The Denver Mint struck this Lincoln penny back in 1937.
Lincoln cents from this era feature the familiar bust of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
The "D" mark beneath the date tells you that the coin was produced in Denver.
Coins made for daily circulation were handled roughly and spent quickly during the late 1930s.
Finding a standard 1937 penny is not difficult for most collectors.
Finding one that survived in pristine condition with its original copper luster is a completely different story.
Collectors label fully bright copper coins as "RD" or Full Red.
This particular coin represents one of the finest preserved survivors from that Denver mintage.
A premier example of the 1937-D RD Lincoln cent crossed the auction block through BM.
Bidding concluded with a recorded price of 8/06.
Professional coin graders certified this specific piece at an extraordinary Mint State 68 Red.
On a standard 70-point grading scale, a grade of 68 means the coin is almost flawless.
It shows virtually no contact marks, scratches, or signs of wear from handling.
A certified grade gives buyers complete confidence that the coin is genuine and preserved at the highest standard.
High-end registry set collectors compete aggressively whenever a top-tier coin appears at auction.
That strong competition is what pushed this piece to its recorded price.
Copper is a reactive metal that oxidizes and darkens very easily over time.
Most 1937-D cents turned brown or developed spots within a few decades of leaving the mint.
To qualify for the Red designation, a coin must keep nearly all of its original mint color.
Reaching a grade of 68 requires razor-sharp detail and spotless surfaces.
The overwhelming majority of surviving wheat pennies fall into much lower circulated grades.
True value in modern Lincoln cents comes down to extreme condition rarity.
Serious enthusiasts want the highest-graded coins available to complete their specialized collections.
Because coins of this quality appear on the market so rarely, collectors are willing to spend significant money when one becomes available.
Start by checking the front of your coin right below the date for a small "D" mint mark.
If there is no letter beneath 1937, the coin was made in Philadelphia instead of Denver.
Examine the overall color of the metal under good direct lighting.
A true Red cent should glow with bright orange-copper luster across both sides.
Use a 5x or 10x jeweler loupe to look closely at Lincoln's cheek, jaw, and jacket.
Check the wheat ears on the reverse for any signs of flattening or tiny bag marks.
Even tiny contact marks from other coins can quickly drop the grade below the elite level.
If you want a quick initial scan of your pocket change, the CoinKnow app can help you check the basics in seconds.
You can also snap a photo with the Coin Value Checker app to review what you have before taking it to a professional.
Keep in mind that common pocket change will almost always show wear and will not bring record-setting auction prices.
Only certified, near-perfect examples achieve these top-end auction results.
Want to let software do the matching? our roundup of the best coin valuation app options is designed for it.