1978 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1978 penny is one of the last true copper Lincoln cents ever made. Each coin contains 95% copper — giving it a melt value of roughly three cents even in pocket-change condition.

But certain examples are worth far more than that. A single MS67+RD specimen sold for $4,259 at Heritage Auctions in 2014, and a flawless PR70 DCAM proof reached $4,313 at the same house back in 2008.

 

1978 Penny Value By Variety

The three 1978 penny varieties each tell a different story in the collector market.

Philadelphia produced the everyday coins most people find in change — no mint mark, enormous quantities. Denver’s “D” cents occupy that sweet spot of moderate scarcity that experienced collectors appreciate. San Francisco’s proof specimens, though, are a different animal entirely — they carry premiums that can separate a casual find from a serious payday.

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 1978 Penny Worth Money

The top 10 most valuable 1978 pennies demonstrate a clear hierarchy. The 1978-S DCAM 70 leads at $3,720, while the second-place 1978 RD 67 brings just $840 — nearly a 10x gap.

Perfect proof condition creates exponential premiums. The proof series shows consistent value scaling from DCAM 65 through DCAM 70, with each grade jump representing a significant dollar increase.

Business strikes below MS67 drop considerably in value. The data confirms what numismatists have long known: exceptional condition paired with low certified populations drives the highest prices.

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

 

History Of The 1978 Penny — The Last Era of Solid Copper Cents

You are holding more than a one-cent coin when you find a 1978 penny. These coins represent the final chapter in a copper coinage tradition stretching back to the 1800s.

The composition at the time was 95% copper and 5% zinc (tin had been dropped from the alloy back in 1962). That bronze-like formula had served the country for decades — but in 1978, it was quietly approaching its end.

The Philadelphia Mint alone consumed 765,914.1 pounds of copper striking cents that year. That is nearly 383 tons of metal from a single facility, all to produce coins worth one cent each.

A key but little-known fact: the West Point facility supplemented Philadelphia’s massive output in 1978, striking an estimated 1.5 billion additional cents with no mint mark. As numismatic expert Walter Breen documented, there is simply no way to tell a West Point-struck 1978 cent from a Philadelphia one — they carry no distinguishing marks.

Also significant: on June 7, 1978, the U.S. Treasury Department officially revoked the prohibition on exporting or melting U.S. coins — a policy change that briefly opened a discussion about copper’s future in American coinage.

The government had already tested aluminum cents in 1974. Congress rejected that idea, but the pressure from rising copper prices never went away. By 1982, the U.S. Mint made a permanent switch to zinc cores with a thin copper shell — and the era of solid copper pennies quietly ended.

Numismatic author Q. David Bowers, in his Guide Book of Lincoln Cents (Whitman Publishing, 2008), documents how the Memorial cent’s massive production volumes of the late 1970s were directly tied to inflation-era economic pressures on the U.S. monetary system.

One more 1978 detail worth noting: the Mint introduced a new reverse hub that year, resulting in noticeably sharper design details on many examples compared to prior years.

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

 

Is Your 1978 Penny Rare? Rarity Chart for All Varieties

Here is the key insight that surprises most people: despite a combined business-strike mintage of nearly 10 billion coins, the certified population of high-grade 1978 pennies is remarkably small.

According to CoinWeek’s analysis of PCGS and NGC population data, only 1,089 total 1978 Philadelphia cents have been graded and certified by the two major services combined. Of those, 94% earned the Red (RD) color designation. But only 87 coins achieved MS67 RD — and just a single example in the entire PCGS database has ever reached MS68 RD.

That is what numismatists call “condition rarity.” The coin itself is common. A gem example with full original red luster is not.

For comprehensive analysis of your penny collection’s actual rarity and value potential, our Coin Value Checker App provides detailed assessments beyond basic availability rankings.

 

Key Features Of The 1978 Penny 

What is the best way to describe the features of a coin? Start with the technical terms. The heads side is the obverse, the tails side is the reverse, the thin side is the edge, the raised border is the rim or collar, and the background is the field. The image or portrait is called the device, and the words are mottos or legends. Coin blanks are called planchets.

The Obverse Of The 1978 Penny

The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. The year “1978” appears to the right at chest level, while “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left behind Lincoln’s neck, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches across the top.

