The Memorial Lincoln cents have played a prominent role in American coinage for decades. Though they carry the lowest face value (one cent), many of these coins—especially from earlier years—are highly collectible, with certain error varieties fetching high prices.
While most regular strike 1972 pennies are common and inexpensive, factors like mint mark, grade, and especially errors (like DDO – Doubled Die Obverse) significantly influence their value.
1972 Lincoln Penny Value Chart
| Condition | 1972 No Mint Mark Penny | 1972-D Penny | 1972-S Penny | 1972 DDO Penny |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS 65 | $1.22 | $1.22 | $1.22 | $706 |
| PR 65 | / | / | $1.22 | / |
History of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln cent, or Lincoln penny, has a long and meaningful history in American coinage. It was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, replacing the Indian Head cent that circulated from 1859 to 1909.
The original design, created by Victor David Brenner, featured:
- Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse (front)
- Two wheat stalks on the reverse, giving rise to the term Wheat Penny
Design Changes Over Time
- In 1959, the reverse design was changed by Frank Gasparro to depict the Lincoln Memorial, marking the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
- The obverse portrait by Brenner remained unchanged, maintaining continuity with the original cent.
Metal Composition
- Pre-1973 pennies were composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc or tin.
- Due to rising copper prices, the U.S. Mint altered the composition in 1973, transitioning to a core of 97.5% zinc with a thin copper coating.
- Even though these early pennies were made of high copper content, it is illegal to melt them, so people sometimes repurpose them for art or jewelry.
1972 Lincoln Penny Mintage by Mint
| Mint Location | Type | Coins Minted |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1972 No Mint Mark Penny | 2,933,255,000 |
| Denver | 1972 D Penny | 2,665,071,400 |
| San Francisco | 1972 S Penny (Business) | 376,939,108 |
| San Francisco | 1972 S Proof Penny | 3,260,996 |
| Total | 5,978,526,504 |
Key Historical Significance
- The Lincoln cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical person rather than an allegorical figure like Lady Liberty.
- Its design evolution reflects American history and commemorative milestones.
- Despite billions minted, the Lincoln penny remains iconic, highly collected, and used in creative ways today.
Features of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The obverse of the 1972 Lincoln penny
The 1972 Lincoln penny preserved the original design used in previous issues of the series. Victor Brenner created the obverse, drawing inspiration from a photograph by Mathew Brady that captured President Lincoln’s right-facing profile with his distinctive beard.
On the coin, the year “1972” is clearly displayed to the right of Lincoln’s bust, while the word “LIBERTY” appears on the left side. The well-known national motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” is inscribed along the upper edge of the coin, above Lincoln’s head.
The reverse of the 1972 Lincoln penny
Frank Gasparro, the designer behind the updated reverse side of the Lincoln penny, selected the Lincoln Memorial as the central image. This iconic monument, located in Washington, D.C., was designed by architect Henry Bacon.
The structure stands out in American coinage because of its classical Greek appearance, featuring twelve Doric columns—all of which are visible on the coin. If you look closely, you can even see the statue of Abraham Lincoln situated between the central pillars.
At the top edge, the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears, followed by the Latin motto “E·PLURIBUS·UNUM·” just beneath it. The coin’s denomination, “ONE CENT,” is engraved below the Memorial.
1972 Lincoln Penny Specifications
- Face Value: $0.01 (one cent)
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin or zinc
- Thickness: 0.06 inches (1.5 mm)
- Diameter: 0.75 inches (19 mm)
- Weight: 0.11 ounces (3.1 g)
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Plain
Other Features of the 1972 Lincoln Penny
The 1972 Lincoln cent is composed of 95% copper and a small percentage of tin or zinc. Like other coins in the series, it has a round shape and a plain (smooth) edge.
Its dimensions are consistent with standard U.S. pennies: it has a diameter of 0.75 inches (19 mm), a thickness of 0.06 inches (1.5 mm), and it weighs 0.11 ounces (3.1 g). These characteristics remained unchanged compared to previous years of production.
