PCGS MS69RD
PCGS MS69RD
- PCGS #:
- 3071
- Designer:
- Victor David Brenner/Frank Gasparro
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 19.00 millimeters
- Weight:
- 2.50 grams
- Mintage:
- 5,648,489,887
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- Copper-plated Zinc
- Auction Record:
- $5,875 • MS68+ • 02-27-2014 • Heritage Auctions
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1,694,546,966 |
| 60 or Better | 16,945,496 |
| 65 or Better | 1,694,549 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-1.0 |
| 60 or Better | R-1.0 |
| 65 or Better | R-1.0 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 2 / 47 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 2 / 47 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 34 / 47 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 11 / 95 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 11 / 95 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 48 / 95 TIE |
Condition Census What Is This?
|
#1 PCGS MS69RD
GreatCollections, January 11, 2026, Lot 1841701 - $4,066.88. Pin-sized toning spot to the left of Memorial. |
|
#1 PCGS MS69RD
GreatCollections, September 1, 2024, Lot 1435186 - $6,131.25. Tiny planchet void to the left of Lincoln's shoulder. Faint contact above "C" of CENT. |
#1 PCGS MS69RD
GreatCollections, August 27, 2023, Lot 1124732 – $11,812.50; "The Elite Collection" (PCGS Set Registry). Top pop, pop one when offered. Virtually flawless. Pin-sized toning spot at rim under "C" of CENT. |
#1 PCGS MS69RD
|
The 1985 Lincoln Memorial Cent
In 1985, the Philadelphia Mint and the West Point Bullion Depository joined forces to produce a massive run of Lincoln Memorial Cents. Philadelphia struck 4,951,904,887 coins, while West Point contributed an additional 696,585,000. Because neither facility used a mintmark for this issue, the combined output is colloquially known to collectors as the "Philadelphia strike" (#3071).
This year marked a technological milestone for the United States Mint: the formal adoption of chrome-plated dies for business strike coins. While the Mint began experimenting with physical vapor deposition to apply thin chrome plating in the early 1970s, the 1985 issue saw the standardized use of this process to extend die life. The result was a more consistent appearance and a distinct "look" that remains a hallmark of modern business strikes today.
For collectors seeking high-quality specimens to submit to PCGS for grading, the 1985 Uncirculated Coin Set remains the best source. The Mint sold 1,710,571 of these sets—originally priced at $7—which contain coins struck from fresh dies. The resulting coins look "fresher" than those issued into general circulation. Today, these sets often sell for less than $15, providing an affordable gateway to "Superb Gem" examples. While loose coins from these sets can be found for under $1, the vast majority of top-tier certified coins likely originated from these original Mint packages.
Collecting the 1985 Lincoln Cent
The market for the 1985 Lincoln Cent is defined by conditional rarity. While raw uncirculated coins are worth very little, collectors will pay a significant premium for specimens graded PCGS MS68RD or higher, with recent sales consistently reaching or exceeding $100.
It is doubtful that coins finer than PCGS MS69RD will ever appear; however, additional examples of this nearly perfect grade are likely to surface in the coming years as the pursuit of "top pop" coins continues.
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