2022 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 2022 Lincoln Shield penny is one of the most accessible entry points in modern numismatics—and one of the most misunderstood. Most people toss them in a jar, never knowing a single coin from this year sold for over $2,100 at auction.

Understanding why requires just a few key factors: where it was minted, what condition it’s in, whether it carries the Red (RD) color designation, and—most excitingly—whether it has a manufacturing error. This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs to know, with real data from auction records and grading services.

 

2022 Penny Value By Variety

The value of your 2022 penny depends entirely on which variety you possess, as each mint location and coin type carries distinct market values and collector demand.

From common Philadelphia business strikes to scarce San Francisco proofs and valuable error coins, understanding these classifications is essential for accurate valuation and informed collecting decisions.

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 7 Most Valuable 2022 Penny Value Worth Money

The 2022 penny value spectrum shows just how dramatically professional grading and special designations affect pricing. The highest-ranking sale—a 2022 Shield MS67+RD specimen—achieved $2,128 at auction in January 2023, setting the record for this modern issue.

Special label designations add meaningful premiums on top of the grade itself. First Strike examples range from $57 to $611, while proof specimens with First Day of Issue or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations—meaning the coin shows a frosted design against mirror-like fields—command $17 to $104.

Grade jumps create dramatic price differences even within the same type. MS68RD examples vary from $59 to $499 depending on mint and certification details, while a perfect PR70 proof specimen can reach $100 to $104. Denver Mint coins appear three times in the top auction results, with one MS68RD example bringing $499, confirming that both color designation (RD) and certification labels are the primary value drivers for contemporary Lincoln cents.

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

 

2022 Penny Value History: Production Costs and Design Legacy

The 2022 penny continued a peculiar economic paradox—each coin cost the U.S. Mint approximately 2.1 cents to produce and distribute, meaning taxpayers lost money on every single cent struck. This cost has only grown since: by 2025, the production cost climbed to approximately 3.69 cents per coin, further intensifying congressional debate about eliminating the denomination entirely—a step Canada took in 2013 when it discontinued its own cent.

The 2022 Lincoln penny represents the thirteenth year of the Union Shield design era, which began in 2010. This permanent reverse design replaced the Lincoln Bicentennial commemorative series and the Lincoln Memorial design that had served since 1959. The Union Shield reverse was created by designer Lyndall Bass and sculpted by Joseph Menna, whose initials “LB” and “JFM” appear on the reverse—a detail often overlooked by casual observers.

The Union Shield was chosen to represent Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single nation. Its “Shield of Union” imagery draws from Civil War-era symbolism and offered simpler manufacturing requirements compared to the intricate Lincoln Memorial design it replaced.

The 2022 penny maintains the zinc-core composition introduced in 1982: 97.5% zinc with 2.5% copper plating, weighing 2.5 grams. This change was enacted when rising copper prices made previous 95% copper cents worth more than their face value, creating an incentive for hoarding. The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 3.1 billion circulation pennies, while Denver contributed roughly 2.4 billion more—totaling nearly 5.5 billion cents combined. San Francisco exclusively produced proof specimens for collectors.

Historical note: In 2025, the U.S. Mint officially halted circulating penny production after 232 years, auctioning the last 232 commemorative “Omega Penny” sets through Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Sets sold for $50,000–$80,000 each, and the final coins struck—along with their dies—fetched $800,000. This makes the 2022 penny one of the last few years of traditional circulating Lincoln cents, adding long-term historical significance for collectors.

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

 

Is Your 2022 Penny Value Higher Than Face?

Check any 2022 pennies with our Coin Value Checker App to identify this potentially valuable variety.

 

Key Features That Affect Your 2022 Penny Value

Understanding the distinctive characteristics of the 2022 penny requires examining both its traditional elements and modern specifications. These features—from design heritage to technical attributes—collectively determine how much your coin is worth.

The Obverse Of The 2022 Penny

The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait, first used in 1909 to mark the centennial of Lincoln’s birth—making it America’s longest-running presidential coin design at over 116 years. Brenner’s initials “VDB” appear in small lettering beneath Lincoln’s shoulder, a detail collectors look for on every Lincoln cent.

