Market Analysis: Rare MS-68 red Lincoln, Wheat cents
- Published: May 12, 2024, 5 PM

Copper coins are prone to spotting, so it’s unusual to see exceptionally well-preserved cents more than a century old. Stack’s Bowers’ March 26 Rarities Night session included a 1918 Lincoln cent graded Mint State-68 red by Professional Coin Grading Service that sold for $31,200. It is one of just three in this grade at PCGS from a mintage approaching 300 million, and it features rose-red color, a bold strike, and extraordinary eye appeal.
A few lots later, a 1945-D Lincoln cent graded MS-68 red that is also tied with two others as the finest at PCGS sold for $9,600. The cataloger noted, “Both sides are intensely lustrous with a satiny finish that is as bright, smooth and fresh as the day of striking,” and the high quality is especially remarkable given some of the issues the Denver Mint experienced in producing coins during World War II’s final year.
Connect with Coin World:
Sign up for our free eNewsletter
Access our Dealer Directory
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on X (Twitter)
Keep in touch on MyCollect - the social media platform for collectibles
Whether you’re a current subscriber or new, you can take advantage of the best offers on magazine subscriptions available in digital, print or both! Whether you want your issue every week or every month, there’s a subscription to meet your needs.
Community Comments
-
US Coins Jun 13, 2025, 1 PM
July sale date for 20-coin 2025 Uncirculated set
-
US Coins Jun 12, 2025, 9 PM
Zack adds volume on circulating counterfeit silver coins
-
US Coins Jun 12, 2025, 11 AM
Special Kennedy inaugural medal one of three known
-
Precious Metals Jun 12, 2025, 11 AM
Platinum Group Metals Focus predicts some increase, some decrease in prices