1920-D 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS MS65+RD (CAC)

An extraordinary strike and condition rarity in a 1920-D cent that is sure to catch the eye of discerning specialists. Both sides are fully defined from the rims to the centers, a noteworthy departure for an issue that is known for having been coined from worn dies. Blushes of pale rose enliven otherwise deep orange surfaces, the finish softly frosted in texture and the appearance expectably smooth for the assigned grade. The Mint saw numerous budget cuts and staff reductions in the post-war years, despite the overall prosperity in the economy. While 49,280,000 cents were struck at the Denver Mint in 1920, the belt-tightening began to show in the overall mediocre quality of the coins produced, especially at the branch mints, which in many cases had to keep dies in service longer than they probably should have. As a result, while widely available in circulated grade levels and even lower end of the Mint State spectrum, most 1920-D cents have at best uneven striking characteristics and definition. Sharply struck specimens with full Mint Red color are quite rare; most specialists can only muster an MS-64 or at best an MS-65 within the red category and then only with perseverance. Approaching the pinnacle of quality for the issue, this is a noteworthy survivor of a conditionally challenging Denver Mint issue. PCGS Population: 26; 10 finer in this category (all MS-66 RD). CAC Stickered Population: 19; 3. The former total includes coins certified both MS-65 RD and MS-65+ RD.