1993-D Lincoln Cent PCGS MS68RD

You’re asking about a 1993-D Lincoln Cent PCGS MS68RD. This is a modern coin, but at this extremely high grade, it becomes quite special for collectors who pursue top-tier examples.

Let’s break down what each part means:

• 1993-D Lincoln Cent:
  • 1993: The year of mintage.
  • D: The mint mark, indicating it was struck at the Denver Mint.
  • Lincoln Cent: The standard U.S. one-cent coin.
  • Modern Coin: Cents from the 1990s were produced in extremely high numbers, so circulated examples or even lower uncirculated grades (like MS60-64) are very common and worth face value. The value lies entirely in its exceptional condition.
• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): This is one of the two most prestigious and widely recognized third-party coin grading services in the world (the other being NGC). PCGS is known for its rigorous standards and consistency, and coins graded by them often command a premium in the market, especially at high grades.
• MS68RD: This is the critical part of the grade, representing an incredibly high level of preservation and ideal color.
  • MS (Mint State): This means the coin is uncirculated and shows no signs of wear from handling or circulation. It retains its full original mint luster.
  • 68: This is a very high numerical grade on the Sheldon scale (1-70). An MS68 coin is considered a Superb Gem Uncirculated coin. It will have full, strong original luster, an excellent strike, and virtually no distracting contact marks or imperfections. Any imperfections present would be extremely minor and very difficult to see without magnification. For modern coins, reaching MS68 is a testament to perfect handling from the minting process through to encapsulation.
  • RD (Red): This color designation for copper coins means the coin retains 95% or more of its original vibrant red copper color. This is the most desirable color for copper cents and indicates that the coin has not toned or oxidized significantly over time. For a modern coin, especially in high grades, “RD” is expected and crucial for premium value.

Value:

While billions of 1993-D Lincoln Cents were minted, finding one that has survived in such pristine condition (MS68RD) is genuinely difficult. This grade means it’s among the very best known examples.

Based on recent auction results and price guides (as of early July 2025), a 1993-D Lincoln Cent PCGS MS68RD typically sells in the range of $50 to $85.

Important Considerations:

• Rarity at High Grades: Even though the mintage is huge, the survival rate in this condition is extremely low. PCGS CoinFacts (their online database) shows that only a few hundred 1993-D cents have been graded MS68RD by PCGS, with fewer (or none) higher.
• Populations: The “population” (number of coins graded at this level) and “population higher” (number of coins graded even better) are key factors. If very few exist in MS68RD and almost none are higher, the value will be strong.
• Eye Appeal: For modern coins at these super-high grades, even slight differences in eye appeal (e.g., luster, strike sharpness) can impact the final price.

This coin is primarily sought after by advanced Lincoln Cent collectors or “set registry” participants who aim to build the highest-graded sets possible.