1973 Penny Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

While most 1973 pennies trade close to face value in worn condition, specific varieties and high-grade examples have demonstrated remarkable collector demand — with top auction results climbing into the thousands, and one dramatic error coin reaching $26,400.

Condition is the biggest driver of value. Even a common Philadelphia-issue 1973 cent can jump from 2 cents in circulated condition to over $3,850 in a pristine MS-67+ Red grade. Throw in an error variety or the rare Deep Cameo proof designation, and the numbers become truly eye-opening.

This guide walks you through every variety, color designation, error type, and grading factor that affects what your coin is actually worth in today’s market.

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 what truly drives collector demand in the Lincoln cent market. At the very top sits the 1973-S DCAM 70, which commands a remarkable $12,075 — a testament to the premium placed on a flawless proof coin with maximum Deep Cameo contrast.

The next tier features high-grade Red examples from both Philadelphia and Denver at $3,760 each. This shows how original copper luster dramatically impacts value regardless of which mint produced the coin.

What stands out most is how San Francisco-issue coins dominate the upper rankings. Even a lower-grade S-mint coin like the MS-66 RD ($544) outperforms comparable Denver examples. The exponential jump from PR-69 ($107) to the perfect PR-70 ($12,075) illustrates just how valuable that final grade point can be in the proof coin market.

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

History of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 penny sits at a pivotal moment in American numismatic history — minted during a period of economic turbulence, rising metal costs, and political upheaval that would reshape U.S. coinage within a decade.

The broader context matters for collectors. In 1973, President Richard Nixon was sworn in for a second term, the Paris Peace Accords ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and the Watergate scandal was unfolding — all events that mark this year’s coins as time capsules of a turbulent era.

On the economic front, copper prices were rising so sharply that by 1973, producing a single penny nearly cost as much as the coin’s face value. According to a U.S. Mint press release cited by Coin World, demand for cents in early 1974 doubled compared to the prior year, fueled by speculation that copper content would soon exceed face value.

This pressure led the Mint to begin secretly testing aluminum pennies — approximately 1.5 million coins dated 1973/1974 were produced as test pieces, but they were ordered returned and destroyed due to public opposition over safety concerns (aluminum coins could be invisible to X-rays if swallowed by children). A small number were never recovered and remain illegal to sell.

The 1973 penny featured the Lincoln profile on the obverse designed by Victor David Brenner (initiated in 1909) and the Lincoln Memorial reverse designed by Frank Gasparro, introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. It was struck at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).

A fascinating collector footnote: the U.S. Mint actually sold special “Penny Bags” in the summer of 1973 — miniature canvas bags containing 15 uncirculated cents, five each from all three mints, sold by mail order. These bags are still available in today’s secondary market for approximately $4 each, making them an affordable entry point for collectors seeking original uncirculated examples.

By 1982, rising copper costs finally forced the composition change to zinc-core, copper-plated cents — making the 1973 penny one of the last generations of true copper Lincoln Memorial cents struck for 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 appeared on American pennies continuously since 1909, making it the longest-running presidential portrait in U.S. coinage history. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in capital letters above Lincoln’s head, while “LIBERTY” is positioned to the left of his profile.

Designer Victor David Brenner’s initials “VDB” are found on Lincoln’s shoulder. These initials were controversially removed after 1909 due to public complaints about their prominence, then quietly restored in 1918 at a smaller size where they remain today. 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 and designed by Frank Gasparro. The Lincoln Memorial dominates the center, and one of the most charming details is the tiny seated Lincoln statue visible between the central columns when examined under magnification.

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

Other Features of the 1973 Penny

The 1973 penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc — technically a brass alloy, not the bronze of earlier cents, after Congress authorized the removal of tin from the formula in 1962. Despite this technical distinction, the coins look identical to earlier issues. Each coin weighs 3.11 grams, measures 19.05mm in diameter, has a plain (smooth) edge, and is 1.52mm thick.

