I have this 1979 D Penny and was wondering what the possible grade might be. I know it can't be graded correct from pictures. Was just looking to get close.
It appears to something like an MS-67 with full red color. There are marks in the right field that might cause the grade to go down to MS-66, but the color is very nice. That's the good news. The bad news is that it's not always possible to keep the color. Copper is the most reactive of all of the classic coinage metals, and can turn brown quite easily.
I appreciate the information. What is the best to keep color from turning and is it worth getting graded?
Preservation-wise put it in a high quality coin flip and pray. Here are the prices from PCGS CoinFacts. MS-66 $50 66+ $75 67 $250 (starts to be worth it if you are going to sell it ASAP) 67+ $3,850 (you will never get that grade) PCGS has 2 in MS-67+ and one in 68. Red copper is not my thing because it is so fragile. My guess is it would be get an MS-66 Red.
So $50 bucks if I just wanted to flip it quick lol. Thanks for all the information I really do appreciate it.
IMO I don't think it will get a 66. In addition to the marks in the right field there appears to be marks on the left side. Above LIBERTY and below IN.
One thing I have noted about TPG grading of modern coins is that it doesn’t take much to make an MS-65. This piece has bright luster, which seems to trump marks in their eyes. I remember in 1999 a dealer I know got a bunch of the new State Quarters certified. They were mostly graded MS-65. They looked like pocket change to me, and graded no better than MS-64. Still he sold them for $40 apiece. One of his customers came to a subsequent show and threatened to assault him physically. For me sales like that aren’t worth it.
