1973 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

While most 1973 pennies remain common in circulation, specific varieties and high-grade examples have demonstrated significant collector interest and market value over the past decade.

Condition dramatically impacts worth—while circulated examples trade near face value, uncirculated specimens can range from $2.05 in About Uncirculated grade to $18.33 in Mint State condition for regular 1973-S quarters.

Understanding these variations, along with mint marks, errors, and grading standards, is crucial for determining whether your 1973 quarter is a keeper or a spender.

1973 Penny Value By Variety

Here’s a breakdown of 1973 penny values across different mint marks and conditions. 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 1973 Penny Worth Money

The 1973 penny value hierarchy reveals fascinating insights into what drives collector demand and pricing in the Lincoln cent market. At the absolute pinnacle sits the 1973-S DCAM 70, commanding an impressive $12,075 – a testament to the premium placed on perfect proof specimens with deep cameo contrast.

The next tier showcases high-grade Red examples from both Philadelphia and Denver at $3,760 each, demonstrating how original copper luster dramatically impacts value across mint facilities.

What’s particularly interesting is how the San Francisco issues dominate the value rankings, with even lower-grade S-mint coins like the MS-66 RD ($544) outperforming comparable Denver examples. The proof Deep Cameo specimens consistently command premiums, though the jump from PR-69 ($107) to the perfect PR-70 ($12,075) illustrates the exponential value increase for that final grade point.

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

History of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 penny holds a unique place in U.S. coin history due to its composition and production circumstances. This was during a transitional period for American coinage, when the U.S. Mint was dealing with rising copper prices and metal shortages.

In 1973, the Lincoln cent was still composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, maintaining the traditional bronze composition that had been used since 1962. However, this would be one of the last years for this metal content, as copper prices were becoming increasingly problematic for the Mint’s economics.

The 1973 penny featured the familiar Lincoln profile designed by Victor David Brenner on the obverse, and the Lincoln Memorial reverse that had been in use since 1959, designed by Frank Gasparro. The coin was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).

Production numbers were substantial, with over 3.7 billion pennies struck in Philadelphia and about 3.5 billion in Denver. The San Francisco mint produced a much smaller quantity, primarily for proof sets.

What makes 1973 pennies historically significant is that they represent the end of an era. By 1982, the Mint would switch to zinc-core pennies with only copper plating due to rising metal costs, making the 1973 cent one of the last true copper pennies in regular circulation.

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

Is your 1973 Penny Rare?

 You can explore comprehensive rarity information and current market valuations using our CoinValueChecker APP to make more informed collecting decisions.

Key Features of the 1973 Penny

Understanding the distinctive characteristics of your 1973 penny is essential for proper identification and valuation. Each element tells a story of American numismatic craftsmanship and historical significance.

The Obverse of the 1973 Penny

The obverse displays Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing profile, a design that has graced American pennies since 1909. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in capital letters above Lincoln’s head, while “LIBERTY” is positioned behind his profile.

The designer’s initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) can be found on Lincoln’s shoulder, though these initials were absent from coins produced between 1918-1958 due to initial public controversy. The date “1973” appears below Lincoln’s bust, with the mint mark positioned directly beneath it (except for Philadelphia-minted coins, which bear no mint mark).

The Reverse of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 penny features the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, introduced in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birthday and replacing the original wheat ears design. The Lincoln Memorial dominates the center, complete with a tiny statue of seated Lincoln visible between the columns.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, while “ONE CENT” appears at the bottom. The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed above the Memorial, and designer Frank Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear to the right of the building near the steps.

Other Features of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 penny maintains the brass composition established in 1962, consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc after Congress authorized the removal of tin from the previous bronze formula. This composition change technically transformed pennies from bronze to brass, though the visual appearance remained unchanged. The coin measures 19.05mm in diameter with a plain edge and weighs 3.11 grams.

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

1973 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1973 penny production tells a fascinating tale of American minting dominance, with Philadelphia and Denver facilities working overtime to produce a staggering combined total of over 7.2 billion coins. Philadelphia took the lead with 3.73 billion pennies (bearing no mint mark), while Denver contributed 3.55 billion marked with the “D” mint mark.

San Francisco’s contribution was significantly smaller at 320 million, focusing primarily on production.

What’s particularly intriguing is the survival data – despite the massive mintages, only about 15% of regular strikes from Philadelphia and Denver have survived in collectible condition today. The real standout is the San Francisco Deep Cameo (S DCAM) variety, which boasts an impressive 63.75% survival rate from its modest 2.76 million mintage, making these proof coins the cream of the crop for serious collectors.

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

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Penny Value

The grading scale runs from Poor-1 (heavily worn and barely identifiable) to MS-70 (perfect mint state), with most 1973 pennies falling somewhere in the middle ranges.

