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The Certified Lincoln Cent 1933 in MS66RD condition, graded by NGC, is an exceptional example of a mid-Depression era coin that has survived in outstanding preservation with full original red luster. The 1933 Lincoln cent is often overlooked in favor of earlier semi-key dates, yet in high-grade red condition, it becomes a significant prize for collectors pursuing top-tier examples of Wheat cents. The MS66RD grade indicates a coin of superior quality, with minimal marks, strong strike definition, and vibrant original color across its surfaces. As a result, this specimen represents not only a historical artifact from a turbulent economic period but also one of the finest examples available of its kind.
The Lincoln cent series, introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, featured a groundbreaking design by Victor David Brenner. The obverse portrait of Lincoln was the first time a real person had appeared on a regular U.S. circulating coin, breaking from the allegorical figures that dominated previous designs. The 1933 issue carries this enduring obverse, with Lincoln facing right, “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed along the upper rim, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1933” positioned to the right. The absence of a mintmark confirms that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only mint to produce cents that year.
The reverse of the coin features the original Wheat Ears design, used from 1909 through 1958. This reverse shows two stylized stalks of durum wheat curving inward to frame the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above these, the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is proudly engraved. This classic design became symbolic of American coinage in the early 20th century, representing agricultural strength and national unity. On a well-preserved MS66RD specimen, the reverse details, including the texture of the wheat and the sharpness of the lettering, remain crisp and bold, with the fields surrounding them showing smoothness and brilliance.
The 1933 Lincoln cent had a reported mintage of 14,360,000 coins, all struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While this number is relatively low for Lincoln cents of the era, the coin is not considered rare in circulated grades. However, Mint State coins—especially those with full original red surfaces and minimal contact marks—become significantly scarcer. As copper is a reactive metal, few examples survive in pristine red condition due to oxidation, improper storage, or cleaning over the years. The MS66RD designation by NGC places this coin among the top condition census for the issue, a distinction reserved for only a small fraction of survivors.
The MS66RD grade is awarded only to coins that exhibit original mint red luster on at least 95% of their surface, with only the slightest distractions visible under magnification. Such coins must also have strong strikes and attractive overall eye appeal. This level of preservation is generally the result of being stored in original rolls or collector albums under ideal conditions since the time of minting. For 1933, which was marked by continued economic hardship, such exceptional coins were not commonly saved by the public, making high-end examples like this one far less common than their mintage figures might suggest.
NGC, or Numismatic Guaranty Company, is one of the premier third-party grading services, renowned for its consistent and strict grading standards. A coin graded MS66RD by NGC is verified to be genuine, of superior strike and surface quality, and possessing full mint red color. Collectors who prioritize originality, condition rarity, and long-term value place high trust in NGC certification. This level of assurance adds both liquidity and desirability to the coin, making it a sought-after piece for registry sets and investment-quality collections alike.
The Lincoln cent of 1933 stands as a testament to American resilience. Struck during the height of the Great Depression, the coin entered circulation at a time when every penny counted, literally. With the nation gripped by financial hardship, few people had the means or the inclination to save coins for future value. As such, most 1933 cents saw heavy circulation. Surviving Mint State examples are the product of conscious numismatic preservation by dealers, collectors, or perhaps even lucky finds that were tucked away and forgotten until recent decades.
The coin’s composition is the traditional bronze alloy used for Lincoln cents of the time: 95% copper, with 5% tin and zinc. This alloy tends to darken over time unless stored under controlled conditions. A red designation confirms that the coin has maintained its original fiery luster, often displaying shimmering orange, gold, or deep copper hues when tilted under light. Collectors place a premium on such pieces, especially from early to mid-1930s issues, which are more difficult to find with untouched surfaces and brilliant color.
The eye appeal of this MS66RD 1933 Lincoln cent would be expected to be exceptional. With booming red luster and a bold strike, Lincoln’s profile appears sharp and lifelike, with clear hair strands and beard detail. The reverse wheat stalks should display defined lines and texture, free from the softness sometimes seen in lesser examples. The coin’s fields should be largely free of nicks or marks, and any visible blemishes would be minimal and not detract from the overall visual impression. The satiny or frosty texture commonly associated with early 1930s Philadelphia cents would likely enhance the attractiveness of this high-grade piece.
For collectors seeking to build a top-tier Lincoln Wheat cent set, a 1933 MS66RD fills a crucial mid-series slot with quality and distinction. As many collectors aim to acquire red-designated coins across the series, the 1933 becomes particularly desirable in grades of MS66 and above. Its combination of low population in top grades, historical context, and certified quality ensures its ongoing desirability in the numismatic marketplace. Additionally, such coins are often submitted to Lincoln cent registry sets, where competition for the best available examples adds pressure to already limited populations of MS66RD and higher specimens.
In summary, the Certified Lincoln Cent 1933 MS66RD NGC is an elite representative of a Depression-era issue with both historical and numismatic significance. Its superb condition, brilliant red color, and superior strike place it among the finest known survivors. It offers a compelling opportunity for collectors focused on condition rarity, full red registry-quality coins, or simply those seeking a beautiful, well-preserved example of a classic American copper cent. This coin captures the spirit of endurance from one of the most challenging decades in U.S. history, now preserved in blazing mint brilliance for future generations.