DLRC is offering the TropicalBats Registry Set — a high-ranking Lincoln cent collection — across two consecutive Red Carpet Rarities auctions now underway, with closings scheduled for April 16 and April 23.
Ranked #8 All-Time Finest and currently #5 in the PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents, Complete Variety Set with Circulation and Proof Strikes, the collection is nearly complete, totaling 586 coins with numerous scarce varieties seldom seen on the market.
Collection to Fund Penn State Scholarship
The coins are not the only impressive aspect of the collection. Proceeds from the sale will be used to endow a scholarship at Penn State University, according to consignor Keith Christenson, a graduate in Wildlife and Fisheries Science.
"I opened my registry set in 2024 with the ambitious goal to complete it … by the end of 2025," Christenson said. "It finished in the number 5 spot at 97.61% complete, an accomplishment I am extremely proud of."
Christenson added that the sale marks both the culmination of his collecting goal and a way to support future wildlife biologists.
"One of my long-term goals has been to set up and endow a scholarship … I am beyond ecstatic to say that the sale of this Lincoln Cent collection will be used to endow the scholarship," he said.
No-Reserve Offering Across Two Auctions
Due to its size, the collection is being split across two Red Carpet Rarities auctions at DLRC, with all lots offered without reserve.
According to DLRC President John Brush, the collection represents both strong collector appeal and a meaningful cause.
"Lincoln Cents have long been one of our favorite and most popular series," Brush said. "Even more motivating is that all proceeds from these two auction events will go toward helping young minds grow into fulfilling careers."
Highlights Span Key Varieties
The registry set includes a wide range of notable Lincoln cent issues across multiple decades and strike types.
Among the highlights are:
- 1909 VDB 1C PCGS MS66RD (Doubled Die Obverse, FS-1102)
- 1909-S VDB 1C PCGS/CAC MS64BN
- 1909 1C PCGS PR64RB (Lincoln)
- 1914-D 1C PCGS AU58
- 1917 1C PCGS AU55 (Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101)
- 1922 No D 1C PCGS VF35 (Strong Reverse)
- 1944-D/S 1C PCGS MS66RB (Overmintmark, FS-511)
- 1946-S/D 1C PCGS MS66+RD (Overmintmark, FS-511)
- 1955 1C PCGS/CAC MS64+BN (Doubled Die Obverse)
- 1972 1C PCGS MS67RD (Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101)
- 1972-S 1C PCGS PR67RD (Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101)
- 1988 1C PCGS MS63RB (Doubled Ear, FS-101)
- 1990 No S 1C PCGS PR68DCAM
Additional coins include overmintmark varieties, doubled dies, and other collectible errors spanning the full Lincoln cent series.
Collection Name Reflects Dual Passions
The collection’s name, TropicalBats, reflects Christenson’s professional career as a wildlife biologist specializing in bats, particularly those in tropical regions.
"This collection name is a fun way to link my two passions, bats and Lincoln Cents," he said.
Bidding Now Open
Both portions of the TropicalBats Registry Set are available for bidding through DLRC (www.dlrccoins.com), with lot viewing available by appointment at the firm’s Virginia Beach office.
DLRC is also accepting consignments for upcoming auctions, including its Red Carpet Rarities and weekly sales.