Key factors include examining Lincoln’s hair details, cheekbone definition, and the clarity of inscriptions on the obverse, while the reverse requires careful inspection of the Lincoln Memorial’s columns and steps. Wear patterns typically appear first on Lincoln’s cheekbone and the Memorial’s center steps.

For instant grade estimation and current market values, try our CoinValueChecker App – simply upload a photo and get immediate feedback on your coin’s condition and worth. 

1973 Penny Value Guides

1973 Penny Categories:

• 1973 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1973-D (Denver)
• 1973-S (San Francisco)
• 1973-S Proof
• 1973-S Deep Cameo Proof

The 1973 penny lineup offers collectors a diverse range of options, from the common business strikes produced at Philadelphia and Denver to the prestigious proof coins minted exclusively in San Francisco. While the Philadelphia and Denver issues dominated circulation with their massive production runs, the San Francisco varieties represent the premium end of the spectrum.

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The regular San Francisco strikes are relatively scarce, while the proof versions – especially the Deep Cameo specimens – showcase the U.S. Mint’s finest craftsmanship with mirror-like fields and frosted devices that create stunning visual contrast.

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

1973 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1973 No Mint Mark Penny stands out for its record-breaking mintage of 3,728,245,000 pieces, making it one of the highest single-year production runs in Philadelphia Mint history.

This coin’s significance lies in its 95% copper composition weighing 3.11 grams, representing one of the final true copper pennies before the 1982 composition change. The coin also exhibits unique toning characteristics due to copper price fluctuations that year, with many specimens developing distinctive reddish-brown patina patterns.

Despite the massive mintage, mint state examples are surprisingly scarce in high grades – MS65 specimens command $15-25 in today’s market. Additionally, the coin features subtle die characteristics specific to 1973, including slightly sharper detail in Lincoln’s hair and coat, distinguishing it from adjacent years’ strikes.

What makes these coins interesting to collectors is their three color types: RD (Red) for coins that still have their original copper shine, BN (Brown) for coins that have turned completely brown over time, and RB (Red-Brown) for coins that are partly both colors. Red coins are worth the most money because they still look like they did when first made.

Auction records demonstrate remarkable price swings, with MS-67 specimens achieving between $135 and $3,760 depending on color designation and market timing.

The market activity chart reveals seasonal collecting patterns, peaking dramatically at 44 in March 2025 before stabilizing in the robust 25-40 range through summer.

1973-D Penny Value

A total of 3,549,576,588 1973-D pennies were struck by the Denver Mint, setting a single-year production record for the mint. Unlike the Philadelphia mint, the hand-printed “D” mintmark often exhibits re-strike errors (RPMs), which are particularly common on Denver-produced coins.

The 1973-D is unique in that it suffers from weak strikes due to equipment wear and high production pressures during production—an estimated 80% of specimens exhibit poor detail definition, particularly in Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial’s columns.

On February 27, 2014, a 1973-D penny graded MS67 sold at Heritage Auctions for $4,994, setting a record for this variety. The coin is graded according to the degree of surface oxidation: red (RD), brown (BN), and reddish-brown (RB).

Auction records reveal significant price volatility, with MS-67 examples ranging from $139 to an impressive $990 depending on color designation and market conditions.

Market activity demonstrates persistent collector demand across extended timeframes, punctuated by an explosive surge in March 2025.

1973-S Penny Value

The 1973-S penny holds special historical significance, with a mintage of only 319,937,634. This marks one of the final phases of the San Francisco Mint’s production of circulating pennies—the Mint discontinued Lincoln pennies after 1974.

Unlike the 1970-S small-date/large-date varieties, the 1973-S has no known date-size variations, but its relative scarcity makes it highly sought after by collectors.

On August 10, 2016, a 1973-S penny in MS67RD sold for $2,233 at Heritage Auctions. The coin is categorized by oxidation level in three color types: red (RD), brown (BN), and reddish-brown (RB).

Auction records demonstrate the coin’s scarcity premium, with MS-67 examples achieving strong prices that reflect their relative rarity compared to other 1973 varieties.

The chart shows a volatile upward trend in 1973-S penny market activity. Activity remained relatively flat from September 2024 through February 2025, spiked dramatically in March 2025, then gradually increased from May onwards with sustained higher levels through the summer months. Overall, the latter half of the period shows significantly more market activity than the earlier months.

1973-S CAM Penny Value

Auction records show modest but consistent values, with prices reflecting the coin’s special proof status while remaining more affordable than Deep Cameo examples.

Looking at this chart, the data shows relatively stable trend around 22 from September 2024 through February 2025, followed by a dramatic spike to 44 in March 2025, then a decline to 21 in April before showing significant volatility through the summer months, with peaks reaching 41 in July and ending at 24 in August 2025.

