The United States Mint struck this Lincoln Cent in 2018 at the Denver branch.
It carries the modern Union Shield reverse design that was first introduced to the series back in 2010.
The front shows the classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has appeared on American pennies since 1909.
Billions of these zinc-core pennies leave the mint facilities every single year.
Because they are made for pocket change, almost every piece enters immediate circulation.
Finding an ordinary 2018 penny in your change is an everyday event.
Finding one preserved in museum-quality condition is a completely different story.
This particular piece holds the 45th spot on our list of notable Lincoln Cent sales.
This 2018-D cent sold through the auction house EA for a recorded price of 7/19.
A professional grading service certified the coin at an extraordinary Mint State 69 Red.
Coins are graded on a standard scale that runs from 1 all the way up to 70.
A grade of 69 means the coin is virtually flawless under magnification.
You can barely find a single microscopic contact mark or surface flaw anywhere on the piece.
The "RD" designation stands for Red, meaning the coin retains its original full copper luster.
When high-grade modern coins appear at public auction, registry set collectors compete aggressively to win them.
That strong competitive bidding leads to standout prices for coins that would otherwise be worth just face value.
Modern pennies are produced at high speed and dumped into massive metal bins.
This heavy industrial process creates tiny scratches and bag marks on almost every planchet before the coins even leave the building.
The zinc core of modern pennies is also prone to spotting and rapid oxidation once exposed to open air.
Because of these factors, the vast majority of uncirculated pieces will top out at grades like Mint State 65 or 66.
Reaching a certified grade of 69 requires a level of preservation that is nearly impossible for a modern business strike.
This coin is a classic example of condition rarity.
The value does not come from a low total mintage or an unusual die error.
The premium exists purely because this individual coin escaped all handling marks and environmental damage.
Collectors who build top-ranked registry sets need the highest grade available, and they pay top dollar to own it.
You can start by checking the date on the front of the coin directly below Lincoln's chest.
Look for the small "D" mint mark stamped just beneath the 2018 numerals.
Next, examine the surfaces under a bright light source using a 10x jeweler loupe.
Look for any sign of wear on Lincoln's cheekbone, jawline, and the high points of his coat.
Check the reverse side to make sure the vertical stripes on the Union Shield are crisp and unblemished.
You must also check the overall color of the copper plating across both sides.
To qualify for a Red designation, the coin must show bright, glowing copper with no dark spots or brown toning.
If you want a quick check on your pocket change, you can scan the piece with CoinKnow to get a baseline idea of what you have.
Always keep in mind that a standard 2018-D penny pulled from circulation is worth only one cent.
Reaching this level of value requires professional third-party grading and an essentially perfect surface.
If you are pressed for time, this comparison of every coin valuation app worth trying is the efficient route.