The United States Mint struck this Lincoln Cent in 1947.
By this time, post-war production was running at full speed to meet everyday commerce needs.
Pennies from this era were made from a standard bronze alloy after the wartime steel and shell-case experiments ended.
Lincoln cents feature the classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
Millions of these coins entered circulation, passing through hands and cash registers across the country.
Because of that heavy use, finding an uncirculated piece with its original copper luster is quite a challenge.
This particular date holds rank number 79 out of 200 on the list of valuable pennies.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale of this standout coin under lot record 01/25.
Professional coin graders certified this piece at a grade of 67 with a Red designation.
On the standard grading scale, 67 represents a coin in superb condition with virtually no flaws.
The RD label means the penny retains at least ninety-five percent of its original bright copper color.
HA presented the coin to high-end collectors who compete for registry-set quality specimens.
Top grades like this one are extremely rare for post-war copper cents.
The final winning bid reflected just how difficult it is to find this date in such a pristine state.
Condition rarity is the main factor behind the strong price of this 1947 penny.
While the overall mintage for the year was high, most of those coins quickly wore down in pocket change.
Copper is a very reactive metal that oxidizes easily over time.
Exposure to air and moisture turns bright red pennies brown or spotted within just a few years.
Finding an example that avoided contact marks, bag scratches, and discoloration for decades is exceptionally unusual.
Dedicated Lincoln cent collectors want the finest known pieces for their personal sets.
When an example certified at grade 67 comes up for sale, serious bidders are willing to pay a major premium.
Start by looking closely at the date on the front right side of the coin to confirm it reads 1947.
You will need a good magnifying glass and strong lighting to check the surface quality.
Examine the high points of Lincoln's cheekbone and the wheat ears on the reverse for any signs of wear.
Look at the color of the metal to see if it still shows full mint brilliance rather than a dull brown tone.
If you want a fast way to check a coin from change, a phone app like CoinKnow can do the first pass for you.
Check the fields around the portrait for tiny nicks, hairline scratches, or carbon spots.
Most 1947 pennies found in old jars or pocket change are circulated and worth only face value or a few cents.
Only coins certified in top mint-state condition by major grading services command record-level prices.
If you go coin roll hunting, the coin valuation app tools we tested side by side speeds up the sorting.