The 2004-D Lincoln cent is a modern penny struck at the Denver Mint.
It carries the classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back.
Modern pennies like this one are made with a zinc core coated in a thin layer of pure copper.
Billions of these coins entered circulation to handle everyday pocket change across the country.
Because so many were made, finding a standard 2004-D penny in your change is very common.
Finding one in pristine, factory-fresh condition is a completely different challenge.
Collectors pay close attention to this issue when it survives without a single noticeable flaw.
The "RD" label stands for Red, which means the coin still shows its original bright copper luster.
A remarkable example of the 2004-D RD penny crossed the block through BM.
The coin sold for a record price logged in the database as 11/08.
Professional coin graders certified this piece at a grade of Mint State 69.
The standard grading scale runs up to 70, making a grade of 69 almost perfect.
A coin at this grade level shows no visible contact marks or scratches under low magnification.
It also keeps its full, brilliant red surface with no dark spots or toning.
High-end registry set collectors often compete aggressively for coins that reach near-perfect grades.
That intense bidding pressure is how a modern penny can set an eye-catching auction record.
Most 2004-D pennies are only worth their face value of one cent.
The high value of this specific coin comes down entirely to condition rarity.
When the mint produces billions of coins, the pieces drop into large bins and bang against each other.
This automated handling process leaves tiny nicks and bag marks on almost every fresh coin.
The thin copper plating on modern zinc cents is also very soft and easy to scratch.
On top of that, copper reacts quickly to moisture and air, which causes spots and dull color.
Very few coins make it from the coin press into a holder without picking up minor defects.
Because a grade of 69 is so hard to find for modern cents, serious collectors are willing to pay top dollar for it.
To inspect a 2004-D cent, start by checking the date on the front of the coin.
You will see "2004" stamped to the right of Lincoln's chest, just below his profile.
Look directly below the date for a small "D" mint mark.
The "D" tells you that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint rather than Philadelphia.
Use a 5x or 10x magnifying glass under a good desk lamp to inspect the surfaces.
Check the open fields of the coin and Lincoln's cheek for tiny contact marks, dings, or discoloration.
The coin must have a rich, uniform copper luster without any dark spots or fingerprints to qualify as Red.
You can use CoinKnow or Coin Value Checker on your phone to scan the coin and get a quick starting idea of what you have.
Always remember that coins pulled from everyday pocket change almost never achieve top grades like 69.
Only an uncirculated penny that has been carefully protected since the day it was struck can reach that level.
For a second opinion in seconds, take a look at the coin valuation app picks that held up in testing.