The 1972 penny is one of the most popular coins sought after by collectors and investors. An investment in any collectible can be profitable because there is a limited supply for each piece. Keep reading to learn the history of the penny and how much you could value one today.
Have you ever found an old penny tucked away in a pocket or hiding in your change jar? It could be worth more than you think. The 1972 penny has become increasingly valuable due to its rarity – and with more people collecting coins as hobbies, this coin's value is only increasing.
Read on to understand the history, weight, and unique characteristics of the 1972 penny to get a better idea of its worth.
1972 Lincoln Penny Value Guides
Lincoln penny value guides can help you determine the value of your Lincoln penny. The most critical factor in determining the value of a coin is its condition. A coin in good condition will be worth more than a coin in poor condition.
The value of a 1972 Lincoln penny depends on its condition and whether it is graded as proof or uncirculated. A proof coin will generally be worth more than an ungraded one. However, even an ungraded coin can be valuable if it is in good condition.
Proof coins are usually between $0.50 and $2.00, while uncirculated coins can be between $0.20 and $1.00. A few rare varieties of the 1972 Lincoln penny are worth considerably more than this; for example, a coin struck on a bronze planchet (a type of blank used in minting) is worth around $10,000.
Another factor that can affect the value of a coin is its date. Older coins are usually worth more than newer coins. And finally, the mint mark on a coin can also affect its value. Coins with rarer mint marks are worth more than those with common ones.
1972 No Mint Mark Penny Value
Some Lincoln pennies minted between 1909 and 1958 do not have a mint mark, so their value as of 2020 is about 20 cents each for circulated examples in poor condition. Uncirculated examples with no mint mark can be worth up to $12, while those with a “D” mint mark (from the Denver Mint) are valued at around $1.50 or more.
At Heritage Auctions in 2013, the most expensive piece with a MS 67 rating and red toning was auctioned off for an impressive $3,290.
1972 D Penny Value
The value of a D Lincoln penny depends on its condition and whether it is a rare date. A heavily circulated coin may be valued at only a few cents, while a mint state coin may be worth several dollars. Some rare dates are worth much more, the most valuable being the 1972 D, sold at $4250 on eBay in mint state.
In 2012, a 1972 D Lincoln wheat penny sold for a record $4,250 on eBay. It was an exquisite coin with red toning and also had excellent grades, which were key factors that drove the price.
1972 S Penny Value
The “S” mint mark represents San Fransico, where the Mint took place. The coin's value has increased steadily since its introduction in 1972 and currently sells for about $1 each.
In 2007, a numismatist paid an astounding sum of $1,955 for a single red 1972 Lincoln penny graded MS 67 at Heritage Auctions.
1972 S Proof Penny Value
The S-proof Lincoln penny is worth $11500, according to an auction made in 1997. This is because the S-proof Lincoln penny is a very rare coin. There are only a handful of these coins in existence, which makes them extremely valuable. In the current market, the coin goes for $1 when in good condition of PR 65.
In 1997, the rare 1972 S PR EF 45 Lincoln penny was auctioned at Heritage Auctions and fetched an incredible record of $11,500.
1972 Lincoln Penny Errors Value
Although the Lincoln penny is now one of the most common coins in circulation, a few errors can still be found.
- The most common error is the doubled die obverse, which occurs when the die used to strike the coin is not aligned correctly. This results in a coin with a double image on the obverse (front) side.
- Another common error is an off-center strike, which occurs when the coin is not struck in the middle of the die. This results in a coin with an uneven or lopsided appearance.
While these errors may not be as valuable as some of the rare and exotic ones, they can still fetch a pretty penny from collectors. So, if you encounter one of these Lincoln penny errors, don't spend it. Hold on to it and check its value before spending it.
A 1972 DDO Lincoln penny is worth around $15. This is because of the coin's rarity and condition. The date on a 1972 DDO Lincoln penny is doubled, which makes it different from other pennies.
In 2008, a 1972 Double Die penny with an error was auctioned off for an impressive $1,150. This coin is highly sought-after due to its rarity and the value it can bring to collectors.
History of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The coin's design has undergone a few changes throughout its history. Still, the most significant change occurred in 1959 when the portrait of President Lincoln on the obverse was replaced with a new design by Victor David Brenner. In 1972, the Lincoln Memorial reverse design debuted on the penny as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.
The 1972 Lincoln penny is a one-cent coin that the United States Mint struck in 1972. The coin is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, and it has a diameter of 19mm.
The coin's obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the reverse features the Lincoln Memorial. The design on the coin's reverse was changed in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
The 1972 Lincoln penny had a mintage of 1,435,000,000 coins. The vast majority of these coins were circulated and are not particularly valuable. Uncirculated examples of the 1972 Lincoln penny can be worth up to $0.50.
Since its introduction, the Lincoln penny has been one of America's most popular coins. The coin is minted at four different facilities across the country, and millions are produced yearly.
Features of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The 1972 Lincoln penny is notable for several reasons. It was the first year that the Lincoln penny was minted with an obverse design by Frank Gasparro, and it was also the last year that the coin was minted with a 95% copper composition. The 1972 Lincoln penny comprises 95% copper and 5% zinc. It has a diameter of 19mm and a mass of 3.11 grams.
The Obverse
The obverse of this coin was designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who created it in 1907 for use on collector coins produced under President Theodore Roosevelt's administration (1901-1905).
The obverse side of the coin features a bust of President Abraham Lincoln. The word “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed above his head, “LIBERTY,” and the date “1972” is below his chin. In the lower right-hand below the date is the mint mark “D” for Denver.
The Reverse
The coin's reverse, which features an image of the Lincoln Memorial building, is particularly popular with collectors. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear at the top of the coin with the Motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” broken in two rows below it. The denomination ONE CENT is written at the bottom of the coin.
Conclusion
A 1972 penny is a great piece of American numismatic history with exceptional value. Its worth can vary depending on its condition, but overall this coin commands respect and admiration among collectors. Many online resources can help you accurately determine the value of your 1972 penny, so be sure to do your research before selling or trading any coins. With its rich history and a high potential for appreciation, buying and collecting these coins could be a wise investment decision.
