The 1916 Lincoln cent comes from an early chapter in the long-running series.
The United States Mint struck these pennies with the classic design by Victor David Brenner.
Denver produced a portion of the pennies that year, adding a small "D" mintmark under the date.
These coins were made for everyday spending in pockets and cash registers across the country.
Most pieces circulated heavily during the early decades of the twentieth century.
Finding an early Denver wheat penny that escaped wear is a tough challenge for collectors.
It is even rarer to find one that kept its bright copper surfaces without turning brown over time.
A premier example of this coin appeared at an event hosted by Heritage Auctions (HA).
Professional coin graders certified the piece at an extraordinary Mint State 67 Red (MS67 RD).
The coin crossed the auction block with an impressive result of 02/16.
A grade of 67 sits at the top tier of preservation for any early copper coin.
It means the surfaces show virtually no contact marks, scratches, or manufacturing flaws under inspection.
The "RD" designation stands for Full Red, meaning the coin keeps its original fiery copper luster.
Bidders compete fiercely when a coin combines a high numeric grade with vibrant original color.
Age and survival condition are the biggest factors behind this high auction record.
Copper is a very reactive metal that naturally darkens as it meets air and moisture.
Over a century after striking, most surviving 1916 pennies are dark brown or heavily toned.
Only a tiny fraction of the original mintage survived in pristine, fully red condition.
Collectors who build top-ranked registry sets need the highest grade available for every date.
When an issue from the 1910s appears in such clean condition, high demand pushes prices up.
A typical worn penny from pocket change will not bring these high-end results.
You can check your own wheat cent with a few simple inspection steps.
Use a lighted magnifying glass or a ten-power jeweler loupe to examine both sides.
Look on the front of the coin directly below the date 1916 on the right side.
You want to see a clear, raised "D" letter that shows it was made at the Denver Mint.
If there is no letter below the date, the coin was struck at the main mint in Philadelphia instead.
Check Abraham Lincoln's cheek, jawline, and coat shoulder for signs of rubbing or dull spots.
Look at the wheat stalks on the back to see if the fine grain lines are still sharp and distinct.
If you want a quick starting check, you can scan your coin using Coin Value Checker or CoinKnow on your smartphone.
Pay close attention to the overall color of the metal under good lighting.
A bright orange or reddish coin shows original mint surface state, while brown coins show regular age.
Keep your coin in a protective plastic holder to prevent skin oils from causing spots.
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