I bought 5 rolls of 2017 uncirculated Lincoln cents from the bank. I went through 3 of them and have found lots of water marks and scratches and some that look like they took hits by something. On the fronts and backs. My question is. Is this normal and do they actually leave the mint in that condition?
Indeed, and this may be one of the few instances where a trip to YouTube may be enlightening. Surely there are videos of production that can show the OP exactly what you mean and why this is.
I found a penny stuck against the x-ray security checkpoint at the Philadelphia Mint. I asked if I could have the penny and management had to get involved. They couldn't figure out how the penny got there and they debated about letting me have the penny but then conceded. It was SO FUNNY! My family still gives me a hard time about that day.
Well I guess I won' be buying any more uncirculated pennies. What's the use if they are damaged before they leave the mint. That means none of them will grade very high. So might as well give up.
Graded high and being uncirculated are not related. MS60 coins are uncirculated and no one wants them because they are so awful looking.
Congratulations, you have figured out what many here haven't realized. The chance of getting a high grade modern cent that is worth a lot more than 1 cent is extremely low, maybe 1 coin out of several thousand new ones. A lesson you learned well. Jim
I just don't like wasting time on something that can't be found. Will be looking for something more readily available. From what I'm getting it would be easier to find a 1943 copper penny than a MS 69 or 70 penny that was minted after 2010.
