Grading MS67 MS68 Lincoln Memorial Cent Pennies

How To Grade MS67 MS68 Lincoln Memorial Cent Pennies
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How to Identify Mint State (MS) 67 or 68 Lincoln Memorial Cents

Finding MS67 or MS68 Lincoln Memorial cents is difficult, which is why they're so valuable. These high grades are known as condition rarities—the coins themselves aren't rare, but finding them in perfect condition is. The video covers how to recognize and potentially find these grades, and offers strategies to save money when submitting coins for grading.

Tools and Research
Before submitting coins, it's crucial to research:

PCGS and NGC price guides for Lincoln Memorial cents

Heritage Auctions for actual sold prices (not retail listings)

Be cautious about assuming your coin is worth the listed guide price—actual sold prices are often much lower.

Grading Companies and Value Differences
PCGS and NGC may assign different grades and values to the same coin. Sometimes a coin in a PCGS holder will fetch more than one in an NGC holder. For example, a 1959-D graded MS67 might be worth $135 with NGC but more with PCGS.

Challenges with Coin Rolls and Mint Sets
Coins from bank-wrapped rolls (especially from the 50s–80s) are often spotted, discolored, or damaged from machinery.

Mint sets may seem promising, but coins often suffer from handling damage or environmental effects.

Coins can appear pristine in plastic but may show marks once removed.

What to Look for in High-Grade Coins
Use a good magnifier (like a 16x loupe).

Focus on tiny nicks or ticks, especially in focal areas like Lincoln’s face or shoulders.

Early die states with strong details are better candidates.

Avoid coins with spotting or discoloration that may downgrade them to red-brown instead of red.

Bulk Submission as a Cost-Saving Strategy
Submitting coins individually for grading is expensive. Instead, consider bulk submissions:

PCGS Bulk Submission:
$12 per coin

Minimum of 100 coins with at least 5 different dates

If 60% meet or exceed the minimum grade, you pay $12 per coin

If fewer than 60% qualify, you're charged $12 for graded and $5 for ungraded coins

NGC Bulk Submission:
Slightly cheaper (~$9/coin)

Requires $299 annual membership to access bulk rates

Still best used only if you're submitting multiple bulk orders

Realistic Expectations
Most submissions will yield MS65 or MS66 grades

Very few coins grade MS67 or higher

Try comparing your coins to known graded examples on Heritage or eBay

Start with coins that have higher values at MS66 to minimize losses

Final Tips
Focus on dates and mint marks that are worth more in higher grades

For example, a 1974-S graded MS66 Red is worth around $70

Look for clean, sharp, red coins with minimal marks

Don’t rely on retail listings—sold prices are the true market