The year 1981 marked an important milestone for the United States Mint, as it saw the introduction of a new penny design. The 1981 1 cent coin features the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. While millions of these coins were minted, only a select few have achieved a perfect grade of MS 70 by SGS (Sovereign Guarantee & Services). In this article, we will dive into the history and details of this prized coin. The One Cent Coin: A Brief History Pennies have been a part of American currency since the birth of the nation in the late 1700s. The first pennies were made of copper and featured a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. Over the years, the penny design has evolved to showcase different designs, from the wheat penny in 1909 to the iconic Lincoln Memorial design in 1959. In 1981, the US Mint decided to update the penny design once again, as the previous design had been in use for over 20 years. The new design featured a more detailed portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with his name inscribed on the top and the words “In God We Trust” below. On the reverse, the Lincoln Memorial replaced the image of two wheat stalks, with the words “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” inscribed above and below. Grading System for Coins Before we delve into the significance of the MS 70 grade for the 1981 1 cent coin, let’s first understand the grading system for coins. The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale is widely used in the coin collecting community to assess a coin’s condition and value. Coins are graded on a scale of 1-70, with 1 being the worst condition and 70 being a perfect, flawless coin. Coins can also receive a numerical grade based on their condition, with the highest being 70 and the lowest being 1. Numerical grades indicate the coin’s state of preservation, and collectors often seek higher numerical grades as they represent better quality and are rarer. The Perfect Coin: MS 70 As mentioned earlier, a coin with the grade of MS 70 is considered to be perfect. This means that there are no visible flaws or imperfections on the coin, even under magnification. The surfaces are untouched and retain their original mint luster. These coins are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. The grading process is done by trained professionals who use a magnifying glass and other tools to analyze the coin’s condition. A coin can receive a perfect MS 70 grade if it meets the following criteria: - No wear on the surface of the coin - No blemishes or marks on the surface - Sharp details and perfect striking - Original mint luster - No damage or cleaning 1981 1 Cent Coin Graded MS 70 by SGS Out of the millions of 1981 1 cent coins minted, only a small number have received a perfect grade of MS 70 by SGS. These coins are considered to be the best of the best and are highly valued by collectors. As the standard for grading coins becomes increasingly strict, the number of coins achieving this grade becomes even more limited, making them even more valuable. MS 70 graded coins are also certified by third-party grading companies, such as SGS, to ensure their authenticity and quality. SGS is a reputable grading company that has been in the industry for over 30 years and is trusted by collectors worldwide. In conclusion, the 1981 1 cent coin American graded MS 70 by SGS is a rare and coveted piece for collectors. Its perfect condition and limited availability make it a highly desirable addition to any collection. As with any investment, it is important to do your research and purchase from reputable sources to ensure the authenticity and value of your coin.
