The Philadelphia Mint struck this classic copper Lincoln cent in 1935.
Millions of these pennies went into daily circulation during the Great Depression.
People spent them on daily essentials, which caused most surviving coins to pick up heavy wear.
Because it comes from Philadelphia, there is no mint mark below the date.
Finding an example today that retained its original copper glow is what makes this issue stand out to collectors.
An exceptional example of this coin sold for $84,000 through Heritage Auctions.
The coin achieved this record price because professional graders certified it in top Mint State Red condition.
The Mint State grade means the penny never saw any circulation or handling wear.
The Red designation means the surfaces still show the bright, natural copper color from the day the coin was made.
Top collectors compete aggressively when a penny preserved at this high level appears on the market.
This coin is a true condition rarity from the mid-1930s in pristine full-red condition.
While standard 1935 pennies are common, nearly all of them turned brown over the decades.
Copper reacts quickly to oxygen, moisture, and oils from human hands.
Most pieces that escaped circulation still developed spots, stains, or dull surfaces.
A coin that kept completely clean surfaces and its original red luster is an extreme exception.
Lincoln cent enthusiasts want the highest-graded example possible for their registry sets.
That intense collector competition drives prices for the finest known specimens to incredible levels.
You can start your check by looking at the obverse side of the coin for the 1935 date.
Look closely right below the date to confirm there is no mint mark present.
Hold the coin under a good light source to examine the original color of the metal.
A valuable high-grade piece must show a full red color with near-perfect surfaces.
You should inspect Lincoln's cheek, jawline, and coat with a 5x or 10x magnifying glass.
Check for tiny scratches, bag marks, or signs of brown toning across both sides.
People often confuse normal worn, brown pennies with rare high-grade coins just because they share the same date.
If you want a fast way to check a coin you find, a phone app like CoinKnow or Coin Value Checker can do a quick first pass for you.
Keep in mind that typical pocket change finds will not command auction record prices.
Only flawless, certified coins with full original red color can reach top-tier values.
The shortcut to a value estimate is our roundup of the best free coin identifier apps options.
Upload a photo and get an instant value, grade estimate, and error check — no jargon, no sign-up required.