The Denver Mint struck this Lincoln cent back in 1936.
The Lincoln cent series started in 1909 and remains one of the most collected coin lines in American history.
Bronze pennies from the 1930s saw heavy use during everyday trade in the Great Depression.
People spent almost every cent they could get, so finding an untouched survivor from Denver is very difficult.
The "D" mark beneath the date tells you this coin came straight from Colorado.
The "RD" label stands for Full Red, which means the copper kept its original bright color rather than turning brown with age.
This particular coin sits at rank 93 on our list of the most valuable coins.
Heritage Auctions sold a top-tier example of this Denver cent in an exceptional public sale.
Professional coin graders certified the piece at Mint State 68 with the full Red color designation.
The coin crossed the block with an auction record recorded under lot 01/25.
A grade of 68 is nearly perfect on the standard 70-point numismatic scale.
It means the coin has virtually no surface marks, brilliant original luster, and an extremely sharp strike.
Copper reacts quickly to air, moisture, and fingerprints, so reaching this grade after decades is remarkably tough.
Top collectors compete fiercely whenever a specimen this clean enters the auction room.
Value at this level comes down entirely to condition rarity.
Denver struck millions of pennies in 1936, but finding one without bag marks or oxidation is a different story.
Most 1936-D cents spent years rattling around in cash registers, pockets, and piggy banks.
Even among uncirculated rolls put aside at the time, small surface ticks and dull spots are common.
Copper naturally mellows from red to red-brown and finally to dark brown as it oxidizes.
Holding on to ninety-five percent of its blazing original mint red makes this coin stand out from nearly all survivors.
Lincoln cent registry set builders need the highest possible grades to build top-ranked collections.
That intense collector demand creates high prices for the finest known examples.
Your average pocket change find from 1936 will not bring this kind of money.
You can check your own coins at home with a few simple steps.
First, get a good light source and a 5x or 10x jeweler loupe.
Look right below the date on the front of the coin for a small "D" mintmark.
If there is no letter below the date, the Philadelphia Mint made it instead.
Inspect the high points of Lincoln cheek, jaw, and coat for any signs of graying or wear.
Check the color of the metal under daylight to see if it shows true copper-orange red or faded brown.
Scan the surfaces carefully for dark carbon spots, hairline scratches, or small contact hits.
A quick photo with Coin Value Checker can help you get a fast first opinion if you are unsure about the date or state of your coin.
Always hold the coin by its edges to prevent skin oils from damaging the delicate copper surface.
If you suspect you have an uncirculated piece with full red color, you should consider having a major third-party grading service certify it.
If you need a yes-or-no on whether to keep it, see the coin valuation app tools we tested side by side.