1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny Sells for $14,400 – A Rare Error Worth Spotting!

Memorial Lincoln cents carry a storied and captivating legacy. Though they are the smallest denomination in American currency, these pennies have long fascinated collectors. Early production years produce coins that are especially sought after and can command high prices. On the other hand, coins minted more recently tend to be less valuable and more affordable.

To determine the worth of a 1972 penny accurately, understanding how to evaluate individual coins is crucial. The primary value drivers are the coin’s condition and mint mark, but rare errors often bring the highest prices.

1972 Penny Value Chart

History of the 1972 Penny

Introduced in 1909 to mark Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birth, the Lincoln cent replaced the Indian Head cent, which circulated from 1859 to 1909. The design, created by Victor David Brenner, featured Lincoln’s profile on the front and wheat stalks on the back, earning it the nickname “Wheat Penny.”

Over the years, the Lincoln penny has undergone several design and material changes. In 1959, Frank Gasparro redesigned the reverse side to show the Lincoln Memorial, honoring Lincoln’s 150th birthday, while the obverse remained unchanged.

The coin’s composition also changed due to copper price increases. Originally 95% copper, the U.S. Mint switched in 1973 to a composition of mostly zinc with a copper coating to reduce costs.

Types of 1972 Pennies and Mint Quantities

The Lincoln cent was revolutionary as the first U.S. coin to depict a real historical figure rather than symbolic imagery like Lady Liberty or Native American profiles.

Despite billions minted, Lincoln pennies remain popular among collectors and casual holders. Many saved pennies from 1959 to 1972 for their copper content, which by law cannot be melted but is used in crafts and art.

Features of the 1972 Lincoln Penny

Coins evolve over time. While the Lincoln penny debuted in 1909 with Brenner’s iconic portrait, the 1972 penny’s reverse reflects Gasparro’s 1959 Lincoln Memorial design.

The Obverse of the 1972 Lincoln Penny

The obverse showcases Brenner’s classic Lincoln portrait based on a photo by Mathew Brady. Lincoln faces right with a visible beard. The mint year appears near his profile, with “LIBERTY” on the left and “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the top rim.

The Reverse of the 1972 Lincoln Penny

Gasparro’s reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial, modeled after Henry Bacon’s Washington, D.C. monument. Twelve Doric columns surround Lincoln’s statue, visible between them. Above, the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appear, with “ONE CENT” at the bottom.

1972 Lincoln Penny Specifications

Grading the 1972 Penny

Grading plays a vital role in valuing coins. Experts use the Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect), to assess surface quality, condition, and mint marks.

1972 Penny Value Guides by Mint Mark

Nearly six billion Lincoln pennies were minted in 1972 across different mints. While most hold only face value, four types exist, and none can legally be melted for copper content.

1972 No Mint Mark Penny (Philadelphia)

Philadelphia produced 2,933,255,000 Lincoln cents in 1972, the largest quantity that year. These coins lack a mint mark. Circulated pennies typically hold face value, while uncirculated ones range from $0.20 up to $155 depending on grade. Rare high-grade red examples have sold for thousands, with an MS 67 Red fetching $3,290 in 2013.

1972 D Penny (Denver)

The Denver Mint struck 2,665,071,400 pennies that year. Circulated coins usually trade at face value, but Mint State examples range from 10 cents to around $7.50. Exceptional MS 67+ Red coins have sold for over $4,000.

1972 S Penny (San Francisco)

San Francisco produced 376,939,108 coins bearing an “S” mint mark. Most circulated examples are worth just one cent, while mint-state pieces can fetch up to $7.50. High-grade red specimens have reached nearly $2,000.

1972 S Proof Lincoln Penny

The San Francisco Mint also made 3,260,996 proof coins in 1972. Lower-grade proofs cost under $1, while deep cameo (DCAM) versions command higher prices:

• PR 64: ~$11
• PR 65: ~$16
• PR 66: ~$20
• PR 67: ~$35
• PR 68: ~$70
• PR 69: ~$550

One PR 69 DCAM specimen sold for $1,495 at auction in 2010.

Rare 1972 Penny Errors

With billions minted, about 20,000 error coins from 1972 exist.

• Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Seen on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. Prices vary from $295 to $14,400 based on condition and color.
• Doubled Die Reverse: Features doubling on the reverse inscriptions and Memorial image, less valuable but collectible.
• Wrong Planchet: Pennies struck on incorrect planchets show unusual shapes or colors, often valued in the thousands.
• Re-punched Mint Mark: Multiple strikes on the mint mark cause doubling impressions, easily noticeable but generally less valuable.

Where to Sell Your 1972 Lincoln Penny

If you want to sell your 1972 Lincoln penny, numerous online coin marketplaces exist. Each has pros and cons, so research to find the best platform for your needs.

FAQ About the 1972 Lincoln Penny Value

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