One quick identification test: a genuine pre-1982 copper penny will not be attracted to a magnet, while post-1982 zinc-core cents will show mild magnetic attraction due to the zinc core.

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

1973 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1973 penny production numbers are staggering. Philadelphia struck 3,728,245,000 coins (no mint mark), while Denver contributed 3,549,576,588 coins marked “D” — the Denver Mint’s single-year production record at the time. Combined, the two facilities produced over 7.2 billion cents that year.

San Francisco’s contribution was dramatically smaller at approximately 319,937,634 total, which included around 317,177,295 business-strike coins and just 2,760,339 proof coins. Despite the massive Philadelphia and Denver mintages, only about 15% of those regular strikes have survived in collectible condition today.

The real standout is the San Francisco Deep Cameo (S DCAM) variety. From its proof mintage of roughly 2.76 million pieces, an impressive 63.75% survival rate exists — a testament to the care proof-set owners took in preserving these coins versus those that saw hard circulation.

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

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Penny Value

The Sheldon grading scale runs from Poor-1 (heavily worn and barely identifiable) to MS-70 (a perfect, flawless mint state coin). Most circulated 1973 pennies fall in the Fine-12 to Very Fine-30 range, where they’re worth 2–5 cents purely for their copper content.

Key grading factors include examining Lincoln’s hair details, cheekbone definition, and the clarity of inscriptions on the obverse. On the reverse, look at the Lincoln Memorial’s columns and the steps in front of the building.

Wear appears first on Lincoln’s cheekbone and the Memorial’s center steps. For copper cents, color is graded separately: Red (RD) coins retain their original copper shine and command the highest premiums, Red-Brown (RB) coins are partly oxidized, and Brown (BN) coins have fully toned — worth less but still collectible.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1973-P Lincoln cent is very easy to find in grades up to MS-65, but becomes much scarcer at MS-66, and anything above MS-67 is considered genuinely rare.

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 (CAM)
• 1973-S Deep Cameo Proof (DCAM)

The 1973 penny lineup offers collectors a diverse range of options. The Philadelphia and Denver issues dominated circulation with billions of coins, while the San Francisco varieties represent the premium end of the spectrum with superior strike quality and dramatically lower survival numbers in high grades.

The proof versions — especially the Deep Cameo specimens — showcase mirror-like fields (background areas) paired with frosted, matte devices (raised design elements) that create stunning visual contrast. These are among the most desirable modern proof Lincoln cents a collector can find.

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

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1973 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1973 No Mint Mark Penny was struck at Philadelphia with a record-breaking mintage of 3,728,245,000 pieces — one of the highest single-year production runs in Philadelphia Mint history at that time. This massive output makes it the most common of all 1973 cent varieties.

Despite the huge mintage, top-grade examples are genuinely scarce. A coin graded MS-65 RD typically sells for $15–$25 today, while MS-67 specimens have achieved anywhere from $135 to $3,760 depending on color designation and market timing. The all-time record for this variety was set in 2020, when a PCGS MS-67+ RD example realized $3,850 at Heritage Auctions.

Color designation matters enormously for value. RD (Red) coins still displaying their original copper shine are the most valuable, followed by RB (Red-Brown, partly oxidized), and BN (Brown, fully toned). Even a worn circulated example is worth about 2 cents today due to the intrinsic value of its 95% copper content.

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 — a single-year production record for that facility. The sheer volume of output put immense strain on dies and equipment, leading to widespread strike quality issues across the issue.

Because mint marks were still hand-punched onto individual working dies in 1973, the Denver “D” mark is particularly prone to Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) errors — a situation where the punch was applied twice at slightly different positions. Approximately 80% of 1973-D specimens exhibit some degree of weak strike, especially in Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial’s columns, making a fully struck gem-quality example genuinely scarce.

