Well, lets see.......

You like the coin, it holds a sentimental value, as the mintage year is the year of your birth, (nice coin by the way), and it is a nice looking coin. May grade MS65 or better. All three of my 1947 Lincoln cents graded MS65 RED, and they didnt seem to have as much detail as your coin. Anyway, I would certify it. The only raw coins I have are 3 Merc dime sets, and the key coins are all certified. And the entire 3 sets will eventually be 100% certified one of these days, even if it seems illogical to most. Make sure if you certify, to go with a top grader, like NGC, or PCGS. Dont waste your money on SGS, or other fly by nighters. There are a few others out there, but other than one certified by ANACS (a 1942 over 41 Merc dime), all mine are the previous two graders. Also, I suggest you make sure your grading selection will list the error in the certification. I sent a 1941 error Merc dime in, thinking they would automaticly certify it as an error coin, but they did not. (although yours is a very obvious error, and mine was an extension of what looks like an 'L' slicing off from the 4.) I did have a couple of questions. How much did you pay for the penny, and have you certified any of your coins yet? I'm sure a few more of our collegues will weigh in on this. (Sounded a little like a scene from "The Sopranos" for a second)