A rare 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent, graded PCGS MS-69 RD and verified with a CAC green sticker, is poised to capture the attention of coin collectors worldwide. Scheduled for auction via GreatCollections on March 22, 2026, this coin is recognized as one of the most exceptional examples in the Lincoln cent series. Its remarkable preservation offers a glimpse of how these widely circulated coins originally appeared over a century ago.
For numismatists, the allure lies not only in the coin’s condition but also in its historical significance. Surviving as a business-strike Wheat cent in nearly flawless condition is exceedingly uncommon. Adding to its prestige, this coin hails from the Stewart Blay collection, a renowned assemblage of top-tier Lincoln cents that has set numerous modern auction benchmarks.
MS-69 RD Grading: What Makes It Exceptional
Professional grading services use a 1-to-70 scale to evaluate coins. An MS-69 grade indicates a piece that is nearly perfect, with only minute imperfections visible under magnification. This 1919 cent carries three key distinctions:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Certification | PCGS MS-69 RD |
| Approval | CAC Green Sticker |
| Color | Full Original Mint Red |
The preservation of the coin’s original red copper hue is particularly notable. Most early 20th-century cents darken over time due to natural oxidation, making a pristine red coin from 1919 extremely rare.
PCGS records confirm that this is the only pre-1934 Lincoln cent certified at the MS-69 level. No other U.S. cent—whether proof or circulation strike—has received CAC approval at this grade, placing it at the very top of the Lincoln Wheat cent population.
A Record-Breaking Sale
This coin previously made headlines in January 2023 when it sold at auction for $412,500, establishing a new benchmark for classic U.S. small cents struck for circulation. For comparison, other notable sales from the Stewart Blay collection include:
| Coin | Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent | Proof-67+ RD (CAC) | $357,500 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | MS-67 RD (CAC) | $337,700 |
While the 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB are recognized key dates, the 1919 cent’s value is remarkable given its normally common mintage. Its rarity comes from surviving more than a century virtually untouched.
Common Date, Extraordinary Survivor
The Lincoln Wheat cent debuted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. By 1919, production had reached over 390 million coins, the highest pre-1940 mintage. Most examples today are modestly valued, ranging from $0.25 for worn coins to around $1 for very fine specimens.
In stark contrast, the MS-69 RD example demonstrates the extreme potential of coin preservation. Its brilliant red color and pristine surfaces exemplify what a century-old Lincoln cent could look like if perfectly protected.
Provenance and Collectability
Stewart Blay’s collection is widely respected for its focus on top-graded Lincoln cents. Owning a piece from this assemblage adds a layer of historical and collector significance. Coins from his set have repeatedly set auction records, and this 1919 cent stands out as one of the finest examples ever certified.
Why This Coin Matters
For collectors and historians alike, this 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent offers a rare window into early American coinage. It combines historical value, extraordinary preservation, and unmatched provenance, making it a centerpiece for any serious collection. Even casual numismatists can appreciate its brilliance and the glimpse it provides into how everyday currency once looked fresh from the Mint.
This coin isn’t just a collectible—it’s a benchmark in American numismatics, setting the standard for rarity, preservation, and historical significance in Lincoln cents.