By CoinWeek ….
The 1917 Lincoln Wheat Cent is an interesting condition rarity. Coins that still survive with their original red color are relatively valuable in low Mint State but affordable to most budget-conscious collectors. But once the grade hits Gem (MS65), the penny becomes surprisingly expensive, doubling and quadrupling in price with each step up. On Sunday, May 4, GreatCollections is offering a rare 1917 Philly-strike Lincoln Cent graded MS68RD by PCGS – one of the three-finest examples certified by that company.
In the first year of American involvement in World War I, the United States Mint in Philadelphia struck 196,429,785 Wheat Reverse pennies. Not quite in the top 10 highest mintages of the type, it is nevertheless a large issuance. Of that total, PCGS has graded about 2,700, with only 944 certified Mint State Red – a minuscule percentage of the original mintage. For comparison’s sake, NGC reports only 1,291 coins certified, with 255 graded MS Red.
At the time of publication, the highest of 42 bids is $17,500.
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GreatCollections has offered high-quality examples of the 1917 Lincoln Wheat Cent many times over the years, with some selling for close to six figures. To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins and notes the company has sold, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.
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