The United States Mint struck this penny in 1999 at the main facility in Philadelphia.
It is part of the long-running Lincoln Cent series that collectors have studied for generations.
Coins made in Philadelphia during this era carry no mint mark under the date.
The coin was struck on a modern copper-plated zinc planchet.
Billions of these pennies left the mint and went straight into daily cash transactions.
Finding an ordinary 1999 penny in your pocket change is very easy.
Finding one preserved in pristine condition with full original red color is a completely different story.
Heritage Auctions sold a premier example of this coin in April 2006 for $138,000.
Professional coin graders certified the piece at MS-66 Red.
The "MS" stands for Mint State, which means the coin never circulated in commerce.
The number 66 places it firmly in the tier of premium uncirculated coins.
The "Red" designation means the copper retains nearly all of its original bright mint shine.
Most copper coins turn brown or develop spots shortly after leaving the mint presses.
Collectors compete fiercely when a coin of this standard appears at a public sale.
This piece stands as the undisputed king of modern Lincoln cents.
Modern pennies were struck at high speeds and dumped roughly into large metal bins.
The production process left contact marks and tiny dings on almost every single coin.
Because the mint made billions of them, few people thought to search for flawless copies at the time.
Achieving a grade of MS-66 Red on a regular 1999 cent is an extreme statistical anomaly.
PCGS has certified only one single example at this top grade level.
That level of condition rarity makes it a centerpiece coin for advanced registry set builders.
When multiple wealthy collectors need the same unique top-graded coin, prices rise fast.
Start by checking the date on the front of the coin to confirm it reads 1999.
Look just below the date to make sure there is no mint mark letter.
You can use Coin Value Checker on your phone to scan the coin and get a quick read on what you have.
Next, use a good magnifying glass with at least 5x magnification to inspect both sides.
Examine the bust of Lincoln, the flat fields, and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
To reach a top grade, the coin must have zero noticeable contact marks or scratches.
The surface needs to show full, brilliant copper-red luster without any dark spots, fingerprints, or dull brown toning.
Do not clean or wipe the coin with a cloth, since even soft fabrics cause micro-scratches.
Keep in mind that normal pocket change pennies are only worth face value, and only an elite certified coin commands record prices.
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