1991-D 1C, RD (Regular Strike)

The 1991-D Lincoln Memorial Cent

In 1991, the Denver Mint struck 4,158,442,076 Lincoln Cents. While that figure sounds astronomical, it actually represents the lowest annual cent output for the Denver facility during the entire 1990s. The primary catalyst for this dip was the Gulf War recession, which lasted from July 1990 to March 1991 and temporarily dampened the demand for new coinage.

Collecting the 1991-D Lincoln Cent

In circulated condition, the 1991-D carries no numismatic premium. The upper end of the market for this issue is defined strictly by Mint State Red (RD) coins certified by PCGS.

Fortunately, the 1991-D is common in Superb Gem condition. Collectors can easily acquire fresh examples from the 1991 United States Uncirculated Coin Set, which originally sold at an issue price of $11.00 ($26.48 in 2026 inflation-adjusted dollars). With 1,352,101 of these sets sold, they represent the most probable source for ultra-high-grade examples.

From these sets, it is not unusual to find coins that grade PCGS MS67RD, as the issue was struck using high-quality dies that exhibit beautiful detail and luster. Superior examples may reach PCGS MS68RD, while an elite few have achieved the near-perfect PCGS MS69RD.

A thorough inspection of these top-tier examples reveals coins that are practically blemish-free, unspotted, and sharply struck. Under magnification, one might find a faint contact mark at the base of the steps, a minor mark on a column of the Lincoln Memorial, or a faint hairline near the motto. However, dwelling on the single, microscopic flaw that prevented perfection often feels like an injustice to such a remarkable specimen.

PCGS graded its first MS69RD 1991-D Lincoln Cent in May 1993. It took another four years before a second example was verified by our grading team. As interest in the Lincoln Cent series grows, more near-perfect examples may trickle in through "dribs and drabs"—but one should never expect them to become commonplace.

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