The 2021 Shield penny is part of the long-running Lincoln cent series.
The United States Mint struck these modern pennies for daily commerce across the country.
The front shows the familiar portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has been in use since 1909.
The back features the Union shield design, which represents national unity.
Modern pennies like this are struck on zinc cores coated with a thin outer layer of pure copper.
Because billions are made each year, finding a 2021 penny in your pocket change is very common.
However, coins with the full original red copper luster are the ones collectors seek out.
The "RD" label stands for Red, meaning the coin retains almost all of its bright, freshly minted color.
This particular coin sits at rank 80 out of 200 on our top list.
A pristine example of this modern penny sold through the auction house EA.
The recorded winning figure for this transaction is 9/23.
Professional grading services certified the coin at a grade of 68.
On the standard 70-point numismatic grading scale, a 68 represents near perfection.
A coin at this tier has virtually no visible flaws, contact marks, or hairline scratches.
It also keeps its full, brilliant red mint bloom across both sides.
Public sales like the one at EA establish benchmark numbers for ultra-high-grade modern strikes.
These auction results show what dedicated registry set builders are willing to pay for top-pop examples.
Modern pennies are produced in massive quantities, which usually keeps values modest.
The value here comes almost entirely from condition rarity.
When coins leave the coin presses, they drop into large collection bins and collide with each other.
These contact hits create tiny nicks, bag marks, and surface blemishes within seconds of production.
Copper-plated zinc planchets are also very sensitive to environmental exposure and moisture.
Most 2021 pennies develop carbon spots, finger oils, or milk spots shortly after entering circulation.
Finding a strike that escaped all contact marks and preserved its full red color is rare.
Registry collectors compete fiercely to own the single finest known examples of every modern date.
This intense competition drives top prices for grades like Mint State 68.
A regular 2021 penny pulled from everyday change will not bring high collector premiums.
Start by finding a bright, indirect light source and a clean surface.
Hold the coin strictly by its edges so your fingers do not leave skin oils on the fields.
Take a 5x or 10x jewelers loupe to inspect the open fields on both sides of the coin.
Look carefully at Lincoln's cheek and jawline, as these high points suffer contact marks first.
Flip the piece over and examine the flat vertical stripes on the Union shield for scrapes.
Verify that the surfaces show bright orange-red luster without any dark spotting or haze.
If you are not sure what you have, you can scan the coin with CoinKnow or Coin Value Checker for a fast first pass.
These mobile tools help you confirm the date and give you a general idea of the strike quality.
Do not clean your penny with chemicals or cloths, because wiping the metal will ruin its collector value.
Keep flawless specimens in rigid plastic holders to protect the delicate copper plating from the air.
The fastest way to get a number is to scan it — see our roundup of the best coin valuation app options.