This 1972 Lincoln Penny Could Be Worth $14,000 — Here’s How to Check Yours!

Memorial Lincoln cents have a rich history and remain popular among collectors despite their low denomination. Older coins tend to be highly collectible and valuable, while later pennies are generally more affordable.

To accurately assess the value of a 1972 penny, key factors include condition, mint mark, and rare error types, with error coins often commanding the highest prices.

1972 Penny Value Chart

Condition	1972 No Mint Mark Penny	1972 D Penny	1972 S Penny	1972 DDO Penny
MS 65	$2.50	$2.50	$2.50	$475
PR 65	—	—	$13.50	—

History of the 1972 Penny

Lincoln pennies debuted in 1909, commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday and replacing the Indian Head cents. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse with Lincoln’s profile, while the original reverse featured wheat stalks.

In 1959, the reverse was changed to the Lincoln Memorial by Frank Gasparro to mark Lincoln’s 150th birthday. The coin’s composition also evolved over time; 1972 pennies contain 95% copper, but starting in 1973, the alloy shifted to mostly zinc with copper plating.

Types and Mintages of the 1972 Penny

In 1972, nearly 6 billion Lincoln pennies were produced across three mints:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): 2,933,255,000
• Denver (D mint mark): 2,665,071,400
• San Francisco (S mint mark): 376,939,108 plus 3,260,996 proof coins

Lincoln cents are notable as the first U.S. coins to feature a real person rather than symbolic imagery, which marked a shift in American coin design.

Design Details of the 1972 Lincoln Penny

The obverse retains Brenner’s original portrait of Lincoln facing right with “LIBERTY,” the date, and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse features the Lincoln Memorial with twelve Doric pillars and the Lincoln statue visible between the central pillars.

Above the memorial is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and below is “ONE CENT” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” along the upper rim.

Physical Characteristics of the 1972 Penny

• Face Value: 1 cent
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin or zinc
• Diameter: 0.75 inches (19 mm)
• Thickness: 0.06 inches (1.5 mm)
• Weight: 0.11 ounces (3.1 g)
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round

Grading the 1972 Penny

Grading uses the Sheldon scale (1-70) to assess condition, affecting value significantly. Grades range from Basal State (1) to Mint State (70), with higher numbers indicating better preservation and higher collector value.

Value Guide for the 1972 Penny

Due to their massive mintage, most 1972 pennies are common and worth only face value when circulated. Mint state coins can fetch prices from a few cents to over $150, depending on condition and rarity. The rare doubled die obverse (DDO) pennies are exceptionally valuable.

• 1972 No Mint Mark Penny: Most affordable, valued between 1 cent and $155 for mint condition.
• 1972 D Penny: Circulated coins worth 1 cent; mint condition up to $7.50; exceptional ones sold for thousands.
• 1972 S Penny: Low mintage but similar value to others, with high-grade coins selling for hundreds or thousands.
• 1972 S Proof Penny: Limited proof coins range from under $1 to hundreds of dollars depending on grade.

Common Errors in 1972 Pennies

Errors increase the penny’s value considerably. Notable errors include:

• Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Doubling visible on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. Values range from hundreds to over $14,000.
• Doubled Die Reverse: Doubling appears on the Lincoln Memorial and inscriptions; less valuable but still collectible.
• Wrong Planchet: Coins struck on incorrect planchets (wrong size or metal) can sell for thousands.
• Re-punched Mint Mark: Mint mark struck more than once, common but with minimal added value.

Where to Sell Your 1972 Lincoln Penny

Collectors can sell pennies through various online platforms that offer free appraisals and direct sales, ensuring a fair price based on condition and rarity.

FAQs About the 1972 Lincoln Penny