The 1972 Lincoln penny in your pocket might be worth more than just a cent! From rare errors to valuable mint marks, some of these pennies can fetch up to $15,000.
This guide will help you understand the factors that make certain 1972 pennies more valuable and how to spot them.
A Brief History of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln Memorial cent, introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, originally featured wheat stalks on its reverse side. However, in 1959, the design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
The 1972 Lincoln penny, part of this series, was produced in large quantities—over 5.9 billion that year. What sets it apart is the possibility of minting errors, particularly the double die obverse (DDO), which can significantly increase its value.
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Key Features of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mint Locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Designer: Victor David Brenner (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Design Breakdown
- Obverse (Front): Features Abraham Lincoln’s profile, with “LIBERTY” to the left and the date to the right. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” runs along the top.
- Reverse (Back): Displays the Lincoln Memorial, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” beneath, and “ONE CENT” at the bottom.
What Determines a 1972 Lincoln Penny’s Value?
- Condition (Coin Grading) Coin grading is key when determining value. Higher grades, like MS-66 or MS-67, indicate a nearly perfect coin and can be worth thousands of dollars. For example, a 1972 penny with an MS-67+ grade has sold for $3,290 at auction.
- Toning and Color The color of a copper penny can also affect its value:
- Red (RD): Bright, shiny red pennies are the most valuable, sometimes worth thousands.
- Red-Brown (RB): A mix of red and brown, these pennies fetch less but can still be worth up to $25.
- Brown (BN): Fully brown pennies are generally the least valuable but can still hold value if rare or in high grade.
- Mint Marks and Mintage
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): Common, but in high grades, can be worth up to $4,000.
- D Mint Mark (Denver): Also common but valuable in high grades, sometimes reaching $3,500.
- S Mint Mark (San Francisco): Less common, with values ranging from $5 to over $1,000 for high-grade coins.
- Errors Certain errors dramatically increase a penny’s value:
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): This error can raise the coin’s worth to as much as $15,000.
- Off-Center Strike: Depending on the severity, these pennies can range from $50 to $400.
- Struck on a Dime Planchet: Rare, these can be worth around $300.
Value by Grade and Condition
| Coin Condition | 1972 No Mint Mark Penny | 1972 D Penny | 1972 S Penny |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor (0) to XF45 | 1-2 cents | 1-2 cents | 1-2 cents |
| AU50 to AU58+ | 20-50 cents | 10-30 cents | 15-40 cents |
| MS60 to MS64 | $1-$5 | $1-$10 | $2-$10 |
| MS65 to MS66+ | $10-$50 | $10-$50+ | $10-$65 |
| MS67 to MS67+ | $150-$3,500 | $200-$4,000+ | $200+ |
Rare 1972 Penny Errors That Increase Value
- Double Die Obverse: Look for doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date. These can be worth up to $15,000.
- Off-Center Strike: Part of the design is cut off due to misalignment. These errors can fetch anywhere from $50 to $400.
- Struck on a Clad Dime Planchet: When a penny is accidentally struck on a dime’s planchet, it can sell for up to $300.
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Final Thoughts
If you find a 1972 Lincoln penny, it could be more than just spare change! Always check for mint errors, mint marks, and the condition of the coin. In the right circumstances, a seemingly ordinary penny could be worth thousands.
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.