The year 1922 is famous among Lincoln cent collectors for several unusual production quirks.
Only the Denver Mint struck pennies that year, but heavily worn dies led to some coins missing their mint mark entirely.
This particular piece is known as the 1922 Strong Reverse.
It comes from a die pair where the front details are weak, but the back design remains remarkably crisp.
The coin is also designated as RB, which stands for Red and Brown.
That means the copper surface still holds a good amount of its original mint luster mixed with natural mellow toning.
Cent varieties like this hold rank 16 out of 200 top Lincoln penny highlights.
This specific coin sold through the auction house ST.
The catalog record lists this sale at 01/08.
A professional grading service certified the piece at Grade 64.
A grade of 64 places the cent firmly in the Choice Uncirculated category.
To qualify for this level, a coin must show no signs of actual wear from circulation.
It can only show light contact marks or minor production flaws from the minting process.
Coins certified at this high standard attract serious bidding because so few survive in pristine shape.
Most 1922 cents spent decades passing through pocket change before anyone thought to save them.
Die varieties from 1922 are among the most heavily studied coins in American numismatics.
Mint workers in 1922 tried to extend the life of damaged dies by polishing them down.
This aggressive polishing erased details on the obverse while the reverse retained its sharp features.
Collectors refer to the sharpest of these pairings as the Strong Reverse variety.
Finding one with strong reverse details is difficult on its own.
Finding one that also retains bright original copper color with an RB designation is much harder.
Over time, raw copper reacts with the air and turns completely brown.
Because so few Choice Uncirculated examples exist, advanced set builders compete aggressively whenever one crosses the auction block.
You need a good light source and a 5x or 10x magnifying glass to inspect this coin properly.
Start by looking at the date on the front right side under Lincoln's bust.
Check the space beneath the date where the "D" mint mark normally sits.
Turn the coin over to inspect the reverse side carefully.
Look closely at the two wheat ears and the words "ONE CENT" in the center.
On a genuine Strong Reverse, the wheat lines and the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are sharply defined and clear.
Be careful not to confuse this variety with standard worn 1922 pennies that simply lost detail through heavy circulation.
If you are sorting through an old collection and want a quick second opinion, an app like Coin Value Checker can help you do a fast initial scan.
Remember that top auction records belong strictly to authenticated, high-grade coins.
Any potential high-value cent should eventually be examined in person by a recognized coin expert.
If you just want a rough figure today, this comparison of every coin valuation app worth trying will do it.