1973 Lincoln Memorial Cent Value Guide

The 1973 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a staple of American numismatics, representing the final years of the high-copper content era before the transition to zinc-core planchets. This coin is highly collectible for its classic Frank Gasparro reverse design, which was introduced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

What affects the value of 1973 Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• The presence of a 'S' mint mark indicating production at the San Francisco Mint, often found in proof sets.
• The overall strike quality and preservation of the copper surface, with 'Red' (RD) designations carrying higher premiums.
• The specific minting location, as Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco had varying production volumes in 1973.
• The presence of any rare minting errors or doubling, though standard circulated examples typically range from $0.02 to $0.05.

How to Identify 1973 Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Verify the 1973 date on the obverse and the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below it, or no mark for Philadelphia.
• Check for the 95% copper and 5% zinc composition, which gives the coin a distinct reddish-brown luster when uncirculated.
• Look for the initials 'FG' on the reverse near the right side of the Lincoln Memorial base, signifying designer Frank Gasparro.
• Examine the obverse for the original Victor David Brenner portrait of Lincoln, which has been used since 1909.

History of 1973 Lincoln Memorial Cent

Designed by Victor David Brenner for the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, the obverse has remained largely unchanged since 1909. While the reverse originally featured wheat ears, it was changed in 1959 to the Lincoln Memorial design by Frank Gasparro to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth.