The Denver Mint struck millions of Lincoln Memorial pennies in 1996.
These modern cents were made with a zinc core coated in a thin layer of pure copper.
You can find the small letter D under the date on the front of the coin.
Most of these coins went straight into daily circulation and took on wear right away.
Finding a standard 1996-D penny in your pocket change is very easy.
Finding one preserved in nearly flawless condition is a completely different story.
Collectors pay close attention to this issue when it comes in its original bright red copper color.
A top-tier example of this coin drew major attention when it crossed the auction block.
The sale took place through the auction house BM.
This specific coin traded hands with a winning bid recorded at 11/08.
Professional grading services evaluated the piece and certified it at a remarkable grade 69.
The grade 69 means the coin is just one single point away from absolute perfection on the standard scale.
A coin at this level shows virtually zero contact marks, hairline scratches, or surface flaws under magnification.
It also holds the full RD designation, which stands for full original red luster.
Top-grade registry set collectors compete aggressively for pieces certified at this rare level.
Modern copper-plated zinc cents are very fragile surfaces.
The soft metal picks up bag marks and tiny hits during mint production and transport.
Zinc cents can also develop spotting and discoloration quickly when exposed to air and moisture.
Because so many were handled roughly, very few specimens survived without minor surface defects.
A grade of 69 is an extreme condition rarity for this date and mint mark.
Standard circulated copies of this coin are only worth their face value of one cent.
Only the finest certified survivors with full mint bloom command serious collector prices.
You can start checking your own coins under strong, direct lighting.
Use a 5x or 10x jeweler loupe to inspect the high points of Lincoln portrait.
Look closely at Lincoln cheek, jawline, and coat for any signs of friction or dull gray metal showing through.
Examine the reverse side around the Lincoln Memorial columns for tiny contact marks or dark spots.
A true RD coin must have bright, untarnished copper color across at least ninety-five percent of its surfaces.
Brown or faded pennies from this year will not qualify for top collector grades.
If you want a quick check on your pocket change, you can scan the piece with Coin Value Checker to see where to start.
A coin must be submitted to a major third-party grading service to verify a high-grade attribution.
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