Lincoln faces right with “LIBERTY” inscribed along the left edge and “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned above his head. The date “2022” appears on the right side, while Philadelphia specimens have no mint mark and Denver coins display a small “D” beneath the date—that small letter is your first and most important clue to a coin’s value.

The Reverse Of The 2022 Penny Value Shield Design

The reverse features the Union Shield designed by Lyndall Bass and introduced in 2010, representing Lincoln’s preservation of national unity during the Civil War. Thirteen vertical stripes symbolize the original colonies, unified by a horizontal banner across the top bearing “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of many, one”).

“ONE CENT” appears prominently on a ribbon below the shield, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curved along the upper edge. The tiny initials “LB” (Lyndall Bass) and “JFM” (sculptor Joseph Menna) appear at the bottom—these design credits are often the first thing advanced variety hunters examine when checking for die varieties.

Other Features Of The 2022 Penny Value Specification

The 2022 penny weighs exactly 2.5 grams with a 19.05-millimeter diameter and a plain (smooth) edge. Its composition is 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating—a design sometimes called “copper-plated zinc” that replaced the older 95% copper composition in 1982.

This zinc core matters greatly for collectors: when the copper plating is missing or damaged, you may have a valuable plating error on your hands. The silvery zinc underneath the copper layer is the telltale sign.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2022 Penny Value

Finding out what your 2022 penny is worth starts with identifying its mint mark—no mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco proof)—located beneath the date on the front of the coin. Since these are recent coins, condition varies widely from pocket change to true mint state.

Circulated 2022 pennies typically hold face value, while uncirculated examples with sharp strikes and brilliant luster may fetch $0.50–$3. Look for minting errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or blank planchets—and keep reading for a full breakdown of the most valuable 2022 errors. Let our Coin Value Checker App check the grade directly for accurate valuation.

 

2022 Penny Value Guides

The 2022 Lincoln penny exists in three distinct varieties, each representing different production purposes and collector markets.

2022 Lincoln Penny Varieties：

• 2022 No Mint Mark Shield — Philadelphia Mint production. Circulated examples worth face value; uncirculated range 10–30 cents. MS67+ examples have reached $2,128 at auction.
• 2022-D Shield — Denver Mint with “D” mint mark under date. Common in circulation; MS68RD specimens have sold for $499.
• 2022-S DCAM Shield — San Francisco proof coins for collectors only. Feature Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast: frosted design against mirror-black fields. PR70RD examples have achieved $119.

Philadelphia and Denver produced circulation strikes for everyday commerce, while San Francisco exclusively created proof specimens for numismatic products. Understanding these varieties is fundamental to accurate valuation, as proof specimens command significant premiums over circulation counterparts, with condition and certification dramatically affecting final market values.

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

 

2022 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

The 2022 no mint mark penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which has followed the tradition of omitting mint marks on its coins since its establishment in 1792 as the nation’s first mint. Philadelphia produced approximately 3.1 billion of these coins, making them extremely common in circulation—yet genuine rarity still emerges at the highest grades.

Color designation is the single biggest factor affecting value across all grade levels. Red (RD) coins retain their original copper luster and command the highest prices—a 2022 MS67+RD specimen achieved $2,128 at PCGS auction in January 2023, the record price for this issue. These coins display bright, untoned copper surfaces with full mint luster and are the most desirable preservation state for collectors.

Red-Brown (RB) coins show partial oxidation, mixing original copper luster with areas of brown toning—often concentrated at the edges or high points where oxidation begins first. While less valuable than full Red examples, attractive RB specimens still appeal to collectors seeking naturally toned coins at more accessible prices.

Brown (BN) specimens display a complete color change and represent the most affordable certified option, though they remain scarce in premium grades due to the coin’s recent vintage. The brown patina develops uniformly across surfaces, creating rich chocolate or mahogany coloration. Mint State (MS) is the grade used for coins never placed in circulation, rated on a scale from MS-60 (lowest) to MS-70 (theoretically perfect)—for 2022 pennies, the practical ceiling is MS68.

Recent auction records show clear grade-based premium variations.

Activity patterns show consistent baseline engagement with notable intensity spikes.