The record price for this variety is a PCGS MS-67 RD that sold at Heritage Auctions on February 27, 2014 for $4,994. For more typical grades, MS-67 examples range from $139 to $990 depending on color and strike quality.

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 significance with a mintage of approximately 319,937,634 — a fraction of what Philadelphia and Denver produced. This marks one of the final years the San Francisco Mint produced business-strike cents for circulation, as it shifted exclusively to proof production after 1974.

Unlike the famous 1970-S penny which has both small-date and large-date varieties, the 1973-S has no known date-size variations. Its relative scarcity compared to the other 1973 cents, combined with the superior strike quality typical of San Francisco issues, makes it the most sought-after of the business-strike varieties.

The record sale for this coin is a Heritage Auctions result from August 10, 2016, when a PCGS MS-67 RD example realized $2,233. As with all copper cents, color designation applies: RD (Red) examples command the highest premiums, followed by RB (Red-Brown) and BN (Brown).

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 (Deep Cameo) Penny is the crown jewel of the entire 1973 cent series. DCAM — also called “Ultra Cameo” by NGC — describes proof coins where the contrast between the mirror-like fields and the frosted devices is so extreme that the coin almost looks black-and-white. The effect is so pronounced on the best examples that you can see it clearly without any magnification.

This finish was achieved through meticulous die polishing at the San Francisco Mint, where background fields were polished to a mirror finish while the raised design elements were treated to maintain their frost. Dies were limited to very few strikes before replacement to preserve this quality, which is why top-grade DCAM examples are so scarce relative to the total proof mintage.

The “S” mint mark on DCAM examples is exceptionally sharp and well-defined. According to the PCGS population data, achieving true DCAM designation is rare — and perfect PR-70 DCAM examples are extraordinarily so, with the record sale of $12,075 sitting vastly above the $107 that a PR-69 example commands. That $11,968 difference for a single grade point is one of the most dramatic grade-point premiums in modern Lincoln cent collecting.

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 at 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.

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

Rare 1973 Penny Error List

Even the most common 1973 cents hold hidden potential. Certain error varieties and high-grade specimens have turned ordinary pocket change into collector treasures worth hundreds — or even tens of thousands — of dollars. From doubled dies to wrong-planchet strikes, these minting mistakes create unique coins that stand apart from the billions of regular issues.

1. 1973 Penny Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Dime Planchet)

This is the single most valuable 1973 penny error known to exist. It occurred when a cent die accidentally struck a Roosevelt dime blank that had entered the penny production line. The result is a smaller, silver-colored coin with portions of the design cut off at the edges — unmistakably different from any normal Lincoln cent.

One authenticated example of this error sold for $26,400, making it a landmark piece in modern Lincoln cent error collecting. Even lower-grade examples have brought between $450 and $860 at auction, with an MS-66 specimen realizing $860. To identify this error, weigh the coin: a genuine wrong-planchet piece will weigh approximately 2.27 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams, and it will measure noticeably smaller than a regular penny. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before buying or selling one of these.

2. 1973 Lincoln Penny Doubled Die Error (DDO)

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs during the die-making process when design elements are impressed onto the working die more than once at slightly different angles. On 1973 pennies, look for doubling in the lettering (especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”), the date digits, and Lincoln’s eye or bowtie.

No major, dramatic doubled die is known for the 1973 cent (unlike the famous 1972 or 1969-S DDO varieties), but minor doubled dies do exist and are collectible. Values range from $25 to $100 depending on how visible and extensive the doubling is. Always compare under 5x to 10x magnification, and be cautious of machine doubling — a flat, shelf-like effect that has no collector value.

3. 1973 Lincoln Penny Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center errors occur when the planchet is not properly centered between the dies, causing part of the design to be missing and blank metal to show on one side. Minor off-center strikes of 1–2% are common and add little value. Coins struck 5–10% off-center are worth $10–$20, while a dramatic 50% off-center strike with the complete date still visible can approach $100.

