1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent Value Guide

The 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent is a notable copper-alloy coin produced during a period when the San Francisco Mint still struck pennies for general circulation. Featuring Frank Gasparro's reverse design, this coin is a favorite for collectors completing date-and-mint-mark sets from the early 1970s.

What affects the value of 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• The presence of original red (RD) luster significantly increases value over brown (BN) circulated examples.
• The overall strike quality and absence of contact marks or 'bag marks' on Lincoln's cheek.
• The current market price of copper, as the melt value often exceeds the face value.
• Certification by NGC or PCGS for high-grade specimens (MS67 or higher).

How to Identify 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Locate the 'S' mint mark positioned directly below the date on the obverse side.
• Verify the composition is the original 95% copper and 5% zinc alloy used before 1982.
• Check for the sharp, high-relief details characteristic of the San Francisco Mint's production quality.
• Distinguish between the business strikes intended for circulation and the mirror-like finish of proof versions.

History of 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent

Designed by Victor David Brenner for the obverse and Frank Gasparro for the reverse, the Lincoln Memorial design was introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The 'S' mint mark indicates production at the San Francisco Mint, which primarily produced proof sets but also struck circulation pennies for several years in the early 1970s.