The Denver Mint struck millions of Lincoln cents in 1963.
These pennies were made from a standard bronze alloy containing 95 percent copper.
Each coin bears the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back.
Coins struck in Denver feature a small "D" mint mark right below the date.
Most 1963-D pennies entered daily circulation and changed hands for decades.
Because so many were made, finding a common 1963-D penny in your pocket change is very easy.
Finding one that survived in pristine, fully red condition is a completely different story.
A pristine 1963-D Lincoln cent sold for $8,338 at a Heritage Auctions sale held in February 2016.
The coin was certified by professional graders at the lofty grade of MS-67 Red.
The "MS" stands for Mint State, meaning the penny never circulated in daily commerce.
A grade of 67 means the coin has nearly flawless surfaces and an outstanding strike.
The "Red" or "RD" designation confirms that the copper retains its full original fiery luster.
Serious collectors will pay thousands of dollars for a top-grade registry coin like this one.
Most circulated examples of this date sell for only a few cents, making this auction result exceptional.
The main driver of value for this penny is condition rarity rather than overall mintage.
The Denver Mint produced huge quantities of cents in the early 1960s.
Mint workers shoveled these freshly struck coins into large heavy canvas bags for transport.
This rough handling caused the coins to slam into each other repeatedly.
As a result, almost every 1963-D penny left the mint with noticeable nicks, scrapes, and bag marks.
Copper is also a chemically reactive metal that turns brown quickly when exposed to air and moisture.
To survive six decades without surface damage or oxidation requires near-miraculous preservation.
Only a tiny handful of 1963-D pennies have ever qualified for the MS-67 Red grade level.
Start by looking at the date on the right side of Lincoln's bust to confirm it reads 1963.
Look directly below the date to find the "D" mint mark representing the Denver Mint.
Weigh the coin on a small digital scale to verify it weighs around 3.1 grams.
Inspect the color of the copper under a good desk lamp.
A valuable example must have full natural red color rather than a dull brown or red-brown tone.
Grab a 5x or 10x magnifying glass to look closely at Lincoln's cheek, jaw, and jacket.
Check the smooth fields around the portrait for tiny scratches, contact marks, or dark spots.
Even a single tiny scratch or hairline mark will drop the coin below the elite MS-67 grade.
If you are not sure what you have, you can use Coin Value Checker to get a quick first assessment.
Keep in mind that high auction records belong to verified, third-party graded coins with flawless surfaces.
For a quick, no-fuss estimate, this comparison of every free coin identifier apps worth trying is worth a look.
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