1923-S Lincoln Cent. MS-66 RB (PCGS). CAC. As the highest numerically graded example of this challenging issue known to PCGS, the significance of this offering for Lincoln Cent Set Registry collectors cannot be overstated. This is a beautiful premium Gem, both sides dressed in billowy mint luster that is as smooth and inviting as the day the coin emerged from the dies. Those dies imparted an impressively sharp strike for the issue that is as close to full as one could realistically expect in a 1923-S cent. Plenty of original mint orange color remains, and it blends nicely with delicate toning in iridescent light brown. An exquisite coin worthy of the strongest bids.<p>The 1923-S is one of the more notable condition rarities in the early Lincoln series. Only 8,700,000 cents were struck at the San Francisco Mint that year -- a limited total by 20th century cent standards -- but thanks in part to hoarding in later decades, the 1923-S is an issue that is generally available in low to mid circulated grades. In uncirculated condition the 1923-S is an especially challenging issue, and even at the lower end of the Mint State grading scale. Poorly defined design elements are the norm, due mostly to the Mints use of heavily worn dies, and most survivors also possess streaky brown and red wood grain surfaces from poor alloying in the planchet. These characteristics serve to limit both the certified grade and visual appeal of most uncirculated examples. Mint State coins with sharp to full striking detail and even, attractive color to both sides are very much the exception and never fail to elicit strong bids the few times they are available through auction. This is just such a coin, its top-of-the-pop status at PCGS further enhancing its rarity and desirability in the eyes of astute Lincoln cent enthusiasts.
