The 2019 Shield cent is one of the newest entries on the list of valuable pennies.
The Philadelphia Mint struck billions of these zinc coins with a thin copper plating.
Because it was made in Philadelphia, it carries no mint mark below the date.
The front shows the familiar portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has been used for over a century.
The back features the Union Shield design, which replaced the Memorial building back in 2010.
Coins like this are classified as Red, meaning they keep their bright, original copper luster from the day they left the press.
Most modern pennies enter daily circulation immediately, but a few get saved in untouched condition right away.
In December 2021, an extraordinary example of this modern cent hit the market.
The piece was sold through an eBay Auction for a final price of $2,575.
Professional coin graders certified the penny at an elite grade of MS-69 Red.
Mint State grades run on a scale from 60 up to a perfect 70.
An MS-69 rating means the coin is almost flawless under magnification.
It can only have the tiniest microscopic contact marks, with full strike detail and vibrant luster across both sides.
Bidders fought hard over this particular piece because modern coins at the MS-69 level are extremely tough to find.
High prices for recent pennies come down to condition rarity rather than low production numbers.
The US Mint produces billions of Lincoln cents every single year.
Modern production machines run at high speeds, dropping freshly struck coins into large metal bins.
This rough handling causes tiny scratches, contact nicks, and bag marks on almost every piece before it ever leaves the mint.
Zinc cents also react quickly to moisture in the air, which often creates dark spots or discoloration on the plating.
Finding a modern penny that escaped all contact marks and environmental damage is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Registry set collectors compete fiercely to own the single highest-graded examples of modern dates.
That competition pushes top-tier certified coins to thousands of dollars, even if the average pocket change version is only worth one cent.
You can search for top-quality specimens right out of fresh bank rolls or mint sets.
Start by confirming the date reads 2019 on the right side of Lincoln's portrait.
Look underneath the date to ensure there is no mint mark letter, which confirms it was made in Philadelphia.
Check the reverse to make sure it carries the Union Shield design.
Inspect the copper surfaces under a bright light using a 5x or 10x magnifying glass.
The entire surface must show an unbroken, fiery red color with zero brown toning or dark carbon spots.
You must also examine the high points on Lincoln's cheek, coat, and hair for any faint scuffs or dings.
If you want a fast way to review your pocket change, you can scan your coin with Coin Value Checker or CoinKnow on your phone to get started.
Keep in mind that finding an everyday 2019 penny in your change will not bring a windfall.
Only the absolute finest, near-perfect examples sent to grading companies can reach these record-setting sums.
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