If the coin is circulated, then it is only worth its face value. However, if the coin is uncirculated and in good condition, then it can be worth around $1 in MS 65 grade. Proof coins are also worth a bit more. The most valuable 1972 penny is the Double Die Obverse error coin, which can be worth at least $600 in MS 65 grade.
1972 was a year of milestones. On January 7th, the world’s first commercial jetliner, the Boeing 747, made its inaugural flight. In February, President Richard Nixon made his historic trip to China. And when it comes to money – classic Lincoln pennies continued to be produced.
If you’re a coin collector, or just someone who likes to know about the history and specifications of coins, then you’ll want to read this blog post. Here, we will discuss everything there is to know about 1972 pennies! We’ll cover the history of these coins, their value, and some interesting facts about them. So if you’re ready to learn all about 1972 pennies, keep reading!
A Brief History of the Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln Memorial cent has been in circulation for over a hundred years, and it is currently the longest-running coin design in American history. The original design, which featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the words “One Cent” on the reverse, was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
In 1918, the design was updated to include the phrase “In God We Trust,” and in 1959, the reverse was changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial. Today, nearly 4 billion Lincoln pennies are produced each year, making it one of the most common coins in circulation.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best remembered for his role in overseeing the country during the Civil War, as well as his famous Gettysburg Address.
Lincoln’s legacy has been celebrated in many ways over the years. In addition to memorials and statues, he has been featured on numerous stamps and coins, including the U.S. one-cent coin. It is a fitting tribute to a man who played such an important role in American history.
What Does a 1972 Lincoln Penny Look Like?
1972 Lincoln Penny Specifications |
|
| Type | Lincoln Penny |
| Year | 1972 |
| Face Value | $0.01 |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Total Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19.00 mm |
A penny from 1972 is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. It has a mass of 3.11 grams, a diameter of 19.00 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm. The edge of the 1972 penny is smooth, as opposed to the serrated edges found on some coins. Many 1972 pennies have a reddish color, due to the natural oxidation of copper. However, some pennies may have developed a green patina, which is caused by exposure to humidity and other environmental conditions. Some 1972 pennies may also be missing their copper coating, revealing the underlying zinc core.
The penny is a classic example of American currency, and the 1972 penny is no exception. Featuring the image of President Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, the 1972 penny is a simple yet elegant coin. The term “IN GOD WE TRUST,” word “LIBERTY,” and the date are also featured on the obverse, while the reverse bears the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE CENT.” The obverse was designed by Victor D. Brenner, and the reverse by Lyndall Bass.
The mint mark is a letter that indicates where the coin was minted. For example, a “D” mint mark means the coin was minted in Denver, while an “S” mint mark indicates it was minted in San Francisco. Some 1972 pennies do not have a mint mark, which indicates they were minted in Philadelphia. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin, under the date.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, examining your 1972 penny can be a fun and interesting way to learn more about U.S. currency.
Is the 1972 Penny a Rare Coin?
Series |
Location |
Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
1972 |
Philadelphia |
2,933,255,000 |
1972 D |
Denver |
2,665,071,440 |
1972 S |
San Francisco |
376,939,108 |
1972 S Proof |
San Francisco |
3,260,996 |
One of the most frequently asked questions by coin collectors is whether or not the 1972 penny is a rare coin. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. The 1972 penny is not a rare coin by any means. In 1972, Philadelphia struck 2,933,255,000 coins, Denver struck 2,665,071,440 coins, and San Francisco struck 376,939,108 coins. Additionally, San Francisco struck 3,260,996 proof coins.
However, there are some rare error varieties like doubled die coins. The most notable example of a rare 1972 penny is a 1974-D penny with a doubled die obverse. which features a prominent doubling on the front side. Approximately 1% of the pennies minted in 1974 have this error, making them much rarer than their 1972 counterparts. While the 1972 penny is not rare by any means, certain varieties can be quite valuable to collectors.
What is the 1972 Penny Value
Have you ever come across a 1972 penny and wondered what it might be worth? If so, you’re not alone. The value of a 1972 penny can vary depending on its condition and whether it is circulated or uncirculated. Most circulated coins are only worth their base value, but an uncirculated coin in good condition can be worth around $1 in MS 65 grade. That is not much because this coin is not particularly rare.
Proof coins are a special type of coin that is struck using a carefully prepared die and planchet. Proof coins are struck multiple times, resulting in a higher quality finish. Due to their exceptional quality, proof coins are generally worth more than regular circulation coins. While a regular 1972 penny is only worth the base value in circulated condition, a proof coin is worth at least $1 in PR 65 condition. Consequently, if you have a 1972 penny, it might be worth checking to see if it is a proof coin.
However, error coins can be worth much more. The most valuable 1972 penny is the Doubled Die Obverse, which is worth around $600 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. This error occurs when the design on the obverse (heads) side of the coin is doubled, due to a misalignment during the minting process.
