1962 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

1962 Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $12,000. That record was set by a Grade 67 example sold through David Lawrence Rare Coins in May 2013. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what collectors are paying today.

1962 Penny Value Checker

Identify 1962 Penny D and No Mint Mark Price

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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 MS-67 (Red Mint State-67) stands as the undisputed champion, commanding an impressive $8,813 — nearly six times more valuable than the second-place 1962-D RD MS-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 PR-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 steep premium placed on top-tier preservation.

Notably, regular proof coins occupy the lower positions, with PR-67 RD at $66 and PR-66 RD 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 began in 1909, when the Lincoln cent was introduced to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was a watershed moment: the first time any U.S. coin had ever depicted a real person.

Until then, the “heads” side of American coins traditionally featured allegorical figures — most commonly Lady Liberty. Placing a real human face on a coin was considered unseemly. But as the centenary of Lincoln’s birth approached, public sentiment shifted decisively in favor of honoring the former president.

The portrait on the obverse was created by sculptor Victor David Brenner. His initials “VDB” originally appeared prominently on the reverse, but public criticism led the Mint to remove them entirely in 1909. It wasn’t until 1918 that Brenner’s initials were quietly reinstated on the obverse, just below the portrait’s truncation — where they remain on the 1962 penny today.

The reverse design was the work of Frank Gasparro, the U.S. Mint’s assistant engraver, who won an internal competition among Mint engravers to redesign the coin in 1959. Notably, Gasparro created his Lincoln Memorial design without ever personally visiting the monument in Washington, D.C. The new reverse was officially released on February 12, 1959 — the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth — though some pieces entered circulation a few days early. Numismatic historian Walter Breen famously described Gasparro’s composition as “an artistic disaster,” though the design endured for 50 years.

The most important thing about 1962 from a historical standpoint is its composition. From 1909 through late 1962, Lincoln cents were struck in a bronze alloy of 95% copper, with the remaining 5% a mixture of tin and zinc. In 1962, Mint officials concluded that removing the tin would have no adverse effect on the coin’s durability, while simplifying production. Congressional authority for this change was granted on September 5, 1962. From that point forward, cents used a brass composition — 95% copper with 5% zinc only — with no tin at all.

This means 1962 pennies were struck in both compositions during the same year. Early 1962 strikes are true bronze; later ones are technically brass. However, there is no visible difference between the two types, and their values are identical.

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 Coin Value Checker 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 dominates the obverse of the 1962 penny, and it remains almost identical to the portrait on today’s cents. It was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose work represents the longest-running design in U.S. coin history.

Brenner originally wanted to sign the portrait but was refused. He then proposed adding his initials to the reverse — but this caused controversy, with many feeling the initials were too prominent. The Mint removed them entirely rather than reduce their size. Brenner’s protests went unheeded for nearly a decade, until 1918, when his initials “VDB” were reinstated on the obverse at the lower truncation of Lincoln’s portrait.

On the 1962 penny, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” runs along the top, the word “LIBERTY” appears at left, and the date is at right. Denver-minted coins feature a small “D” mint mark just below the date. Philadelphia-minted examples carry no mint mark at all.

The Reverse of the 1962 Penny

The back of the 1962 penny carries the image of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This reverse design was first used in 1959, replacing the earlier “wheat stalk” design to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

Look closely at the center of the Memorial’s portico and you will see a faint image of the Lincoln statue. This makes the 1962 penny one of only a very few U.S. coins to depict the same individual on both sides. Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear to the right of the Memorial’s base.

Below the Memorial, the words “ONE CENT” are inscribed in the largest lettering of any legend on this side of the coin, curving parallel to the lower edge. Above the Memorial, in smaller text, is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — meaning “From the many, one.” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the top rim.

Other Features of the 1962 Penny

The physical specifications of the 1962 penny are: diameter 19.05 mm, thickness 1.52 mm, and weight 3.11 grams. The edge is plain (smooth) with no reeding.

Both the bronze (early 1962) and brass (late 1962) versions share identical measurements and weight, so it is not possible to distinguish them by sight or feel. The copper content remained 95% throughout the year regardless of whether tin was present.

Because copper changes color as it is handled and exposed to air, the color designation of a 1962 penny has enormous impact on its value. Professional grading services — PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — use three color categories: Red (RD), assigned when 95% or more of the coin surface retains its original bright copper luster; Red-Brown (RB), for mixed coloration; and Brown (BN), for coins where 95% or more of the surface has oxidized to a brown tone. All other factors being equal, RD coins are the most valuable, followed by RB, then BN.

