1962 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1962 penny as the final year pennies contained both bronze and brass compositions due to a mid-year Congressional authorization removing tin from the alloy, these coins represent a transitional period in American numismatic history. While common examples trade for just a few cents due to their copper content, pristine specimens have sold for hundreds.

The secret lies in understanding what collectors prize: exceptional preservation, mint errors, and those error varieties that transform ordinary pocket change into numismatic treasures.

1962 Penny Value By Variety

The value of 1962 pennies varies dramatically based on mint location, condition, and special designations, with prices ranging from face value for circulated examples to thousands of dollars for top-grade specimens and rare proof varieties. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

Top 10 Most Valuable 1962 Penny Worth Money

This comprehensive value chart spanning from 2003 to present reveals the remarkable price hierarchy among 1962 Lincoln cents, showcasing how condition and variety dramatically impact collector value.

The chart demonstrates that the 1962 RD 67 (Red MS-67) stands as the undisputed champion, commanding an impressive $8,813 – nearly six times more valuable than the second-place 1962-D RD 67 at $1,560.

What makes this data particularly fascinating is how proof coins with special designations compete closely with business strikes. The 1962 DCAM 69 (Deep Cameo Proof-69) ranks third at $1,500, highlighting collectors’ appreciation for exceptional proof quality and cameo contrast. The significant value gap between MS-66 and MS-67 grades is evident, with the 1962-D jumping from $200 to $1,560, illustrating the premium placed on top-tier preservation.

Notably, regular proof coins occupy the lower positions, with PR RD 67 at $66 and PR RD 66 at $92, demonstrating that while proof coins are collectible, the highest premiums are reserved for exceptional business strike specimens and proof coins with special cameo designations.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

History of the 1962 Penny

The 1962 penny continued a series that had begun in 1909. That year marked the centenary of the Abraham Lincoln’s birth, and a new coin was commissioned to celebrate the occasion.

The choice of a cent for the former President’s coin might seem strange. But the Lincoln penny was a watershed moment in US numismatic history. It was the first time any coin had ever borne the image of a real person. Until then, the idea of honoring a real human being in this way was considered unseemly. Instead, the images chosen for the “heads” sides of coins had been those of legendary figures – particularly Lady Liberty.

But as the centenary of Lincoln’s birth approach, the public mood changed. The idea of honoring the former president in this way gained strong support. The result was the Lincoln penny. The portrait on the obverse is largely the same as that which still appears on the cent today.

Those coins did, however, have their own reason for being noteworthy. 1962 was the final year that the penny was made of bronze – 95 per cent copper, with the remainder a mixture of tin and zinc.

From the latter part of that year, the tin was removed from the recipe. That meant that pennies from then on are more properly described as brass. You may also hear them described as “gilding metal”. The copper percentage remained the same at 95 per cent, but the rest was zinc.

The change was designed to make the coins easier to strike, without affecting how durable they were. It was authorized by Congress in September 1962.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

Is your 1962 Penny Rare?

For collectors seeking accurate rarity assessments of their coins, our CoinValueChecker APP provides real-time market rankings and value evaluations to help make informed collecting decisions.

Key Features of the 1962 Penny

The 1962 penny showcases Victor David Brenner’s timeless Lincoln portrait on the obverse with “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date, while the reverse displays Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design, making it unique as one of the few U.S. coins featuring the same person on both sides.

The Obverse of the 1962 Penny

The portrait of Lincoln is the dominant image on the 1962 penny. And it will be very familiar – it’s almost the same as the portrait on today’s cents. It was the work of an artist named Victor David Brenner. His portrait of Lincoln is probably the best known of his work. And it’s the longest-running design in the US coin history.

He’d originally proposed signing the portrait, but was told that would be unacceptable. So instead he suggested adding his initials to the reverse. However, caused controversy. Some felt the initials were too large and amounted to advertising. And because reducing their size would have taken more time, the Mint decided to remove them altogether.

Brenner’s protests were ignored, and it wasn’t until 1918 that his initials were reinstated. This time they appeared on the obverse, on the cut-off at the bottom of Lincoln’s portrait. That’s the same place you’ll find them on the 1962 penny.

The other parts of the coin’s design are familiar too. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is at the top of the coin, the word “LIBERTY” is on the left, and the date is on the right. Pennies struck in Denver will also have a small D – the mint mark. This can be found just below the date. If there’s no letter, it means your penny was struck in Philadelphia.

The Reverse of the 1962 Penny

The back of the 1962 penny carries the image of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. This had been first used in 1959. The change from the previous image of two ears of wheat had been made to mark the 150^th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

Look closely, and you’ll see the faint image of Lincoln’s statue positioned at the center of the portico. It’s this which makes the Lincoln Memorial penny rather unusual. It’s one of only a few US coins to have an image of the same person on both sides.

Below the Memorial are the words “ONE CENT”. They’re inscribed in the largest font of any of the legends on this side of the coin. And they curve parallel to the lower coin edge.