The mint mark, if present, sits just below the date — “D” for Denver or blank for Philadelphia (and West Point, which used no mark). Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” are subtly placed beneath Lincoln’s right shoulder, honoring the original 1909 designer.

The Reverse Of The 1978 Penny

The reverse displays Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design, dominating the coin’s center with its distinctive columns. A tiny seated Lincoln statue is visible within the Memorial — one of the most unique Easter eggs in U.S. coinage history.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the building, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the upper rim. The denomination “ONE CENT” sits prominently below the Memorial, and Gasparro’s initials “FG” are positioned near the Memorial’s right corner.

Other Features Of The 1978 Penny

In 1978, the Lincoln Memorial cent was 95% copper and 5% zinc or tin, sometimes a mix of both. This coin weighed 3.11g and measured 19.05mm across (0.75″) with a smooth or plain edge.

A note on color designations — these are important for valuation: Red (RD) means the coin retains at least 95% of its original mint-red copper luster and must grade MS60 or higher. Red-Brown (RB) means the coin shows between 5% and 95% original red color. Brown (BN) means less than 5% original red color remains. RD is the most valuable designation for 1978 cents.

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

 

1978 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia struck 5,558,605,000 business-strike cents in 1978 (this number includes the West Point supplemental production, which carries no separate mint mark). Denver contributed 4,280,233,400 coins with the “D” mark. San Francisco produced 3,127,781 proof coins — all carrying the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, meaning they were struck from specially polished dies onto polished planchets.

Both Philadelphia and Denver coins maintain roughly a 20% survival rate in numismatic condition, resulting in approximately 1.11 billion and 856 million surviving specimens respectively. Proof coins demonstrate exceptional preservation at over 80% survival, because collectors stored them carefully in protective packaging from the day they were purchased.

That survival gap explains a lot about current pricing. Business strikes are everywhere; gem business strikes are not.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1978 Penny Value

Grading 1978 pennies requires understanding the unique challenges these copper-zinc cents present. The soft copper surface shows contact marks and bag scuffs easily, while the Memorial’s intricate columns reveal even minor wear under magnification.

The key grading factors are copper color retention (aiming for RD), strike sharpness on the Memorial’s steps, and surface preservation — particularly on Lincoln’s cheek and the word “LIBERTY.” Professional graders also pay close attention to rim nicks and planchet flaws from the minting process.

One practical benchmark: MS66 RD coins sell for only $25 to $30 — barely enough to cover the grading fee. That means submitting a 1978 cent is only worthwhile if you genuinely believe you have an MS67 RD or better. Use a loupe and good lighting before sending anything in.

For quick preliminary assessments, our Coin Value Checker App can help identify potential grade ranges before considering professional certification.

 

1978 Penny Value Guides

1978 Lincoln Cent Varieties:

• 1978 No Mint Mark — Philadelphia (and West Point) production; 5,558,605,000 minted
• 1978-D — Denver Mint issue; 4,280,233,400 coins struck
• 1978-S DCAM — San Francisco proof with Deep Cameo finish; 3,127,781 produced

Philadelphia and Denver mints dominated circulation production, together releasing nearly 10 billion coins into everyday commerce. San Francisco focused exclusively on collector-grade proof pieces, each struck from specially prepared dies on polished planchets.

That production gap explains today’s value differences. Circulation-issue coins trade near face value unless they are in superb uncirculated condition. Proof pieces command consistent premiums at almost every grade level because they were always intended as collectibles, not pocket change.

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

 

1978 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1978 No Mint Mark penny represents Philadelphia’s enormous output of 5.56 billion coins — plus an additional 1.5 billion from the West Point facility, which produced supplemental cents during this period with no distinguishing mark.

Color designation is critical for value. Red (RD) specimens retaining their original copper luster command the highest premiums. According to PCGS auction records, an MS67+RD example achieved a record sale of $4,259 at Heritage Auctions on September 4, 2014 — the highest price ever paid for a 1978 Philadelphia cent.

More recently, a 1978 No Mint Mark penny graded MS67+ Red achieved $240 in a PCGS-certified auction in 2023 — confirming that even below-record grades can generate significant returns in the right market. Red-Brown (RB) coins in MS65–MS66 typically bring $10–$20, while Brown (BN) examples in circulated grades usually trade near face value.

