The 1988-D Lincoln cent is usually a very common coin found in everyday pocket change.
The Denver Mint struck millions of these copper-plated zinc pennies in 1988.
Near the end of that production year, something unusual happened with the reverse dies.
Mint workers accidentally paired a 1988 obverse die with a reverse design meant for the 1989 pennies.
This mix-up created a famous transitional variety known to collectors as the Flared G or FS-901.
Most 1988 pennies show the old reverse style used throughout the mid-1980s.
Only a small fraction of the coins struck in Denver carry the new reverse design early.
Because of this mistake, coin collectors actively hunt for this specific piece.
An exceptional example of this coin made headlines through EA auctions.
The coin was certified at a grade of Mint State 67, listed simply as 67 in the record.
The auction listing notes a record entry of 4/23 for this piece.
A grade of 67 means the penny is in superb condition with almost no noticeable surface flaws.
Coins struck on zinc planchets tend to develop spots and blemishes very easily.
Finding a modern transitional variety preserved in such a high state of preservation is uncommon.
Top-tier certified coins like this one regularly attract serious bids from specialized variety collectors.
A typical circulated piece pulled from pocket change will not bring record prices like a certified gem.
Transitional design varieties hold a special place in modern coin collecting.
Collectors love coins that show the Mint switching between two different designs.
The reverse design changed the shape of the designer initials located on the back of the coin.
Frank Gasparro designed the Lincoln Memorial reverse, and his initials appear as FG.
The standard 1988 reverse has plain, straight initials without extra serif details.
The 1989 style introduced a distinct flared shape to the letter G.
Finding that 1989 design on a coin dated 1988 proves the wrong die was used at the Mint.
Condition rarity also plays a major role in how much this variety sells for.
Most surviving examples circulated for years before anyone noticed the difference in the lettering.
High-grade survivors with clean surfaces and strong luster remain difficult to track down.
You can check your own 1988-D pennies by looking at one small area on the reverse.
Turn the coin over to the Lincoln Memorial side.
Look to the right of the memorial building, just past the bottom steps.
Find the small initials FG stamped into the metal.
Use a 10x magnifying glass or a jeweler loupe to get a clear view of the letters.
On a regular 1988 reverse, the vertical stroke of the G is plain and straight.
On the rare Flared G variety, the top of the letter G hooks down with a distinct serif.
The bottom curve of the G also flares outward with a sharp, noticeable hook.
You can use Coin Value Checker to scan your coins and get a quick initial read on what you have.
Be careful not to confuse regular die wear or mechanical doubling with the true flared design.
If the shape of the G matches the 1989 style, consider having the coin inspected by a professional grading service.
The practical choice for a full jar is which coin valuation app is worth installing.