The best way to find current prices is to compare to recently sold items:
- Uncirculated condition 1972 D Lincoln Memorial cent graded MS 65 sold for $8,50.
- A circulated 1972 no mint mark penny with a rim error sold for $149.
- A 1972 Double Die Obverse penny graded MS 67 by the PCGS sold for $2520.
- A similar coin with a double die obverse error sold for almost $4000 on an auction!
What is the Most Expensive 1972 Penny Ever Sold?
In 1972, the US Mint produced a small number of pennies with a double die obverse. These coins are considered to be among the most desirable and valuable error coins. In 2020, one of these coins was sold for $7,200, making it the most expensive 1972 penny ever sold. The coin was graded MS 67 by PCGS, indicating that it is in near-perfect condition. The high grade and rarity of the coin made it especially desirable to collectors. This sale once again highlights the value that collectors place on rare and unusual coins.
Error List
Any coin can be considered an error coin if it is not struck according to the intended design. Broadly speaking, there are three main types of errors that can occur during the minting process. Error coins can be highly valuable, as they are often very rare. Not only are they interesting to look at, but they also offer a glimpse into the minting process and how things can sometimes go wrong.
1972 Double Die Penny
In 1972, the Mint struck a small number of pennies with a double die obverse. This means that the front side of the coin was struck twice by the die in error. As a result, some elements on the coin’s obverse appear to be doubled. Although this coin was minted in large numbers, it is still highly prized by collectors due to its scarcity and high degree of detail.
1972 Penny Double Rim Error
You might not give much thought to the pennies jingling around in your pocket, but some rare coins can be worth a lot of money. One such coin is the 1972 penny with a double rim error. So, what is a double rim error? It occurs when the coin is not struck properly, causing the metal to fin or spread outwards. As a result, the outer edge of the coin appears to have two rims instead of one.
While this might not seem like a big deal, double rim errors are quite rare, making this penny valuable to collectors. In fact, a mint condition coin could be worth hundreds of dollars! So, if you come across a 1972 penny with a double rim error, hold onto it – it might just be worth a small fortune.
How Much is a 1972 Canadian Penny Worth
The 1972 Canadian Penny is made of a 98% copper alloy and weighs 3.24 grams. It has a diameter of 19.05 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The edge of the coin is smooth, and the obverse is engraved with Arnold Machin’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with the words “ELIZABETH II” and “D.G. REGINA” (meaning By the Grace of God). The reverse is engraved with G.E.Gruger-Gray’s image of a maple leaf with the words “CANADA”, date and “1 CENT”.
The 1972 Canadian Penny is a highly sought after coin by collectors. This is due to the fact that only 13 were certified mint state by major companies. The melt and minimum value of a 1 cent 1972 is $0.04 CAD. In terms of uncertified coins, it’s worth $17.30 CAD in MS 65 grade and $55.30 CAD in MS 66 grade. Proof coins are worth around $30 CAD.
FAQ
Are coins from the 70’s worth anything?
When it comes to coins from the 1970s, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some coins from this era are worth quite a bit, while others are not worth much at all. The value of a coin depends on a variety of factors, including its condition and the quantity that was minted. For example, a coin in mint condition that was produced in limited quantities is likely to be worth more than a coin that is in poor condition and was produced in large quantities. So, if you have any coins from the 1970s, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look to see if you have a hidden treasure on your hands!
How much is a 1972 D penny error worth?
Error coins are always interesting to collectors, and the 1972 D penny is no exception. This coin is worth at least $600 in MS 65 condition, and it can be worth even more if it is in pristine condition. The double die obverse error coin is especially desirable, as it is a relatively rare error. So, if you have one of these coins, be sure to hold onto it tightly!
How can you tell if a coin is double died?
At first glance, a double die coin may not look any different from a regular coin. However, upon closer inspection, there are several telling signs. First, the images on the front and back of the coin will be slightly misaligned. Second, the colors may appear to be blurred or smeared. Finally, the overall design of the coin will look warped or distorted. While double die coins are relatively rare, they are an intriguing example of minting error. For collectors, these coins can be quite valuable.
Final Thoughts
Many people have a 1972 penny in their change jar at home. But what are these coins actually worth? In conclusion, the 1972 penny is not a rare coin and as such its not worth too much unless it has errors. So, if you come across a 1972 penny, take a close look at it before spending it!
When it comes to circulated coins, the answer is simple: they’re only worth their face value. However, if you have an uncirculated coin in good condition, it can be worth around $1 in MS 65 grade. Proof coins are also worth a bit more, since they were never intended for circulation. Finally, Double Die Obverse error coins are among the most valuable, with a minimum value of $600 in MS 65 grade. Thanks for reading!