Keep in mind the population context: only 87 examples have ever been graded MS67 RD by PCGS, and just a single coin has reached MS68 RD. This condition scarcity is why top-grade pieces command such strong premiums despite the coin’s enormous overall mintage.

Recent auction records reveal significant price volatility at the top grades.

Market activity shows consistent baseline interest with notable spikes during peak collecting seasons, reflecting the coin’s steady but cyclical demand patterns.

 

1978-D Penny Value

The 1978-D cent is immediately identifiable by the small “D” mint mark positioned below the date on the obverse. Denver struck 4,280,233,400 of these coins in 1978 — a slightly lower mintage than Philadelphia, which contributes to some premium at gem grades.

In high-grade Red (RD) condition, Denver cents actually command stronger premiums than their Philadelphia counterparts. This pricing anomaly reflects Registry Set collecting dynamics: the fewer top-population coins available, the higher competing collectors bid. The record holder for the 1978-D is an MS67 RD coin that sold for $546 at Heritage Auctions in 2008. A more recent sale — an MS67+ RD — realized $280 at Heritage Auctions in 2023, confirming continued strong demand.

Reddish-Brown (RB) coins at MS65–MS66 typically bring $10–$30. Even fully toned Brown (BN) examples in high uncirculated grades remain collectible — MS66 BN pieces have sold for around $100 at major auction houses.

One important error to watch for on Denver cents: the 1978-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), cataloged as WDDO-001. This variety shows extra thickness on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the strongest doubling visible on “WE TRUST.” The key diagnostic is a notched lower-right leg on the letter “R” in TRUST — die markers confirm authenticity.

Auction records reveal steady price performance with occasional spikes, reflecting the coin’s reliable market position across different collecting cycles.

Market activity shows consistent baseline interest with a notable surge during peak collecting seasons, demonstrating sustained collector engagement.

 

1978-S DCAM Penny Value

San Francisco’s 1978-S DCAM penny represents the pinnacle of proof minting from this era. Deep Cameo — abbreviated DCAM — means the coin has mirror-like fields (the flat background areas) that contrast sharply with frosted, sculpted design elements like Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial.

The “S” mint mark identifies these coins as proof-only issues, struck from specially prepared, highly polished dies onto hand-selected, polished planchets. The 3,127,781 coins produced were sold directly to collectors and have largely been preserved in their original proof sets.

The all-time auction record for a 1978-S proof cent is a flawless PR70 DCAM that sold for $4,313 at Heritage Auctions in 2008. This grade is extraordinarily rare — the vast majority of examples top out at PR69 DCAM, which typically brings $20–$30. PR70 examples, when they appear, regularly trade in four figures.

Auction performance demonstrates strong collector confidence with premium results consistently achieved across multiple grade levels.

Market activity charts confirm sustained enthusiasm among proof collectors.

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

 

Rare 1978 Penny Errors List

While 1978 penny production generally ran smoothly, the high-speed minting process — hundreds of coins per minute — created plenty of opportunities for errors to slip through. From subtle die varieties to dramatic wrong-planchet strikes, any mechanical mishap could transform an ordinary cent into a numismatic treasure. Here are all the documented 1978 penny errors, with current values.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — Two Named Varieties

Hub doubling happens when a die receives multiple impressions from the hub during manufacturing, with a slight misalignment between strikes. On the obverse (DDO) this creates a ghost-like doubling of letters and design elements visible under magnification.

For the 1978 Philadelphia cent, two named DDO varieties exist: 1978P-1DO-001 (subtle doubling) and 1978P-1DO-002 (more dramatic thickness on key design elements). Minor DDO varieties typically sell for $25–$50; well-preserved examples with strong doubling can reach $75–$100. An MS62 RB with a double die error sold for $661 at Heritage Auctions in 2004, showing what a dramatic, well-documented example can bring.

2. 1978-D Doubled Die Obverse — WDDO-001

Denver’s known DDO variety is cataloged as WDDO-001. The strongest doubling appears on “WE TRUST,” and the key diagnostic is a notched lower-right leg on the “R” in TRUST — die markers confirm genuine examples.

This variety is actively sought by Lincoln cent specialists. Confirmed examples in MS65 RD typically trade for $30–$75 depending on the prominence of the doubling and market timing.