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

1962 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1962 penny was struck in massive quantities across two mints. The Philadelphia Mint produced 606,045,000 business-strike pennies (no mint mark), while the Denver Mint produced an even larger 1,793,148,400 coins bearing the “D” mint mark — a combined circulation total of nearly 2.4 billion pieces.

In addition to circulation strikes, the Philadelphia Mint produced exactly 3,218,019 proof coins for collectors that year. Survival rates among these proof coins vary dramatically: regular proof coins survive at roughly a 30% rate (approximately 975,000 pieces), cameo (CAM) examples at around 15% (approximately 480,000 pieces), and Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens at roughly 7.5% (approximately 240,000 pieces).

The scarcity of DCAM survivors is directly tied to the die production process. The heavy frosting required for a DCAM designation was only achievable during the first 100 to 200 strikes from freshly prepared dies, before normal use wore the frosting away. This explains why DCAM pieces are so rare relative to total proof mintage and why they command the highest premiums of any 1962 proof variety.

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. Moving from BN to RB to RD can multiply a coin’s value by 3 to 5 times at high grades.

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

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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 came from Philadelphia (no mint mark) with 606,045,000 pieces and Denver (D mint mark) with 1,793,148,400 pieces. Philadelphia also produced 3,218,019 special proof coins for collectors.

These proof coins feature enhanced quality with mirror-like surfaces. Some exhibit cameo (CAM) or deep cameo (DCAM) designations based on the contrast between frosted raised devices and the mirror-flat background fields. Each category offers different collecting opportunities and values, with proof varieties commanding premium prices due to their superior strike quality and limited production.

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

1962 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1962 No Mint Mark Penny is a Philadelphia issue, produced in a mintage of 606,045,000 pieces. It contains 95% copper — a composition that makes every surviving example intrinsically worth more than its face value as a base metal.

Circulated examples are typically worth $0.15 to $1.00, while uncirculated MS-63 specimens in red color trade for around $4.10 and MS-65 RD examples for roughly $9.50. The real money lies at the very top of the grade scale. The auction record for this variety is $8,812.50, achieved at Heritage Auctions in 2014 for a PCGS-graded MS-67+ RD example — the finest known Philadelphia business-strike penny from that year.

Philadelphia strikes from 1962 are known for generally clean surfaces compared to Denver issues, with fewer production nicks and better average luster. Collectors should look for sharp detail in Lincoln’s hair and beard, full original red color, and the absence of contact marks in the open fields. Some examples show minor doubled die varieties on the date or lettering that can add $5 to $20 in value.

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 the Denver Mint presents one of numismatics’ great paradoxes. Despite a massive mintage of nearly 1.793 billion coins — the highest of any 1962 cent — the 1962-D is considered the second most difficult Lincoln Memorial cent to locate in premium grades, trailing only the 1963-D.

The reason is straightforward: Denver’s production in 1962 was plagued by widespread quality control issues. Most coins left the Mint with persistent nicks, scratches, and corrosion spots. Luster is typically dull and uneven, preventing high grades. PCGS has certified only 14 examples at MS-67 Red, with no coins achieving MS-68 or higher. A Heritage Auctions lot description of a PCGS MS-67 RD specimen noted “blazing orange-gold surfaces” and a die crack in Lincoln’s hair — suggesting even at the population pinnacle, many top-grade examples show minor die defects.

The record price for a 1962-D penny is $12,000, paid in 2013 at David Lawrence Rare Coins for an MS-67 RD specimen. Most examples in MS-65 Red trade for $18 to $25 when certified. In MS-66 Red, values climb to roughly $200.

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 for top-grade Denver examples.

1962 Proof Penny Value

 

The 1962 Proof Penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 3,218,019 pieces, using specially polished dies and carefully prepared planchets. Each coin received multiple strikes under high pressure to ensure complete die fill and maximum detail transfer.

 

The production process involved hand-feeding each planchet into hydraulic presses operating at significantly reduced speeds compared to circulation strikes. The result is exceptional clarity in Lincoln’s hair strands and facial features, with crisp definition across every column and inscription in the Memorial reverse.

 

The coins were individually inspected and packaged in cellophane holders within special presentation cases. These proof sets represent the resumption of commercially marketed proof sets after a gap in production, helping establish the foundation of modern proof coin collecting in America.

