1998 1C, RB (Regular Strike)

### 1998 1C Lincoln Memorial Penny (Red-Brown) #### Overview The 1998 1C Lincoln Memorial Penny, struck primarily for circulation, carries the enduring design of Victor David Brenner's portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. This coin belongs to the long-running Lincoln cent series initiated in 1909. #### Mintage and Mint Information - **Mint:** Philadelphia - **Mintage:** 5,032,155,000 The 1998 Lincoln cent was produced in vast quantities, reflecting its role as a staple in everyday transactions. Most examples are found well-circulated, but uncirculated and exceptional pieces remain interesting to collectors. #### PCGS Certification and Details - **PCGS #:** 3084 - **Condition and Designation:** "RB" stands for "Red-Brown," describing the mix of original red luster and brown toning seen on copper coins over time. #### Rarity and Value While the 1998 1C Red-Brown (RB) penny is not rare in circulated grades, it becomes scarcer in higher uncirculated conditions. Coins with attractive toning, free from significant marks, can draw attention amongst collectors. - **Recent Sales and Values:** Uncirculated examples graded MS66 and above have achieved auction prices in the range of $25 to $50, assuming vibrant color and minimal contact marks. #### History and Numismatic Interest The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was designed to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This motif continued until 2008, making these years a subsidiary series within the Lincoln cent run. The 1998-P penny, significantly part of the latter years, serves as a precursor to the design change in 2009, when the Lincoln bicentennial made way for the "Lincoln Bicentennial" program. #### Collecting Insights From a numismatist's viewpoint, the 1998 1C RB examples present an affordable entry point into copper numismatics. It is essential to examine coin surfaces and luster, as these attributes affect desirability significantly. Furthermore, Lincoln cents with the Red-Brown designation often maintain some degree of their mint-state brilliance, making them visually appealing. Given its highly circulated nature, those aiming to acquire a pristine Red-Brown example should focus on minimized ticks and full details on Lincoln's portrait and the Memorial colonnades. #### Additional Insights from CoinFacts and Auction Outcomes Examining auction outcomes and coin catalog databases suggests awareness of patterns in sales, often influenced by singular characteristics such as eye appeal and registry potential. It's not unusual for PCGS-certified examples to reach moderately competitive prices as collectors pursue top-condition specimens for registry sets. In conclusion, while the 1998 1C might ostensibly appear common, its numismatic life tells a rich tale of historical continuity and collector dedication, especially for those specialized in copper coinage variations.