1923-S Lincoln Cent. MS-64 RD (PCGS). Warm golden-orange color blankets both sides of this lustrous and smartly impressed near-Gem. As an earlier issues from the 1920s, the 1923-S cent is one of the more notable condition rarities in the entire Lincoln cent series. Only 8,700,000 coins of this denomination were struck at San Francisco that year, but thanks in part to hoarding in later years, the 1923-S is an issue that is generally available in the lowest circulated grade levels, but becoming progressively scarcer up through to AU. In Uncirculated condition, this is an especially challenging issue even at the lower end of the scale. Poorly defined details are the norm thanks in part to heavily worn dies and most specimens possess a streaky brown and red wood grain luster even at the very highest levels of preservation due to poorly mixed metal. Mint State survivors with crisp details and superior color are exceptional and eagerly sought whenever they are available, which is not often. Clearly the present offering represents a fleeting bidding opportunity.
