1973 Lincoln Penny Value Guide

The 1973 Lincoln Penny is a significant piece of the Lincoln Memorial Cent series, marking the 15th year of the reverse design introduced to honor Lincoln's 150th birthday. Struck in a 95% copper alloy, these coins are highly collectible for their historical transition before the 1982 shift to zinc cores.

What affects the value of 1973 Lincoln Penny?

• The presence of an 'S' mint mark can indicate a proof strike or lower mintage, often increasing collector interest.
• Overall coin grade and preservation of original copper luster significantly impact the $0.05 base valuation.
• The absence of wear on the fine details of the Lincoln Memorial pillars on the reverse side.
• Potential minting errors or double dies which are rare but highly prized by numismatists.

How to Identify 1973 Lincoln Penny?

• Verify the 1973 date located on the right side of the obverse next to Lincoln's bust.
• Check for the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, which replaced the original wheat stalks in 1959.
• Look for mint marks 'D' for Denver or 'S' for San Francisco below the date; no mark indicates Philadelphia.
• Confirm the material is copper, as these coins were minted prior to the 1982 composition change.

History of 1973 Lincoln Penny

The Lincoln cent, first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, replaced the Indian Head cent. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse features a bust of Lincoln, while the reverse, initially a wheat stalks design, was changed to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959. This change occurred to commemorate Lincoln's 150th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the coin's introduction. Pennies from 1973 are part of the Lincoln Memorial Cent series, which were predominantly made of copper until 1982.