1972 Penny Grading
Grading is an essential process that helps determine a coin’s overall condition and has a major impact on its market value. Professional grading companies assess several factors, including the mint mark, the physical state of the coin, and the color and surface tone.
The most commonly used system is the Sheldon Scale, which assigns a numerical grade from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State).
Grading Scale Breakdown:
| Score | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4–6 | Good |
| 7–10 | Very Good |
| 12–15 | Fine |
| 20–30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Gem Mint State |
| 70 | Perfect Mint State |
If you want to accurately determine the value of your 1972 penny, it’s important to refer to a grading guide or submit the coin to a professional grading service.
1972 Penny Value Guides
In 1972, the U.S. Mint produced nearly 6 billion Lincoln pennies. These coins came in four distinct variants, struck at three different mint facilities. Despite their large mintage, most of these pennies hold little to no premium over face value in circulated condition.
While their copper content could theoretically make them more valuable if melted, doing so is illegal under current U.S. law. Therefore, unless you have a coin in exceptional condition or with a rare error, most 1972 pennies remain nominally worth one cent.
1972 No Mint Mark penny value
The Philadelphia Mint struck a total of 2,933,255,000 Lincoln cents in 1972, making it the highest mintage for that year. These coins can be easily identified by the absence of a mint mark.
Most examples are common and inexpensive, with circulated pieces typically worth just one cent. However, uncirculated coins can range in value from $0.20 to $300, depending on their grade and color (brown, red-brown, or red).
A few standout pieces have fetched impressive prices at auction:
- A MS 67 RD (Red) penny sold for $3,290 in 2013.
- A brown specimen reached $900 on eBay in 2021.
- A red-brown coin, graded MS 63, was purchased for $374 in 2008.
These sales highlight the potential value of high-grade or visually appealing 1972 Lincoln cents from Philadelphia.
1972 D Penny value
Given the large mintage numbers, the value of most 1972 D Lincoln pennies remains quite modest. Circulated examples generally sell for just one cent, while those in mint state condition typically range from $0.10 to $55 depending on their grade and color.
However, auction prices can be much higher for exceptional specimens. The most expensive 1972 D penny sold for $4,250 on eBay in 2012, thanks to its vibrant red color and high MS 67+ grade.
Other notable sales include:
- A brown 1972 D penny purchased for $380 on eBay in 2020.
- A red-brown example that fetched $207 in 2018.
These figures show how color and condition dramatically influence value, even within the same mint year and mark.
1972 S Penny value
The San Francisco Mint produced the lowest mintage in 1972, with only 376,939,108 pennies struck. These coins are easily identified by the “S” mint mark on the obverse.
Despite the lower mintage, this does not greatly increase their value. Pennies in average circulated condition typically sell for one cent, while those in mint state range between $0.10 and $7.50.
However, auction prices for high-grade examples can be significantly higher:
- A red 1972 S Lincoln penny graded MS 67 sold for $1,955 in 2007.
- A brown MS 67 coin fetched $325.
- The lowest auction record belongs to a red-brown MS 66 penny sold for $29 in 2018.
This shows that color and condition remain key factors influencing the value of San Francisco pennies from 1972.
1972 S proof Lincoln Penny value
In addition to regular pennies, the San Francisco Mint produced 3,260,996 proof coins in 1972. Despite being proofs, their value generally aligns with other pennies from that year.
For example, coins graded between PR 60 and PR 63 typically sell for less than one dollar. Higher-grade Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs are priced as follows:
- $10 for PR 64
- $14 for PR 65
- $15 for PR 66
- $18 for PR 67
- $26 for PR 68
- $275 for PR 69
Auction prices tend to be higher. The most expensive San Francisco proof penny was a DCAM PR 69 coin, which sold for $1,495 at the 2010 Heritage auction.
Rare 1972 Penny Error List
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
A Doubled Die Obverse occurs when the die strikes the coin more than once, causing parts of the design to appear doubled. On 1972 Lincoln cents, the most noticeable doubling often appears in the inscriptions:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 1972 (date)
Although these errors are relatively well-known, they can still carry significant value. Depending on the color (brown, red-brown, or red) and condition (grade) of the coin, prices typically range from $295 to as much as $14,400.
Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
This error is similar to the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), but the doubling appears on the reverse side of the coin. It is usually noticeable in the inscriptions and elements of the Lincoln Memorial design.
While these DDR coins are generally less valuable than their DDO counterparts, they are still sought after by collectors and can carry a premium depending on the clarity of the doubling and the coin’s condition.
Wrong Planchet Error
This error occurs when a coin is accidentally struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination. As a result, the penny may appear too small or too large, and it might display an unusual color or metal composition.
1972 Lincoln cents struck on the wrong planchet are extremely rare and highly collectible. Because of their scarcity and unique appearance, these error coins can be worth thousands of dollars, especially when authenticated and in excellent condition.
Re-punched Mint Mark (RPM)
This error occurs when the mint mark is stamped onto the coin more than once in slightly different positions. As a result, the letter may appear doubled or shadowed, and in many cases, it’s visible to the naked eye.
1972 Lincoln cents with a re-punched mint mark are relatively common in circulation, which makes them low in value. While they may hold some interest for error collectors, their market price is typically modest unless found in high grades.
Where to sell your penny?
Now that you know the value of your penny, you might be wondering where to sell it. Don’t worry: here’s a guide to some of the best online platforms where you can easily sell your coins, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Discover the best platforms for selling coins online (pros and cons).
FAQ About the 1972 Lincoln Penny Value
1. What is the typical value of a 1972 Lincoln Penny in circulated condition?
Most 1972 Lincoln cents found in pocket change or circulation are worth their face value — $0.01 — unless they are in excellent condition or have a rare variety. In uncirculated (MS60–MS65) condition, their value rises slightly, typically ranging from $0.25 to $5 depending on mint mark and overall luster.
2. What is the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) penny, and why is it valuable?
The 1972 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) is a famous and highly collectible error. This variety shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date. Only coins struck from the first die with this defect are considered the true 1972 DDO (FS-101).
- Value:
- In circulated condition: $200–$400
- In MS63 Red: $600–$900
- In MS65 Red: Over $1,000
3. How many different doubled die varieties are there for the 1972 penny?
There are 10 known doubled die varieties for the 1972 penny, but only Variety 1 (FS-101) is dramatic and valuable. The others show minor doubling and are less sought after.
- FS-101 (DDO-001) is the most dramatic and valuable.
- Other varieties (FS-102 to FS-110) often require magnification to detect and are generally worth $10–$50, depending on condition.
4. What’s the difference between 1972 pennies from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints?
- 1972 (No Mint Mark) – Struck in Philadelphia; over 2.9 billion minted. Includes the famous DDO variety.
- 1972-D – Struck in Denver; over 2.6 billion minted. No known dramatic doubled die varieties.
- 1972-S – Struck in San Francisco as a proof-only issue; over 3.2 million minted. These are more valuable in pristine Proof (PR) grades.
5. Are proof 1972-S Lincoln pennies more valuable than regular strikes?
Yes. 1972-S proofs, especially those graded PR67 or higher, are more desirable to collectors:
- Standard Proof (PR65–PR68): $1 to $5
- Deep Cameo Proof (PR69 DCAM): $20 to $50 or more
Note: No major doubled die varieties exist for the 1972-S proof penny.
6. What’s the highest price ever paid for a 1972 Lincoln penny?
One of the highest recorded sales is for a 1972 DDO (FS-101) graded MS67 Red by PCGS, which sold for over $14,000 at auction. Exceptional eye appeal and strong doubling dramatically increase the coin’s value.
7. How can I tell if my 1972 penny is the valuable doubled die variety?
Look closely at the obverse (front) under magnification. For FS-101:
- The word “LIBERTY” appears strongly doubled.
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date “1972” also show prominent doubling.
- The doubling is not caused by machine doubling — it’s strong, rounded, and clear.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and assign a grade, which directly impacts market value.
