early matte proof pennies are viewed very differently by numismatists.
They represent an artistic experiment that the Mint only used for a short run of years.
A premier example of this date crossed the block through auction house LM.
The coin achieved a recorded price of 12/19 in that sale.
Professional grading services certified the coin at Proof 67 with a Red designation.
A grade of 67 means the coin is nearly pristine.
Under close study, a piece at this level shows virtually no contact marks, scratches, or manufacturing flaws.
The Red color grade confirms that the copper still carries its full original bright orange color.
Copper naturally turns brown over time as it reacts with air and moisture.
Keeping a delicate copper penny in this immaculate state for over a century is exceptionally rare.
Bidders compete aggressively whenever an elite specimen like this enters the market.
Several factors work together to drive the value of this piece.
The main factor is condition rarity.
Because early collectors often ignored matte proofs, few survived without handling marks or environmental damage.
Most pieces that survived drifted into lower proof grades or oxidized to brown.
Finding a survivor that still glows with full red color is a major challenge.
Lincoln cents also have one of the largest collector bases in American numismatics.
Advanced set builders compete directly against one another for the highest graded examples known.
When two serious collectors want the same top-tier coin, the final price can climb quickly.
It is important to remember that everyday pocket change will not bring prices like this.
Record prices belong strictly to certified coins that meet the absolute highest standards of preservation.
You need good lighting and proper magnification to examine a potential matte proof.
Use a jeweler loupe with at least 10x magnification to inspect the surface texture.
A genuine proof will show sharp, square edges along the rim.
The wire rim on these pieces stands up taller and crisper than the rounded rim on a standard circulation strike.
The fields should look evenly granular rather than smooth and shiny.
The design details on Lincoln coat, hair, and the wheat stalks on the back should appear razor sharp.
People often confuse well-struck regular pennies with true matte proofs.
If you want a fast initial read on your penny, a phone app like Coin Value Checker can help you take a closer look before you consult an expert.
Compare the coin against known die markers to verify its authenticity.
Because copper reacts easily to finger oils, always hold the coin by its edges.
Never clean or wipe the surface, as any friction will ruin the original matte texture permanently.
If you suspect you have a true proof, submit it to a major third-party grading service for authentication.
For a no-effort price check, take a look at the coin valuation app tools we tested side by side.