The United States Mint struck this Lincoln Cent in 1947.
It carries the classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
San Francisco produced this piece, which you can tell by looking for the small S mark below the date.
By 1947, standard bronze metal had returned to the cent after wartime composition changes.
Millions of these pennies left the San Francisco facility for everyday pocket change.
Most of them circulated heavily as people spent them on daily goods.
Only a tiny fraction stayed in pristine condition over the decades.
This particular coin kept its original copper color and never saw daily use.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale of this standout penny.
The coin was certified at a grade of 68 with a full red designation.
A grade of 68 means the coin is almost flawless to the naked eye.
You need strong magnification just to spot the tiniest contact marks or surface flaws.
The RD label stands for Red, meaning it kept at least ninety-five percent of its original mint luster.
Bidders competed fiercely to own one of the finest known survivors of this issue.
Top-tier collectors pay high sums when a common date appears in nearly perfect condition.
Certified holders protect coins like this and verify their true state for serious buyers.
Finding a regular 1947-S wheat penny in change is relatively easy.
Finding one preserved at the absolute top grade level is an entirely different challenge.
Copper is an active metal that reacts quickly to air, moisture, and touch.
Over time, bright red copper naturally oxidizes and turns brown or spotted.
Bag marks from the minting process also ruined most coins before they even left the mint.
Pennies knocked into each other inside heavy canvas bags, leaving tiny dings on Lincoln's cheek and fields.
To survive without scratches, fingerprints, or tarnish requires extraordinary luck and careful storage.
Collectors building complete Lincoln sets want the highest grade possible for every single slot.
When multiple registry set collectors chase the same top-grade coin, prices rise fast.
Start by checking the front of the coin right below the 1947 date.
Look for a clear S mint mark indicating San Francisco production.
If there is no letter below the date, the Philadelphia Mint made your penny instead.
Next, examine the overall color of the surfaces under good lighting.
True red coins show a bright orange-copper glow rather than dull brown or dark red-brown tones.
Use a jeweler's loupe with at least 5x magnification to inspect Lincoln's face and jacket.
Check the open flat areas of the coin for any small scratches, carbon spots, or wear.
Even light rubbing on the high points of the wheat ears will drop a coin out of top grades.
If you want a quick opinion before buying special tools, scan the piece with Coin Value Checker on your phone.
Keep in mind that typical pocket change finds will not match the quality of this record-setting piece.
Want a value without learning grading terms first? See the coin valuation app picks that held up in testing.