The 1975 penny, like many U.S. pennies from the same period, is primarily made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. It weighs about 3.11 grams and carries a face value of $0.01.
This one-cent coin is often referred to as a “penny,” though that term is more common in the United States, whereas in other countries, a “penny” may refer to different types of small denomination coins.
The obverse (front) of the 1975 penny showcases the right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln, who served as the 16th President of the United States. Above Lincoln’s bust, you’ll see the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left, and the year “1975” appears on the right side. If present, the mint mark is placed just below the year.
On the reverse side, the penny features the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which replaced the previous “wheat-stalk” design in 1959. Above the Lincoln Memorial, you’ll find the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which means “Out of Many, One” in Latin.
The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is located at the top, while “ONE CENT” appears at the bottom of the coin.
Interestingly, the Lincoln penny design, which was first introduced in 1909, marked the first time a U.S. coin bore the portrait of an actual person. Before that, U.S. coinage typically featured symbolic images, like Lady Liberty.
The use of Lincoln’s likeness was in honor of his 100th birthday, and his image has remained on the penny ever since.
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1975 Penny Varieties
The 1975 Lincoln penny comes in various forms depending on the mint location and whether there were errors in the minting process. The primary difference among these varieties is the presence or absence of a mint mark. Here are the three major types of 1975 pennies:
1. 1975 Penny With No Mint Mark
- Type: Lincoln Penny
- Year: 1975
- Mint Mark: None
- Quantity Produced: 5,451,476,142
- Face Value: $0.01
- Price: $0.01 to $9.00 (or more)
A 1975 penny without a mint mark means it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Over five billion of these pennies were made. While its face value remains $0.01, the coin can be worth up to $9 depending on its condition. A penny that is uncirculated and has been well-preserved could fetch a higher price from collectors.
2. 1975 D Penny
- Type: Lincoln Penny
- Year: 1975
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Quantity Produced: 4,505,275,300
- Face Value: $0.01
- Price: $0.01 to $30.00 (or more)
The “D” mint mark indicates that the penny was minted in Denver. There were more than 4.5 billion of these pennies struck. While its base value remains $0.01, some uncirculated or mint condition pennies can sell for as much as $30 or more. These coins are of more interest to collectors when they are in mint condition.
3. 1975 S Penny
- Type: Lincoln Penny
- Year: 1975
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Quantity Produced: 2,845,000
- Face Value: $0.01
- Price: $0.01 to $5.00 (or more)
The 1975 S penny was minted in San Francisco and is more scarce than the others, with just under 3 million produced. These pennies are typically sold for their face value, but certified mint state (high-quality, uncirculated) coins can be worth up to $5.
1975 Penny Errors and Rare Varieties
Errors during the minting process can result in unique and valuable coins. While the 1975 penny was mass-produced, a few error coins have surfaced, making them more desirable to collectors. Some of the most notable 1975 penny errors include:
1. 1975 Silver Penny
While pennies were primarily copper, a few 1975 pennies appeared to have a silver color. This error occurred when a blank meant for a dime was mistakenly used for a penny, resulting in a few pennies that look silver.
However, these pennies are not actually made of silver—they are mostly aluminum, as the U.S. Mint stopped using silver in coinage by 1965. Despite this, these error pennies can be worth between $200 to $600 depending on their condition.
2. Doubled Die Error
A doubled die error occurs when a coin is struck more than once by the die. Normally, a penny is struck and ejected from the minting machine, but occasionally a penny gets stuck, resulting in a second strike.
This creates a slight doubling effect on the coin, especially noticeable on the letters or date. These coins can be valued at $25 to $100 depending on the severity of the doubling.
3. 1975 DDO/DDR Errors
Double-struck pennies, known as DDO (Double Die Obverse) or DDR (Double Die Reverse), are another error variety.
These coins exhibit noticeable doubling on the front or back of the coin, particularly on the letters. A DDO or DDR penny from 1975 can fetch a higher price from collectors due to its unique appearance.
4. Die Break Error
This occurs when the die used to strike the penny develops a crack after repeated use. A die break can leave a visible crack mark on the penny. These pennies, especially when they have large or distinctive cracks, can sell for $3 to $150 based on the extent of the damage.
5. Fold Over Error
A fold-over error happens when the blank (planchet) is not properly aligned before being struck, causing the penny to fold over on itself during the minting process. This type of error is rarer and can make the penny highly valuable to collectors.
Are There Any Rare 1975 Pennies?
While billions of 1975 pennies were produced, making them generally common, certain error coins are rare and sought after by collectors. The rare 1975 pennies include the following:
- 1975 DDO/DDR
- 1975 Silver Penny
- 1C Lincoln Cents with Die Breaks
- 1975 Doubled Die Pennies
- Fold-Over Errors
Although most 1975 pennies are not particularly rare, these minting errors make certain examples highly collectible.
How Much Is a 1975 Penny Worth Today?
For most 1975 pennies, their value is close to their face value of $0.01, especially if they have been circulated. However, uncirculated or proof pennies, which are coins that have not been in circulation, can be worth significantly more.
- Uncirculated Pennies: These can sell for up to $30, especially if graded in high mint states.
- 1975 S-Proof Penny (PR 65 Condition): Worth around $3.50.
- 1975 D Penny (MS 65 Grade): Can fetch around $1 if it has never been circulated.
However, rare error pennies can be much more valuable. For example:
- Silver 1975 Penny: Valued between $200 and $600.
- 1975 Pennies with Repunched Mintmarks: Worth $3 to $10.
- 1975 Die Break Pennies: Valued at $3 to $150 depending on the severity of the error.
- 1975 Doubled Die Pennies: Can be worth between $25 to $100.
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How Does the Grading System Work?
The Sheldon Scale is commonly used by coin collectors and numismatists to evaluate the condition and value of coins. It ranges from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), with higher grades indicating better coin condition and, therefore, a higher potential value.
For example:
- MS-70 represents a perfect coin with no visible imperfections, while MS-65 is considered choice mint state with minimal flaws.
- Coins in lower conditions, such as Fair (FR-2) or Poor (P-1), will have significantly lower values as they show more wear and tear.
Where to Buy or Sell 1975 Pennies?
If you have a 1975 penny that you believe may be valuable, there are several ways to buy or sell it. Online platforms such as eBay and specialized coin-selling sites can offer a convenient way to sell coins, but be cautious of scams. Make sure to check the credibility of buyers or sellers before making any transactions.
Alternatively, you can also visit coin shops, collectors’ hubs, or antique stores, where you can have your coin appraised and potentially sold to a knowledgeable collector.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.