5 Costly Modern Lincoln Grading Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve Seen These Mistakes Over and Over

After years of submitting modern Lincoln cents for grading, I’ve watched collectors make the same costly errors time and again. Let’s walk through the pitfalls that trip up so many people—especially when guessing grades—and how you can steer clear.

Mistake 1: Overestimating Red (RD) Quality

Watch Out for These Signs

It’s easy to get excited by a flash of red and assume RD status. But I’ve seen submissions where:

• Light tan spots were missed
• Subtle toning threw off the overall color
• Discoloration from packaging created false hope

One collector was convinced they had an MS66RD, only to get a BN (Brown) designation due to packaging-related discoloration.

How to Avoid This

Always check your coin under different lights before sending it in. Use magnification to spot:

• Tiny spots that hurt color grading
• Edge toning suggesting past exposure
• Subtle shifts in color across the surface

Mistake 2: Ignoring Rim Damage

The Hidden Grade Killer

As one seasoned collector put it: “PCGS doesn’t overlook rim nicks.” I’ve watched submissions suffer when:

• Small rim dings dropped grades by 1-2 points
• Edge bumps didn’t show up in photos
• Contact marks were mistaken for strike features

What to Do Instead

Before you submit:

1. Rotate the coin under angled light to catch rim flaws
2. Compare it to high-grade reference coins
3. Remember—visible rim damage often caps the grade at MS64 or lower

Mistake 3: Chasing Reconsideration Unnecessarily

The False Hope of Regrades

I’ve heard it before: “That 64 has to be a mistake.” But as others have learned:

• Resubmission fees can outweigh value gains
• CAC rarely reviews modern Lincolns
• TrueView images usually confirm the original grade

Smarter Moves

Instead of rushing to resubmit:

1. Ask experienced collectors for their take
2. Check population reports for context
3. Consider buying a coin that’s already graded—it’s often cheaper

Mistake 4: Overlooking Spotting Issues

The Silent Grade Thief

“Spots tank grades every time—not just the obvious ones, but the subtle ones too.”

I’ve seen coins downgraded because of:

• Tiny spots invisible without magnification
• Environmental damage that worsens in storage
• Residue from careless handling

Prevention Checklist

• Use archival-quality holders for storage
• Always wear gloves when handling
• Inspect under 10x magnification before submitting

Mistake 5: Misreading the Modern Lincoln Market

A Reality Check

As one collector wisely said: “An MS66 example usually runs $35 to $40.” Too many collectors overlook:

• How submission costs stack up against market prices
• That moderns often face stricter grading
• Just how rare top-pop coins are

A Smarter Approach

For modern Lincoln collectors:

• Prioritize eye appeal over technical grade
• Buy certified coins for key dates
• Only submit truly standout pieces

Key Takeaways

From hundreds of submissions, here’s what sets successful modern Lincoln collectors apart:

1. They check color under multiple light sources
2. They examine rims with extreme care
3. They weigh the cost before resubmitting
4. They prevent spots with proper storage
5. They stay realistic about the modern coin market

Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll save money, cut frustration, and build a stronger collection. Remember—sometimes what you avoid matters just as much as what you pursue.

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