One particularly dramatic example — a 1973 penny struck 90% off-center in a double-strike error — sold for $590 in MS-63 RB grade. The key rule: the full date must be readable. Without the date, value drops sharply.

4. 1973 Lincoln Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error (RPM)

Mint marks were hand-punched onto working dies in 1973, which meant human error was common. An RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) occurs when the “D” or “S” was punched in the wrong position or at the wrong angle, then corrected with a second punch — leaving ghostly traces of both impressions visible under magnification.

RPM errors are relatively common for this era and are most frequently found on 1973-D cents due to Denver’s massive production volume. Most examples are minor and worth $3–$10. Strong, dramatic RPMs that are clearly visible under low magnification can command up to $30 or more, depending on condition.

5. 1973 Lincoln Penny Die Break and BIE Error

As dies age through heavy use, they develop cracks and sometimes lose small chips of metal. These defects transfer to coins as raised lines, bumps, or blobs on the surface. A classic example specific to 1973 pennies is the BIE error — a die chip between the “B” and “E” of “LIBERTY” that creates what looks like an extra letter “I” in the word. These BIE errors are worth approximately $5–$10 in average condition. More dramatic die breaks with large raised areas can reach $50–$100 depending on the size and position of the break.

6. 1973 Lincoln Penny Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet occurs when the metal strip was not fed through the blanking punch properly, causing the coin blank to be struck with a crescent-shaped piece missing from its edge. Curved clips are the most common type and occur when the punch overlaps a previously punched hole in the strip.

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For 1973 Lincoln cents, a genuine curved clip shows no raised rim in the clipped area — the rim is added after blanking, so its absence proves the clip happened before striking. Values for clipped 1973 pennies typically range from $10–$50, with dramatic multi-clips or straight clips at the higher end.

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.

For error coins or high-grade examples (MS-65 or above), major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers typically achieve the best prices, though they charge buyer’s premiums of 15–20%. eBay offers a massive audience for mid-range coins — stick to sellers with 99%+ positive feedback and look for PCGS or NGC certified examples above $50. Local coin shows and dealers are ideal for building relationships and negotiating directly on lower-value pieces.

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 the 1973 Penny Value

1. How much is a 1973 penny worth?

A circulated 1973 penny in worn condition is worth approximately 2 cents, primarily because of its intrinsic 95% copper content — the metal alone is worth more than face value. Uncirculated examples typically bring 10–30 cents. In high mint state grades, values jump sharply: MS-65 RD examples sell for $15–$25, while the all-time record for a 1973 Philadelphia cent is $3,850 for a PCGS MS-67+ RD at Heritage Auctions in 2020.

2. What is the error on the 1973 penny?

Several error types exist for 1973 pennies. The most valuable is the wrong-planchet error — a cent struck on a Roosevelt dime blank — with one authenticated example selling for $26,400. Other errors include Doubled Die Obverse (DDO, $25–$100), off-center strikes ($10–$100+), Repunched Mint Mark (RPM, $3–$30), die breaks including the BIE error ($5–$100), and clipped planchets ($10–$50). Value depends on how dramatic and visible the error is, and the coin’s overall condition.

3. What makes the 1973-S penny more valuable than the Philadelphia or Denver versions?

The 1973-S penny has a much smaller mintage — around 319 million versus over 3.5 billion each for Philadelphia and Denver. San Francisco coins also generally received better strike quality and were less likely to see heavy circulation. Additionally, the San Francisco Mint stopped producing Lincoln cents for circulation after 1974, giving the 1973-S added historical significance as one of the last S-mint business-strike cents.

4. What is a Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof coin, and why is it worth so much?

Deep Cameo (DCAM), called Ultra Cameo by NGC, describes proof coins where the raised design elements (portrait, lettering, Memorial) have a bright, frosty white finish while the flat background areas are polished to a mirror-like black. The stark contrast is immediately visible to the naked eye.

