1972 Lincoln Penny Value Guide

The 1972 Lincoln Penny is a notable piece of United States numismatic history, continuing the tradition of honoring Abraham Lincoln since 1909. This specific year is highly sought after by collectors primarily due to the famous doubled die variety, which elevates a common circulation coin into a significant rarity.

What affects the value of 1972 Lincoln Penny?

• The presence of the 'Doubled Die Obverse' error significantly increases value beyond the standard $0.50 range.
• Overall strike quality and the amount of original red luster remaining on the copper surface.
• The specific mint mark (or lack thereof for Philadelphia) located below the date.
• The degree of physical wear and surface marks from circulation in the United States.

How to Identify 1972 Lincoln Penny?

• Verify the 1972 date located on the right side of Lincoln's profile on the obverse.
• Check for the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, which replaced the original wheat stalks in 1959.
• Inspect the coin for a copper-plated zinc composition, characteristic of the era's minting materials.
• Look closely at the lettering and date for doubling, which indicates the high-value doubled die error.

History of 1972 Lincoln Penny

The Lincoln cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The reverse design featured wheat stalks until 1959 when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design, which continued through 2008.