1973-S DCAM Penny Value

The 1973-S DCAM Penny is distinguished by its exceptional “Deep Cameo” finish, achieved through advanced die polishing techniques where the background fields are mirror-like while Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial maintain a frosted, matte texture. This creates an extraordinary black-and-white contrast effect rarely seen in circulating coinage. The coin’s 95% copper and 5% zinc composition produces unique metallic luster layers under the DCAM process.

Most notably, the “S” mintmark is exceptionally sharp and crisp, completely free from the typical soft edges found on regular strikes.

According to population reports, fewer than 0.1% of all 1973-S cents achieve true DCAM designation, with MS67DCAM examples numbering fewer than 50 specimens worldwide. This specialized minting process required precise striking pressure between 150-200 tons, with dies limited to maximum 500 strikes before replacement.

Each DCAM coin represents museum-quality craftsmanship, with the cameo contrast so pronounced that collectors can easily distinguish genuine examples from regular proof coins even without magnification.

Auction records demonstrate strong and consistent performance, with PR-69 examples maintaining solid values that reflect their superior visual appeal and technical excellence.

Looking at the data trends, the data remain relatively stable 22 from September 2024 through February 2025, then show a dramatic spike to 44 in March 2025 before dropping to 21 in April 2025 and gradually climbing again to peak at 41 in July 2025, finishing at 37 in August 2025.

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

Rare 1973 Penny Error List

Even the most common 1973 pennies hold hidden potential – certain error varieties and exceptional specimens from that year have transformed ordinary pocket change into collector treasures worth thousands of dollars. From double dies to off-center strikes, these minting mistakes create unique specimens that can be worth hundreds or even thousands of times their face value.

1. 1973 Lincoln Penny Doubled Die Error

One of the first errors people look at in coins is doubled die error. These are errors where there is a doubling on some of the features of the coin. In the pennies from 1973, there are some examples of doubled die error coins. While they are not extremely valuable, they will be worth more than regular pennies from this year.

However, they do still need to be in good condition to be worth much over their face value. To find a 1973 Lincoln penny with a doubled die error, look for doubling in the lettering, the date, or Lincoln’s eye and bowtie. These coins are valued between $25 and $100, depending on how extensive the doubling is.

2. 1973 Lincoln Penny Off-Center error

Sometimes coins are not inserted properly into the coin machine and they end up with what is referred to as an off-center error. On these coins, the image is not centered on the coin and parts can be missing. The value of the coin depends on its condition and the percentage of the off-centering.

1973 Lincoln pennies that have a 5% off-centering can be worth $10 to $20, while a coin with a 50% error can be valued closer to $100.

3. 1973 Lincoln Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error

Mint marks were still punched by hand in 1973, which left a lot of room for error. Sometimes, the mint mark would be punched in the wrong place or wrong orientation first and the puncher would have to do it again.

Because mint mark errors from those days are reasonably common and most of them are minor, they are not worth huge amounts of money. However, they are still collectible and often valued between £3 and $10.

4. 1973 Lincoln Penny Die Break Error

When the coin die ages, it will start showing signs of wear and tear, including die breaks. These die breaks, which cut into the die’s surface, are transferred onto the coins during the minting process and appear on the coin’s surface as bumps, squiggles, or raised lines.

The value of a 1973 Lincoln penny with a die break error depends on its overall condition and how prominent the error is. Valuation for these error coins ranges from $3 to over $100. 1973 pennies with a die break error referred to as BIE error because it appears there is an extra ”I” in liberty, are worth around $5 to $10.

5. 1973 Lincoln Penny Raised Edge Error

This error, which is also referred to as a raised-rim error, means the penny will have a higher than usual rim, which makes the coin appear thicker. This is usually the result of a tilted die during the minting process. These errors are not rare and most 1973 Lincoln pennies with a raised edge error are worth around $10 unless in an exceptional condition.

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

Where to Sell Your 1973 Penny?

Whether you’re searching through pocket change for hidden treasures or investing in certified high-grade specimens, 1973 pennies continue to prove that even the smallest denominations can yield extraordinary returns for those who know what to look for.

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

1973 Penny Market Trend

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

FAQ about 1973 Penny

1. How much is a 1973 penny worth?

How much a 1973 penny is worth depends on many factors. The key factor is its condition. Coins that have been in circulation and are in poor condition are not worth much more than their face value. These usually sell for two to three cents and that is only because of the value of the copper they contain.

However, coins with errors or coins that are in mint condition can be valued a lot higher. Error coins, depending on their overall condition and the type and extent of the error, are usually valued from $3 to $100. Mint condition 1973 pennies can sell for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.

2. What is the error on the 1973 penny?

There are several different types of errors on pennies struck in 1973. These errors include doubled die, off-center, raised rim, and die break errors. These error coins are usually worth more than regular coins. However, their value depends on how visible the error is and what condition the coin is in.