PCGS Certifies First Perfect Business Strike Cent

It took 20 years and over 160,000 tries, but in August 2006, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) finally assigned the MS-70 grade to a Lincoln cent struck for circulation. The historic coin is a perfect 2003 Cent in full Red MS-70.

Other Lincoln Cents, such as Proof and Satin Finish coins, have earned a grade of 70 in the past, but those were coins produced through special minting processes designed to produce coins of near-perfection. The fact that this coin is a "business strike" meant for everyday commerce makes it all the more special, since no special steps were taken to ensure the quality of this piece when it was made.

According to Jaime Hernandez, Price Guide Editor at PCGS, "This coin is the Holy Grail of Lincoln Cents and something for which we have been searching for two decades. If this coin comes on the market, the competition for it will be fierce. Every advanced Cent or type collector will want to own this coin."

In 2009, the Lincoln Cent will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. Will another perfect MS-70 Cent show up anytime soon? "Not likely", says PCGS President Ron Guth. "This is a remarkable coin and one of the very few that will ever be able to meet PCGS' strict requirements for the MS-70 grade."

Teletrade (www.teletrade.com) will be offering this remarkable coin for sale as a feature of their September Premier Plus auction on September 28, 2006. Also, the coin will be available for viewing at the Teletrade booth at the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo from September 14-16, 2006.