 

2022-D Shield Penny Value

The 2022-D penny features Denver Mint’s distinctive “D” mint mark beneath the date, continuing a tradition that began when Denver first struck Lincoln cents in 1911. Denver produced approximately 2.4 billion cents in 2022—making it the larger of the two circulation-strike mints that year. The “D” mint mark is small but crucial: it’s your first indicator that you’re holding a Denver coin rather than a Philadelphia one.

Color preservation directly affects market value at every grade level. Red (RD) examples maintain original copper brilliance and achieve the highest prices—a 2022-D MS68RD specimen realized $499 at auction in July 2022. These pristine copper surfaces exhibit bright, lustrous appearance with no oxidation or toning, making them the most visually appealing to collectors.

Red-Brown (RB) coins display partial surface oxidation, creating mixed coloration that reduces premiums compared to full Red designations. This intermediate stage typically shows patches of original copper luster combined with areas of brown oxidation. Brown (BN) specimens show complete color transformation and offer the most accessible entry point for collectors seeking certified Denver examples.

A note for beginners: the grade MS-65 (called Gem Uncirculated) represents a coin with strong luster and at most a few light contact marks. At MS-65, both the 2022 Philadelphia and Denver pennies are worth around $0.40—but jump to MS-67 or MS-68 and prices can surge to $100–$499.

Auction results show notable price variations across platforms. Similar grades achieve inconsistent pricing.

Market activity displays periodic intensity spikes. Trading patterns show variable collector engagement levels.

 

2022-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2022-S DCAM penny was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint as a proof coin for collectors—it was never released into general circulation. San Francisco has specialized in proof coin production since the 1970s, applying advanced striking techniques and fresh dies that result in dramatically sharper detail than business-strike coins.

The DCAM designation stands for Deep Cameo—a term used by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to describe proof coins where Lincoln’s portrait has a heavy frosted appearance that contrasts sharply against mirror-black background fields. This creates a striking three-dimensional visual effect. NGC uses the equivalent term “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) for the same quality level. The lesser “Cameo” (CAM) designation describes lighter frosting with less contrast—DCAM always commands higher prices than CAM for the same proof grade.

Color preservation significantly affects collectibility even among proof coins. Red (RD) specimens with brilliant copper surfaces represent the most desirable category—a perfect PR70RD example achieved $119 on eBay in September 2023, while a PR69RD DCAM First Strike has been listed by dealers for $104. Red-Brown (RB) examples show partial toning and trade at moderate discounts. Brown (BN) specimens display complete color transformation—a PR70BN example realized $88 in May 2022, proving that even brown-toned proof pennies attract premium prices in the highest grades.

PR65 is the entry-level proof grade worth approximately $2.60 for a 2022-S coin; PR69 and PR70 represent the top of the spectrum. The “PR” prefix (Proof) is used instead of “MS” (Mint State) for these specially struck collector coins.

Auction records reveal limited trading history for this specialized proof variety.

Market activity patterns show steady baseline engagement with one notable surge period.

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

 

Rare 2022 Penny Value Errors List

Manufacturing errors can transform a common 2022 penny worth one cent into a coin worth $50, $100, or even hundreds of dollars. Since 2002, the U.S. Mint has implemented enhanced quality control systems, which means fewer errors escape—making the ones that do more valuable and sought-after.

Every error type below has been found on actual 2022 Lincoln cents. Some are easy to spot with the naked eye; others require a 5x–10x magnifying loupe. Always have a potential error authenticated by PCGS or NGC before paying or selling, as post-mint damage is frequently mistaken for genuine errors.

1. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) errors result from die production flaws where the working hub impresses the design onto the die multiple times at slightly different angles. This creates visible doubling on text, dates, or imagery—commonly affecting “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and shield details on modern Shield cents. Always use magnification: major doubling visible to the naked eye commands the most premium.

Values range from $25–$50 for common or subtle doubling to over $100–$150 for prominent examples. A 2022-D penny with strong doubled die reverse showing doubling on “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is worth at least $50 uncirculated, or around $25 in circulated condition. Shield doubling is particularly scarce and valuable within this series.