Achieving this finish required precisely prepared dies that could only produce a limited number of perfect strikes before the frost wore down, making top-grade DCAM coins genuinely scarce. The 1973-S DCAM PR-70 record of $12,075 versus $107 for a PR-69 shows how drastically this designation affects value.

5. Is there a 1973 aluminum penny, and is it legal to own?

Yes, approximately 1.5 million aluminum cent test pieces dated 1973/1974 were produced at Philadelphia and Denver as the Mint explored alternatives to rising copper costs. However, these coins were ordered retrieved and destroyed after public opposition — concerns included that they could jam vending machines and be invisible to X-rays if swallowed.

The U.S. government considers any surviving aluminum cents to be federal property, making them illegal to own or sell. If you find a silver-colored 1973 penny, first weigh it: under 1 gram = aluminum (surrender it); 3.11 grams = a copper cent coated in another metal (legal to own and sell).

6. How do I tell if my 1973 penny is Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN)?

Color designation is assigned by grading services like PCGS and NGC and is critical to value. A Red (RD) coin still displays at least 95% of its original bright copper-orange luster with minimal toning. Red-Brown (RB) coins show between 5% and 95% original red color, with the rest toned brown. Brown (BN) coins have fully oxidized and lost their red luster entirely.

Even under good lighting at home, you can get a rough sense — a coin that still looks bright copper-orange is likely RD; a dull, uniformly brown coin is BN. For coins that may be worth submitting for grading, only PCGS or NGC certification will definitively assign the color designation.

7. What is a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) on a 1973-D penny, and how do I spot it?

An RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) error occurred because mint workers in 1973 hand-punched the “D” mark onto each working die individually. If the first punch was in the wrong position or angle, a second punch was applied — leaving traces of both impressions.

Under 5–10x magnification, look directly below or beside the “D” mint mark for a secondary, ghostly “D” impression. The 1973-D penny is particularly prone to RPMs due to its record production volume and the wear it put on equipment. Most RPMs are minor and worth $3–$10; strong, clearly doubled examples can bring up to $30.

8. Should I clean my 1973 penny to make it look better and more valuable?

Never clean a coin — this is one of the most important rules in numismatics. Cleaning a copper cent removes the natural patina and surface metal, creating microscopic hairline scratches that are immediately visible to collectors and grading services under magnification.

A cleaned coin is “body-bagged” by PCGS and NGC (returned without a grade) and can lose 50–90% of its potential value. Even a circulated brown 1973 penny in original, unaltered condition is worth more than a cleaned one. Store your coins in acid-free flips, 2×2 cardboard holders, or airtight capsules away from humidity and direct light.

9. How do I identify a 1973 penny struck on a dime planchet?

This high-value wrong-planchet error has several clear identifiers. First, the coin will appear silver-colored rather than copper — this is the most obvious visual clue since copper cents should never look silver. Second, weigh it with a digital scale: a genuine dime-planchet error weighs approximately 2.27 grams versus the standard 3.11 grams. Third, measure the diameter — it will be noticeably smaller than the standard 19.05mm penny.

Finally, design elements near the rim will be cut off or compressed because the smaller dime blank couldn’t capture the full penny design. One authenticated example sold for $26,400; have any candidate authenticated professionally by PCGS or NGC before making any buying or selling decisions.

10. What were the U.S. Mint’s “Penny Bags,” and are they worth collecting today?

The U.S. Mint offered a special “Penny Bag” product in the summer of 1973 — a small canvas bag styled after the large transport bags used to move coins between mints and Federal Reserve Banks. Each bag contained 15 uncirculated 1973 Lincoln cents: five each from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. They were sold by mail order starting around $2 for five bags.

Today, these 1973 Penny Bags are still found in the secondary market for approximately $4 each and represent an affordable way to acquire original uncirculated examples from all three mints in a historically charming package. The 1973 set is easier to find than the 1972 version, suggesting stronger original sales.