2011-D 1C Shield, RD Lincoln Cent
The 2011-D 1C Lincoln Cent is part of the Shield series, introduced in 2010 to replace the Bicentennial series of 2009, which marked the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent. This penny’s design showcases the Union Shield, symbolizing President Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single country.
Mint and Mintage
Mint : Denver
Mintage : Approximately 2,534,000,000
The Denver Mint is one of the primary mints in the United States responsible for producing coins for circulation, and the 2011-D Lincoln Cent is one of its massive outputs. With over two billion coins struck, the 2011-D Shield Cent does not usually hold great rarity in terms of mintage numbers.
PCGS CoinFacts and Catalog Information
PCGS Number: 505058 This catalog number is a unique identifier used by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) to categorize and refer to this specific coin type.
Numismatic History and Interest
From a numismatist's perspective, the 2011-D Lincoln Cent is often viewed more as a representative of modern coin designs than as a rarity. Its significance lies in the transition to the Shield reverse design, which was intended to stay as the regular design for the foreseeable future. The Shield design was selected to symbolize the United States’ national motto, "E Pluribus Unum," signifying unity from many. Although it is not rare due to its high mintage, collectors often seek this penny in high-grade conditions, especially those certified as MS67 or higher. The PCGS grades copper coins for attributes like luster, strike quality, and surface preservation.
Value and Market Activity
For much of its existence, the 2011-D Lincoln Cent has had nominal face value in circulation. Its significant monetary interest arises when it reaches MS67 or higher. In these superior grades, collectors pay premiums due to the rarity of such pristine examples surviving handling, transportation, and production flaws. - *Auction Sales*: For instance, MS67 and MS68 specimens have fetched prices at auction, generally ranging from $100 to $200, sometimes higher depending on market demand and specific grading features like its "Red" (RD) designation. PR- (Professional Reference): The RD or Red designation by PCGS refers to the visual brilliance of the coin, where most or all original red copper luster remains intact, creating an appealing aesthetic highly sought after by collectors.
Exploring Other Numismatic Resources
Sites like CoinFacts and auction houses like HA provide in-depth descriptions of coin history, variations, and realized auction prices, serving as excellent resources for collectors to study trends and historical data. While these platforms are not cited here, they offer rich databases of pricing history, collector insights, and in-depth numismatic analysis for collectors seeking to delve deeper into U.S. coinage and the Lincoln Cent series. Overall, the 2011-D Lincoln Shield Penny stands as a symbol of modern numismatic production, representing both the history and ongoing evolution of U.S. coinage design. Its high mintage means it is readily available, but collectors continually seek it for its design and in the highest pristine conditions.