Immediately above the Memorial, in much smaller font, is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. This means “From the many, one” and refers to the creation of the USA from individual states. And at the very top of the coin, parallel with the edge, is the name of the country.

Other Features of the 1962 Penny

1962 saw legislation passed to change the composition of the penny. Until then, the coins had been made from 95 per cent copper, with the remaining 5 per cent a mixture of tin and zinc. But that September, Congress authorized the removal of the tin. Technically, this changed the coins from bronze to brass.

But both the measurements and weight of the bronze and brass pennies are identical. Both are 19 millimeters in diameter and weigh 3.11 grams. So it’s not possible to distinguish brass from bronze 1962 pennies.

The copper content remained the same too, at 95 per cent. And because copper changes in color as it’s handled and exposed to the air, the color of individual pennies changes too. That can have big implications for the value of an individual coin.

All other things being equal, a coin graded red will be worth more than one graded red and brown. And a red and brown coin will be worth more than one graded brown. To be classified red, a coin must have the red shade of new copper over at least 95 per cent of its total surface area. A coin that’s brown over at least 95 per cent of its surface is graded brown.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

1962 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1962 penny mintage and survival data reveals fascinating insights into collector preferences and coin preservation patterns.

While business strike mintages for Philadelphia (No Mint) and Denver (D) remain undocumented in available records, the proof production tells a compelling story. The Philadelphia Mint struck exactly 3,218,019 proof pennies, but their survival rates vary dramatically based on quality designations.

Regular proof coins maintain the highest survival rate at 30.2981% (975,000 pieces), while Cameo examples show a 14.916% survival rate (480,000 pieces). Most remarkably, Deep Cameo specimens represent just 7.458% of the original proof production, with only 240,000 pieces surviving.

This declining survival pattern reflects both the rarity of superior contrast quality and collector selectivity in preservation.

The survival distribution chart clearly illustrates how proof coins dominate the surviving population, with DCAM representing the smallest but most valuable segment. This scarcity pattern directly correlates with current market values, explaining why Deep Cameo specimens command the highest premiums.

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Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

The Easy Way to Know Your 1962 Penny Value

Understanding the grading system is crucial for determining your 1962 penny’s true value. Professional grading services evaluate coins on the Sheldon Scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), with higher grades commanding significantly higher prices.

For 1962 pennies, color designation plays a critical role – Red (RD) specimens showing no oxidation are most valuable, followed by Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) examples.

For instant professional assessment of your coin’s grade and current market value, simply use our CoinValueChecker App to get accurate results in seconds.

1962 Penny Value Guides

1962 Penny Categories:

• 1962 (No Mint Mark)
• 1962-D (Denver)
• 1962 Proof
• 1962 Proof Cameo
• 1962 Proof Deep Cameo

The 1962 Lincoln cent was produced in five distinct categories by the U.S. Mint. Regular circulation strikes were minted at both Philadelphia (no mint mark) with 606,045,000 pieces and Denver (D mint mark) with 1,793,148,400 pieces produced.

Additionally, Philadelphia produced 3,218,019 special proof coins designed exclusively for collectors. These proof coins feature enhanced quality with mirror-like surfaces, and some exhibit cameo or deep cameo designations based on the contrast between frosted raised areas and reflective flat surfaces.

Each category offers different collecting opportunities and values, with proof varieties commanding premium prices due to their superior strike quality and limited production numbers intended for the numismatic market.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

1962 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1962 No Mint Mark Penny stands out as a significant piece of numismatic history, representing the final era of copper-rich Lincoln cents before composition changes. Minted exclusively at the Philadelphia facility, these coins contain 95% copper, making them intrinsically more valuable than modern zinc pennies.

The mint produced over 606 million pieces, these coins are available in three color designations: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD), with the Red variety being the most coveted due to its preserved original copper luster showing minimal oxidation.

The Red specimens are exceptionally scarce in high grades, with only one known MS-68 example valued at $10,000, making it far rarer than even the famous 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln cent in equivalent condition. Most collectors focus on the Red designation as it commands the highest premiums and represents the finest preserved examples from this transitional year.

The auction record chart below showcases the remarkable price achievements for Red specimens across major auction platforms over recent years.

Meanwhile, the market activity data reveals this coin maintains steady collector interest, with a notable peak occurring in March 2025.

1962-D Penny Value

The 1962-D penny from Denver Mint presents a collector paradox that defies conventional numismatic logic. Despite producing the highest mintage of nearly 1.8 billion coins that year, the 1962-D ranks as the second most difficult Memorial cent to locate in premium grades.

Available in Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) color designations, the Red variety is exceptionally challenging due to widespread production issues including persistent nicks, scratches, and corrosion spots.