3. Struck on a Dime Planchet — Wrong Denomination Error

One of the rarest 1978 penny errors occurs when a cent is struck on a planchet (the blank disc) intended for a Roosevelt dime. The resulting coin weighs only 2.27 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams, appears noticeably smaller and thinner, and has the copper-nickel composition of a dime rather than the bronze of a cent.

In 2006, an MS64 double denomination sold for $1,035. More recently, an MS63 RD 1978-D struck on a dime planchet sold for $384 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for any suspected wrong-planchet example.

4. Struck on a Nickel Planchet — Extreme Rarity

Even rarer than the dime-planchet error, the 1978 cent struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet weighs approximately 5 grams — dramatically heavier than a normal cent. These examples are extraordinarily scarce and typically valued at $2,500–$5,000 or more at auction, depending on condition and eye appeal.

The visual effect is striking: the Lincoln design appears on an obviously wrong-sized, wrong-colored planchet, with portions of the design missing at the edges because the cent dies and nickel blank don’t match in size.

5. Struck 45% Off-Center

For a coin to be struck accurately, the blank must sit dead center between the dies. At high production speeds, blanks sometimes miss that ideal position. Off-center errors leave part of the coin’s surface blank — the more dramatic the misalignment, the more valuable the error.

A 10% off-center 1978 penny with a visible date sells for $25–$40. At 50% off-center with a complete date and mint mark, expect $150–$300. A documented 45% off-center 1978 in MS63 BN sold for $105. An even more dramatic 70% off-center 1978-D graded MS64 RB brought $175.

6. Double Struck 80% Off-Center

Sometimes a coin that should have ejected from the press receives a second strike. When that second impression is also dramatically off-center, you get a double-struck off-center error — overlapping designs, a distorted shape, and a coin that looks like two pennies tried to occupy the same space at once.

This particular 1978 example carried an additional Liberty impression at 80% off-center on the obverse, with the denomination distorted on the reverse. Graded Uncirculated Details RB due to damage, it sold for $170.

7. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

In 1978, mint marks were still applied to dies by hand using a manual punch. That manual process created opportunities for wobbles, misalignments, and repunches — where the first placement was off and had to be struck again, leaving a faint ghost image of the earlier attempt.

Some 1978-D RPM examples show the first “D” dramatically sideways or offset from the final “D.” Values range from $3–$10 for minor RPMs to $30 in MS65 for dramatic, clearly visible examples.

8. BIE Die Crack Error — Lincoln-Specific Variety

The BIE error is unique to Lincoln cents. It occurs when a small die crack forms between the letters “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse, creating a raised raised vertical line that looks like the letter “I” — making “LIBERTY” appear to read “LIBIERTY.”

This error results from metal fatigue in the die during production. On 1978 pennies, BIE examples are known and actively collected as a fun entry-level variety. Values typically range from $5–$20 depending on the coin’s individual condition and the prominence of the die crack.

9. Cud Die Break

When a portion of a die completely breaks away — usually at the rim — the missing chunk creates a raised blank lump on all coins struck with that damaged die. These are called cud breaks, and they appear as irregularly shaped raised masses along the coin’s edge.

An MS63 RB 1978 cud die break was sold by Heritage Auctions for $160 in 2021. Smaller, minor die cracks typically bring only a few dollars extra, but dramatic cuds with substantial missing area at the rim command meaningful premiums.

10. 40% Brockage Obverse

A brockage error happens when a previously struck coin gets stuck on a die face, then blocks the next blank entering the press. The stuck coin acts as an obstructing cap, transferring a mirror-image impression of itself onto the coin below.

On this 1978 example, the die cap covered 40% of the coin below, creating a dramatic partial mirror image alongside the normal design. Graded MS62 RD, it sold for $125.

11. Struck Through Capped Die

This is the companion to the brockage error. Here, the coin itself got caught on the die as a “capped die” — a piece of metal that adheres to the die surface and gradually flattens with repeated strikes, producing increasingly blurry, off-detail impressions on subsequent coins.

In this 1978 example, the struck coin received a blurry obverse design with faint reverse traces. Graded MS65 RD, it is worth about $65. The original capped die coin itself would have shown a mirrored inverse of the obverse on both sides.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1978 Penny — Best Options in 2026

Got a 1978 penny you think might be valuable? The selling landscape has changed dramatically — today’s best results come from reaching the right collector audience.