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 rarest and most desirable category of 1962 proof coins. DCAM — Deep Cameo — is the designation awarded by grading services PCGS and NGC when a proof coin exhibits the heaviest possible frosting on all raised design elements combined with jet-black, mirror-deep background fields. The contrast ratio required for a DCAM designation is approximately 50% greater than that of a standard CAM.

This extreme effect was only achievable during the first 100 to 200 strikes from freshly prepared dies. As a result, fewer than 5% of the total proof mintage has earned a DCAM designation. Population reports show fewer than 200 certified examples in all grades combined, making high-grade DCAM specimens among the scarcest early modern proof coins in the entire Lincoln cent series.

Auction records for MS-67+ DCAM examples regularly exceed $1,000, with exceptional pieces reaching $2,000 or more. The record sale from the auction data is $1,500 for a PR-69 DCAM example, establishing this variety as the undisputed holy grail for collectors of early modern proof cents.

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 trade for face value, error varieties can dramatically increase a coin’s worth. Minting mistakes during 1962’s enormous production run created several distinct error types that collectors actively hunt for today. These errors fall into two broad categories: die errors (problems with the die that created the design) and planchet and striking errors (problems with the blank or the striking process).

1. 1962 Proof DDR FS-801 Error

The 1962 DDR FS-801 is a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) error found exclusively on 1962 proof pennies. A doubled die error occurs when the die receives more than one impression from the master hub during the die-making process, with each impression slightly misaligned. This creates visible doubling on design elements when the coin is struck.

On the FS-801 variety — cataloged in the Fivaz-Stanton reference guide, which documents named varieties across the U.S. coin series — the doubling appears on the reverse inscriptions, particularly around “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Standard examples sell for $60 to $100 in proof grades, while cameo examples can reach $150 or more in PR-65 and higher.

2. 1962-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Error

In the early 1960s, U.S. Mint workers still applied mint marks to individual working dies by hand, using a steel punch and hammer. When the first punch was misplaced — too high, too low, crooked, or at a slight angle — workers would punch again to correct it. This created what collectors call a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM): a coin that shows two overlapping impressions of the “D” mint mark.

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Several documented RPM varieties exist for the 1962-D penny. On the most visible examples, a clear shadow impression of the “D” is visible adjacent to or overlapping the primary mark. These varieties are cataloged and collectible, with well-defined examples typically trading for $15 to $30 in circulated grades, more in uncirculated condition.

3. 1962 BIE Error (Die Crack Between B and E)

The BIE error is a die crack variety exclusive to Lincoln cents. On 1962 pennies, a stressed die can develop a fine crack running vertically between the letters “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse. When the die strikes coins, metal flows into the crack, leaving a small raised vertical line that resembles the letter “I” — hence the nickname “BIE.”

BIE errors are popular with beginning collectors because they are easy to spot with a magnifying glass and are typically affordable. Most 1962 BIE pennies trade for $5 to $15 in average circulated condition, with bold and prominent examples on higher-grade coins reaching $15 to $25.

4. 1962 / 1962-D Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet

One of the most dramatic errors in the 1962 cent series is the wrong planchet error — specifically, examples struck on a silver Roosevelt dime planchet. During production, if a small silver dime blank accidentally entered the cent press, the cent dies would strike it, producing a coin that is silver in color, smaller than a normal penny (dime diameter), and lighter (approximately 2.5 grams instead of 3.11 grams).

Heritage Auctions has handled 1962-D examples struck on silver dime planchets, including a PCGS AU-58 specimen. A 1962-D cent on dime planchet graded MS-62 sold for $823 at auction in 2013. These errors are rare and immediately identifiable by their silver color, small size, and low weight — three features that persist regardless of grade.

5. 1962 Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when a planchet is not properly centered in the coining press when the dies come together. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing, replaced by a blank crescent of unstruck metal. These errors are popular because they are easy to authenticate without special equipment.

On 1962 pennies: minor off-center strikes of 5–10% typically sell for $10 to $25; moderate shifts of 25–40% sell for $30 to $60; and dramatic examples at 50% or more off-center can reach $75 to $150, especially when the full date is still visible on the struck portion.

6. 1962 Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike error occurs when a planchet is struck outside of the retaining collar that normally gives a coin its proper diameter and rim. Without the collar, the metal spreads outward freely, producing a coin that is wider and thinner than normal, often with a flat or missing rim. The full design is usually present — just spread out. Most 1962 broadstrike cents in circulated condition sell for $10 to $25, with uncirculated examples reaching $25 to $50.

