The United States Mint in Denver struck this Lincoln Cent in 2014.
It carries the modern Union Shield reverse design on the back.
Like other modern cents, it is made of copper-plated zinc.
The "RD" label means the coin kept its original bright red copper color.
Billions of these coins enter circulation, but almost none stay in flawless shape.
This particular coin shows that even everyday pocket change can become special under the right conditions.
In March 2023, an exceptional example of this coin sold in an eBay Auction.
The winning bidder paid $2,599 for the piece.
The coin was certified in a grade of MS-69 Red.
Mint State 69 is just one single point away from absolute perfection.
At this grade, a coin must have full original luster and almost no visible flaws under magnification.
High-grade modern pennies attract intense bidding when they reach the market.
This coin is valuable entirely because of condition rarity.
The Denver Mint made huge quantities of cents in 2014, so the date itself is common.
However, modern high-speed minting presses often leave tiny marks, spots, or scratches on new coins.
Zinc cents are also prone to plating bubbles and quick discoloration.
Finding a 2014-D cent that escaped all contact marks and oxidation is extremely difficult.
Registry set collectors compete fiercely to own the highest-graded example known for every single date.
That collector demand pushes prices into four figures for near-perfect specimens.
Start by checking the date on the front right side of the coin for 2014.
Look directly below the date for a small "D" mint mark, which shows it was struck in Denver.
Turn the coin over to confirm it has the Union Shield design on the reverse.
Modern cents weigh exactly 2.5 grams on a digital scale due to their zinc core.
Use a 10x magnifying loupe to inspect the surfaces for any tiny scratches, contact hits, or carbon spots.
The coin must show full, bright copper color with no brown fading to earn the Red designation.
If you are sorting through loose change, the CoinKnow app can do the first pass for you.
Keep in mind that pocket change pulled from circulation will not grade MS-69.
Only coins preserved straight from original mint sets or uncirculated rolls have a real chance at top-tier grades.
Want a sanity check on your own read? the free coin identifier apps picks that held up in testing can confirm it.
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