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

 

1978 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1978 Penny Value

1. What is a circulated 1978 penny worth today?

A worn, circulated 1978 penny is worth approximately two to three cents — that is its copper melt value. Federal law technically prohibits melting U.S. cents for their metal, but many dealers pay above face value for pre-1982 copper cents on a speculative basis. In terms of collector value, circulated examples have no numismatic premium.

2. What makes a 1978 penny valuable to collectors?

Three factors drive premium value: color designation (RD is highest), grade (MS67 or above for business strikes, PR70 for proofs), and errors. A standard MS65 RD 1978 cent is worth perhaps $35–$50. An MS67 RD is worth hundreds. An MS67+ RD sold for $4,259 at Heritage Auctions in 2014. Errors like wrong-planchet strikes can add $200–$5,000 or more.

3. What does RD, RB, and BN mean on a 1978 penny?

These are color designations assigned by professional grading services PCGS and NGC. RD (Red) means the coin retains at least 95% of its original copper-red luster — this is the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) means 5%–95% original red color remains. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red survives — the coin has fully toned. All three designations require the coin to grade MS60 or higher.

4. How many 1978 pennies have been graded MS67 RD by PCGS?

According to CoinWeek’s analysis of PCGS and NGC combined population data, only 87 examples of the 1978 Philadelphia cent have reached MS67 RD. Even more remarkably, just a single coin in the entire PCGS database has ever achieved MS68 RD. This makes gem-grade 1978 cents genuinely rare despite the billions produced.

5. Is the 1978-D penny worth more than the no-mint-mark version?

In gem grades, yes — often significantly more. The record 1978-D is $546 (MS67 RD, Heritage Auctions, 2008), while the 1978 Philadelphia record is $4,259. However, the top Denver examples at MS67+ have sold for $280 more recently. The pricing reflects Registry Set demand and the relative size of each coin’s certified top-population. In circulated or lower uncirculated grades, both varieties are worth about the same.

6. What is the 1978-S penny, and is it the same as a proof coin?

Yes — the 1978-S was struck exclusively as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint. It was never released for circulation. Proof coins (abbreviated PR or PF) are struck from specially polished dies onto polished planchets, producing coins with mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the top designation for proofs, indicating the sharpest contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices. The record 1978-S DCAM is $4,313 for a PR70 DCAM sold at Heritage Auctions in 2008.

7. What is the BIE error on a 1978 penny?

The BIE error is a Lincoln cent-specific variety where a small die crack forms between the “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse. The resulting raised line resembles the letter “I,” making the inscription appear to read “LIBIERTY.” It is caused by metal fatigue in the die. BIE 1978 pennies typically sell for $5–$20 depending on how prominent the crack appears and the coin’s condition.

8. Did West Point strike 1978 pennies, and how can I identify one?

Yes — the West Point facility struck an estimated 1.5 billion cents in 1978 to supplement Philadelphia’s massive production. However, these coins carry no mint mark that distinguishes them from Philadelphia issues. As numismatic expert Walter Breen documented, there is simply no way to tell them apart. If you have a no-mint-mark 1978 cent, it could be from either facility — both are valued identically by collectors.

9. Is it legal to melt a 1978 penny for its copper?

No — federal regulations currently prohibit melting U.S. one-cent coins for their metal content. This rule has been in place since 2006, though the prohibition could potentially change in the future. Interestingly, the U.S. Treasury actually revoked a separate older prohibition against exporting or melting coins on June 7, 1978 — but that policy change did not remove the legal barriers that would later apply to melting circulating cents.

10. What are the most valuable 1978 penny errors and what are they worth?

The highest-value 1978 penny errors, ranked by approximate auction potential, are: (1) Wrong planchet on a nickel blank — $2,500 to $5,000+; (2) Wrong planchet on a dime blank — $200 to $400 in uncirculated grades (an MS63 RD example sold for $384 at Heritage in 2023); (3) Dramatic DDO with strong doubling — up to $661 for the right example (Heritage Auctions, 2004); (4) Extreme off-center strikes (70%+) with full date — $175 to $500+; (5) Cud die breaks — $100 to $160. Always seek PCGS or NGC authentication for any error valued above $100.