Most surviving specimens exhibit dull, uneven luster that prevents high grading. Professional services have certified only 14 MS-67 Red examples with no coins achieving MS-68 or higher, making pristine Red 1962-D pennies extraordinarily valuable and representing one of numismatics’ most challenging condition rarities among all three color categories.

The auction record chart below demonstrates the impressive price realizations these scarce Red specimens have commanded at major auction houses.

The consistently strong market activity trends reflect intense collector competition, which translates into sustained high market activity levels for this challenging Denver variety.

1962 Proof Penny Value

 

The 1962 Proof Penny marked the historic resumption of proof coin production at the San Francisco Mint after a 9-year hiatus since 1953. With a mintage of only 3,218,019 pieces, these coins were struck using specially polished dies and multiple impressions on carefully prepared planchets.

 

The production process involved hand-feeding each planchet into hydraulic presses operating at significantly reduced speeds compared to circulation strikes. Each coin received 2-3 strikes under 150+ tons of pressure to ensure complete die fill and maximum detail transfer.

 

The obverse Lincoln portrait displays exceptional clarity in the hair strands and facial features, while the reverse Memorial shows crisp definition in every column and step detail. The coins were individually inspected and packaged in cellophane holders within special presentation cases, making them the first commercially available proof coins since the 1950s and establishing the foundation for modern proof coin collecting.

The auction record chart demonstrates consistent collector demand with prices ranging from $10 to $160 across different grades and platforms over recent years.

The chart shows relatively stable activity around 25 from September 2024 to February 2025, followed by a dramatic March 2025 peak at 47, then a recovery to consistently higher levels (30-37) from June through August 2025.

1962 CAM Penny Value

The auction record chart reveals impressive price realizations ranging from $8 to $120 across different grades, with PR-69 examples commanding the highest premiums at major auction houses.

After holding steady around 30 through 2024, the market experienced a sharp spike to nearly 50 in March 2025 before cooling off and gradually rebuilding to finish the period at around 35.

1962 DCAM Penny Value

The 1962 DCAM (Deep Cameo) Penny represents the pinnacle of proof coin contrast, with less than 5% of the total mintage achieving this designation. DCAM classification requires exceptionally heavy frosting on all design elements combined with jet-black, mirror-deep background fields, creating a contrast ratio 50% greater than standard cameo coins. This supreme effect was only achievable during the first 100-200 strikes from freshly prepared dies, before the delicate frosting began to wear away.

The Lincoln portrait exhibits snow-white, heavily textured surfaces with every hair detail appearing as individual frosted lines, while the Memorial’s architectural elements display museum-quality definition with each column and inscription standing out in bold relief.

Population reports show fewer than 200 certified examples in all grades combined, making high-grade specimens extremely rare. Auction records for MS67+ examples regularly exceed $1,000, with exceptional pieces reaching $2,000+, establishing the 1962 DCAM Penny as the holy grail of early modern proof collecting.

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The auction record chart showcases impressive price realizations ranging from $28 to an exceptional $1,500, with PR-69 examples commanding the highest premiums at major auction platforms.

The market maintained steady activity in the low 22 for six months before exploding to 44 in March 2025, then stabilizing around 25-30 through the summer.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

Rare 1962 Penny Error List

While most 1962 pennies are common circulation coins worth face value, error varieties can transform these ordinary cents into valuable collector treasures. Minting mistakes during the 1962 production created several distinctive error types that collectors actively seek.

These errors occurred when planchets, dies, or striking processes deviated from standard procedures, resulting in coins with unique characteristics. From wrong planchet strikes to off-center impressions, each error type offers different rarity levels and values, making 1962 error pennies an exciting area for both novice and experienced collectors to explore.

1962 Proof DDR FS-801 Errors

The 1962 DDR FS-801 is a doubled die reverse error variety where the reverse die received an additional, misaligned impression during the die-making process. This error creates visible doubling on the reverse design elements, particularly around the Lincoln Memorial building and inscriptions like “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The FS-801 designation indicates this variety is cataloged in the Fivaz-Stanton reference guide.

While specific details about the extent and visibility of the doubling are limited, doubled die reverse errors typically command premiums based on the strength and clarity of the doubling effect, with values varying significantly depending on grade and condition.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

Where to Sell Your 1962 Penny?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

1962 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

FAQ about 1962 Penny

1. How much is a 1962 penny worth?

That depends on the color and grade of the penny. Generally speaking, brown or red and brown pennies from 1962 will only be worth their face value. But red coins in great condition can be worth much more.

And coins that have interesting Mint errors are worth a premium.

The finest known example of a 1962 Philadelphia penny is graded MS67+ red. That last sold at auction in 2014 and made almost $9,000.

2. What makes a 1962-D penny rare?

1962 D pennies were struck at Denver and in very large numbers. As a result, most aren’t rare or valuable.

But red coins in excellent uncirculated condition – graded MS66 and above – are rare. And coins with interesting errors – like those struck off-center, or on the wrong planchet – are also rare and collectible.