The Shocking Truth About Modern Lincoln Coin Grading: My 6-Month Journey to Understanding PCGS Standards

I’ve Been Stuck in Coin Grading Purgatory – Here’s What I Learned

For the past six months, I’ve been tangled up in the tricky world of modern Lincoln cent grading. Remember that gorgeous 2009 Lincoln I pulled fresh from Mint rolls? I was so sure it would grade MS66RD. Then PCGS sent it back as MS64RD, and honestly, I was crushed. Let me walk you through my journey with PCGS standards and share what I wish I’d known from the start.

The Heartbreak of First Submission

Like so many collectors, I fell into every trap in the book:

• Thinking Mint State coins always get high grades
• Missing tiny spots that graders catch right away
• Underestimating how much rim nicks hurt the grade

When my coin came back MS64RD, I was sure there was an error. The TrueView photos looked amazing to me! But grading modern Lincoln coins? It’s a different universe entirely.

The Reality Check Moment

After showing my coin around, the hard truth hit:

“A 64 might feel harsh, but there’s not much you can do. You could buy one already graded for less than your submission cost.” — Veteran Collector

5 Hard Lessons From My Grading Journey

1. Modern ≠ Easy

It’s a myth that modern coins grade easily. PCGS actually holds recent issues to tighter standards. That “perfect” 2009 Lincoln? It’s up against thousands of others in flawless condition.

2. The Spotting Trap

One collector put it bluntly: “Spots kill grades every time.” And not just obvious ones—subtle toning marks only visible in certain light. My coin had a few I’d totally overlooked.

3. Rim Damage is a Silent Killer

A forum member pointed out defects I’d missed, noting, “PCGS doesn’t let rim nicks slide.” Even the tiniest imperfections can drop a coin by multiple points.

4. The CAC Reality Check

I dreamed of a “Gold Bean” to bump my grade, only to find out: “CAC doesn’t review modern Lincolns except for double dies.” Another collecting fantasy, gone.

5. The Economic Reality

The biggest shock? “You could buy one already graded for less than your submission cost.” For common dates, grading often costs more than the coin is worth.

My Grading Strategy Moving Forward

After six months and several submissions, here’s my new game plan:

1. Check coins under different lights before submitting
2. Use a 10x loupe to scan for rim damage
3. Compare with PCGS Population Report data
4. Only submit coins with real value potential
5. For common dates, consider buying pre-graded coins

The Bottom Line

Grading modern Lincoln coins blends art and science. What looks like a 66 to us might rightly be a 64 to the pros. Though it was frustrating at first, understanding PCGS standards has sharpened my eye. My advice? Keep expectations realistic, learn from each submission, and remember—sometimes it’s smarter to buy the grade than to chase it.

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