1973 Penny Coin Value [Error List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth]

Many people are unaware that some common coins in their spare change could be worth far more than their face value. The 1973 Lincoln penny is one such example. But how can you determine if your 1973 penny are more valuable than just one cent?

This article will explore the factors that influence the value of 1973 pennies. We’ll cover the basics of coin grading, explain what “mint state” means, and highlight specific errors to look for in 1973 Lincoln pennies that might increase their worth.

Specifications of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 Lincoln penny belongs to the broader category of Lincoln pennies. These coins were produced at three different mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The penny’s design features work by two artists: Victor D. Brenner created the obverse (front) design, while Frank Gasparro designed the reverse (back).

Physical characteristics of the 1973 penny include:

• A smooth edge
• Diameter of 19.05 mm
• Thickness of 1.52 mm
• Weight of 2.5 grams
• Composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc
• Face value of $0.01
• Melt value of approximately $0.0272 (subject to fluctuation based on metal prices)

Design Elements of 1973 Penny

The obverse of the 1973 Lincoln penny showcases a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Above the portrait, you’ll find the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” in capital letters. Behind Lincoln’s head is the word “LIBERTY,” also capitalized.

The designer’s initials, VDB, appear on the shoulder cut-off of the portrait, though these weren’t always included on earlier versions of the coin. The date and mint mark (except for Philadelphia-minted coins) are positioned in front of the portrait.

The reverse design, introduced in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birthday, depicts the Lincoln Memorial. The top rim features “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while “ONE CENT” appears along the bottom, both in capital letters.

The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is placed above the Memorial building, and the designer’s initials, FG, can be found to the right of the structure.

1973 Penny Value Chart

Mint Mark	Good – G2	Fine – F12	Extremely Fine – EF40	Uncirculated – MS60	Mint State – MS65
1973 No Mint Mark Lincoln Penny Value	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$1.16
1973 D Lincoln Penny Value	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$1.16
1973 S Penny Value	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$0.02	$1.16

Grading 1973 Pennies

All coins, including 1973 pennies, are graded using the Sheldon scale, ranging from P1 (poor condition) to MS70 (perfect mint state). Understanding this scale is crucial for accurately assessing a coin’s value.

Grade Number	Grade
1	Basal State-1
2	Fair
3	Very Fair
4, 5, 6	Good
7, 8, 10	Very Good
12, 15	Fine
20, 30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60	Mint State
65	Mint State
70	Mint State

1973 Penny Value And Varieties Guide

The 1973 Lincoln penny comes in three main varieties, each minted at a different location. Let’s examine these varieties and their potential worth.

Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark)

Production	Nearly 4 billion
Distinguishing Feature	Absence of mint mark
Typical Value	$0.02 (circulated), $0.33 (uncirculated)

The Philadelphia Mint produced the largest quantity of 1973 pennies. These coins lack a mint mark, making them easily identifiable. While common in circulation, their value primarily stems from copper content. However, exceptional specimens can command premium prices. For instance, a coin graded MS67+ RD by PCGS fetched $3,850 at auction in 2020.

Denver Mint (D Mint Mark)

Production	Over 3.5 billion
Distinguishing Feature	“D” mint mark
Typical Value	$0.02 (circulated), up to $0.96 (uncirculated)

Denver-minted pennies from 1973 are also abundant. Their value in circulation mirrors that of Philadelphia coins. High-grade specimens (MS65) may be worth around $1.16. Remarkably, a 1973-D penny graded MS67 RD sold for $4,993.75 in 2014, setting a record for this variety.

San Francisco Mint (S Mint Mark)

Production	Approximately 320 million
Distinguishing Feature	“S” mint mark
Typical Value	$0.02 (circulated), $0.33 (uncirculated)

Although produced in smaller numbers, San Francisco pennies from 1973 generally align in value with their counterparts from other mints. A notable auction in 2016 saw an MS67 RD graded coin sell for $2,232.

History of the 1973 Penny

The Lincoln penny design marks a significant shift in American coinage. Prior to 1909, depicting real individuals on coins was unconventional. The Lincoln penny, introduced to commemorate the 16th president’s centennial birth year, broke this tradition.

The coin’s reverse design has evolved over time. Initially featuring wheat sheaves, it changed in 1959 to depict the Lincoln Memorial. Further design changes occurred in 2009 and 2010. In contrast, the obverse has remained largely consistent since 1909, with minor alterations such as the periodic inclusion of the designer’s initials.

The Elusive 1973 “Silver” Penny

A fascinating chapter in the 1973 penny’s history involves aluminum specimens. Over 1.5 million were produced in 1974 (but dated 1973) as potential copper alternatives. Most were destroyed due to practical issues, but a few remain unaccounted for. These rare coins, though illegal to own, are estimated to be worth around $250,000 each.

Notable 1973 Penny Error List

Various error types exist for 1973 pennies, including doubled die, off-center strikes, repunched mint marks, die breaks, and raised edges. The coin’s overall condition and the error’s prominence significantly influence its value.

1973 Lincoln Penny Doubled Die Error

Coin collectors often seek out double die error, where certain features appear duplicated. Some 1973 pennies exhibit this peculiarity. While not extraordinarily valuable, these coins command higher prices than their standard counterparts.

Nevertheless, their worth significantly depends on preservation quality. To identify a 1973 Lincoln penny with a double die error, examine the text, date, and Lincoln’s facial features for duplication. These coins’ estimated value ranges from $25 to $100, contingent on the error’s prominence.

1973 Lincoln Penny Off-Center Error

Occasionally, coins are improperly positioned during minting, resulting in an off-center error. In these instances, the design is off-center, with portions potentially missing. The coin’s value is influenced by its condition and the extent of misalignment.

1973 Lincoln pennies with a 5% misalignment may fetch $10 to $20, while those with a 50% irregularity could be valued around $100.

1973 Lincoln Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error

In 1973, mint marks were manually applied, leaving room for inconsistencies. Sometimes, the mark would be initially placed incorrectly, necessitating a second attempt.

Given the relative frequency of minor mint mark peculiarities from this era, they don’t command exorbitant prices. However, they remain collectible, typically valued between $3 and $10.

1973 Lincoln Penny Die Break Error

As coin dies age, they develop wear patterns, including fractures. These imperfections in the die’s surface transfer onto coins during minting, appearing as raised lines, bumps, or squiggles.

The worth of a 1973 Lincoln penny with a die break error is contingent on its overall condition and the error’s prominence. Valuations for these coins span from $3 to over $100. A specific type of die break error, known as the BIE error (resembling an extra “I” in “LIBERTY”), typically commands $5 to $10.

1973 Lincoln Penny Raised Edge Error

This error, also called a high-rim error, results in a penny with an unusually pronounced edge, giving the coin a thicker appearance. It typically occurs due to a misaligned die during minting. These irregularities are relatively common, with most 1973 Lincoln pennies exhibiting this feature valued around $10, barring exceptional preservation.

Where To Sell Your 1973 Lincoln Penny?

Now that you’re familiar with your coins’ potential value, you might wonder about online platforms for selling them. I’ve compiled a list of such platforms, including their descriptions, advantages, and drawbacks.

FAQs on 1973 Lincoln Penny