Most 1972 Lincoln pennies aren't valuable. However these pennies can sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. Keep reading to learn more about these one cent coins.

1972 Penny

Specifications

Type: Lincoln Penny
Year: 1972
Face Value: $0.01
Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Total Weight: 3.11 grams

The US minted the 1972 penny with no mint mark and also the 1972 D penny and 1972 S penny. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date.

Series Location Quantity Minted
1972 Philadelphia 2,933,255,000
1972 D Denver 2,665,071,440
1972 S San Francisco 376,939,108

Value

Most 1972 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their weight in copper. The current copper melt value for each penny is about $0.02. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition.

The 1972 penny with no mint mark and the 1972 D penny are each worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.

The 1972 S penny is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.

Proof coins with the S mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $15 in PR-67RD condition. There were 3,260,996 proof coins minted.

Doubled Die Error Coins

There is a rare error variety for the 1972 penny with no mint mark. On the obverse side of the coin the date and the design elements are minted twice onto the coin. This is called a doubled die error.

The 1972 penny with no mint mark doubled die error coin is worth around $600 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade. This price is for coins with prominent doubling. Coins with only slight doubling are worth less money.

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Grading System

MS-65RD gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable. The color is red.

PR-67RD proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present. The color is red.

 

Sources:

The Red Book


See also:

1973 Penny
1971 Penny
1970 Penny