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?

Most circulated 1962 pennies are worth $0.15 to $1.00, primarily for their copper melt value. Uncirculated examples graded MS-63 Red trade for around $4.10, while MS-65 Red specimens sell for roughly $9.50. The all-time auction record is $8,812.50, set at Heritage Auctions in 2014 for a PCGS MS-67+ RD Philadelphia example. Error coins and DCAM proof specimens can push values higher still.

2. What makes a 1962-D penny rare?

Despite having the highest mintage of any 1962 cent — nearly 1.793 billion coins — the 1962-D is extremely difficult to find in top condition. Widespread production issues at the Denver Mint left most coins with nicks, scratches, and uneven luster. PCGS has certified only 14 examples at MS-67 Red with none graded higher, making pristine red examples among the condition rarities of the entire Lincoln Memorial series.

3. What is a 1962 penny worth in Brown (BN) or Red-Brown (RB) condition?

In Brown (BN) condition, most 1962 pennies are worth only face value or $0.01 to $0.05 in circulated grades. Red-Brown (RB) examples are similarly modest at $0.25 to $2.00 in average uncirculated grades. The real value premium begins with Red (RD) designation: an MS-65 RD can trade for $9.50 or more, while the same coin in MS-65 BN might bring only $1 to $2.

4. What is a 1962 proof penny worth?

A standard 1962 proof penny in PR-65 condition is worth approximately $2.60 to $3.00. Cameo (CAM) examples in the same grade carry a notable premium, while Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof coins in PR-67 to PR-69 have sold for $150 to $1,500. The 3,218,019 proof coins struck that year were sold in special sets directly to collectors — none were intended for circulation.

5. What is the difference between CAM and DCAM on a 1962 proof penny?

CAM (Cameo) means the raised design elements — Lincoln’s portrait, lettering, and Memorial — have a white frosted appearance that contrasts against the mirror-like background fields. DCAM (Deep Cameo) requires a significantly heavier frost and jet-black mirror fields. DCAM-designated coins represent less than 5% of the 1962 proof mintage because the extreme frosting only lasted 100 to 200 die strikes before wearing away, making them far rarer and more valuable than standard CAM examples.

6. What are the most valuable 1962 penny errors?

The most valuable 1962 error coins include specimens struck on a silver Roosevelt dime planchet (identifiable by silver color, smaller diameter, and ~2.5 gram weight), which have sold for $800 to over $1,000 at auction. Off-center strikes at 50% or more can reach $75 to $150. The DDR FS-801 proof variety commands $60 to $150+ depending on grade and cameo status. BIE die-crack errors and RPM varieties are more common but affordable at $5 to $30.

7. Is there a 1962 silver penny?

There is no officially issued silver 1962 penny. However, wrong-planchet error coins do exist — 1962 and 1962-D cents accidentally struck on silver Roosevelt dime planchets. These are genuine mint errors, not intentional issues. They appear silver-colored and are smaller than a regular cent. Do not confuse them with chemically cleaned or plated coins, which have no collector value.

8. What year did the penny stop being made of bronze, and why does 1962 matter?

Congressional authority to remove tin from the cent alloy was granted on September 5, 1962, per an Act of Congress. Before that date, Lincoln cents were true bronze — 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc. After that date, cents became technically brass — 95% copper with 5% zinc only. Because the change occurred mid-year, 1962 cents were struck in both compositions. The two types are indistinguishable by sight or weight and carry identical values, but the year marks a permanent turning point in U.S. coinage metallurgy.

9. How can I tell if my 1962 penny is worth getting professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC typically costs $30 to $50 per coin at basic service levels, plus membership fees and shipping. For a 1962 penny to justify the cost, it should appear fully uncirculated with strong red color (RD), no visible contact marks in the open fields, and sharp detail on Lincoln’s hair and beard. In general, only coins that appear likely to grade MS-65 RD or above — or coins with clear mint errors — are worth the expense of submission.

10. What is a 1962 penny RPM variety and how much is it worth?

RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark. On 1962-D pennies, Mint workers applied the “D” mark to working dies by hand. If the first punch was misaligned, a second corrective punch was made — leaving a coin with two overlapping “D” impressions. Several RPM varieties are documented for the 1962-D. Examples with clearly visible secondary impressions typically trade for $15 to $30 in circulated grades and more in uncirculated condition, making them an affordable entry point into variety collecting.