2. Die Break and BIE Errors

Die breaks occur when aging dies develop cracks that fill with metal during striking, creating raised lines on finished coins. These can appear anywhere on the coin surface and range from minor hairline cracks (adding modest value of $5–$25) to dramatic cuds—large raised blobs at the coin’s edge—that can command $100–$300 or more.

The famous “BIE” variety is a specific die break exclusive to Lincoln cents: a chip between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY” creates what looks like an extra letter “I,” making it read “LIBIERTY.” These are worth $5–$25. A particularly dramatic 2022-D die crack running through the shield design has been valued at up to $390—significantly above typical die crack prices—due to its prominent location and visual impact.

3. Off-Center and Striking Errors

Off-center errors occur when the coin blank (planchet) is misaligned in the press, causing part of the design to be missing. The severity is described as a percentage—a 10% off-center barely moves the design, while a dramatic 50% off-center can leave half the coin blank. The date must still be visible for maximum value.

Values range from $15–$25 for modest off-centers to over $100 for dramatic 50% examples. A 2022-D penny with a 20% off-center strike combined with a partial collar error—where one side of the edge appears thicker than the other—is valued at $14–$20. Related striking anomalies include broadstruck coins (struck outside the collar) and die clash errors (dies striking without a planchet between them, transferring mirror images of each die onto the other).

4. Struck-Through Errors (“Lincoln’s Assassination”)

Struck-through errors occur when a foreign object—grease, wire, cloth fiber, or debris—gets caught between the die and planchet during striking, leaving its outline impressed on the finished coin. These range from minor (worth $10–$30) to highly dramatic.

One particularly fascinating 2022-P struck-through error has been nicknamed “Lincoln’s Assassination” by collectors: the foreign object appears to leave an impression resembling a bullet aimed at Lincoln’s forehead. An uncirculated specimen graded Brilliant Red is valued at $18–$20. Another unusual 2022-P struck-through error nicknamed the “Feeder Finger Error” shows the impression of the press’s feeder finger mechanism on the coin surface—a rare mechanical curiosity.

5. Defective Plating and Zinc Core Errors

Defective plating errors are unique to post-1982 copper-plated zinc cents and were impossible on earlier solid copper coins. They occur when a planchet either misses the copper electroplating process entirely or receives insufficient copper coating, exposing the silvery zinc core beneath.

On 2022-D pennies, some specimens show the reverse completely missing its copper layer, leaving a visible streak of bright zinc core exposed. These errors are rare and visually striking—the two-tone appearance of copper obverse against a silver-toned reverse makes them immediately recognizable. Values vary widely depending on the extent of the plating defect and the coin’s overall condition.

6. Grease Fill / Missing Design Errors

Struck-through grease errors occur when a film of grease coats part of the die, filling recessed areas and preventing metal from flowing into those spaces during striking. The result is a coin with partially or completely missing design elements.

A dramatic 2022 Lincoln Shield penny with the words “UNITED STATES” entirely missing from the reverse (a grease fill struck-through error) has been documented and valued at up to $375. A related 2022-P penny with an “Extra V” error—an unexplained additional letter impression near Lincoln’s portrait—is worth approximately $30 in circulated condition and $45 or more uncirculated.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 2022 Penny Value at Top Price

Successfully selling your 2022 penny requires understanding various marketplace options, from local coin dealers to online auction platforms. Each venue offers distinct advantages regarding fees, audience reach, and selling convenience.

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

 

2022 Penny Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2022 Penny Value

1. Is a 2022 penny worth anything?

Most circulated 2022 pennies are worth only face value of one cent. Uncirculated specimens typically range from 10–30 cents, while professionally graded high-grade examples can exceed $100. A 2022-D MS68RD specimen achieved $499 at auction, and a 2022 MS67+RD reached $2,128 in January 2023. Proof coins from San Francisco and error varieties also command premiums above face value.

2. Where is the mint mark on a 2022 penny?

The mint mark appears beneath the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. Philadelphia pennies have no mint mark, following the historical standard. Denver pennies display a small “D” under the date. San Francisco pennies show an “S” mint mark, though these were produced exclusively as proof coins for collectors and never released into general circulation.

3. Are 2022 pennies rare?

2022 pennies are not rare overall—Philadelphia struck approximately 3.1 billion and Denver approximately 2.4 billion for a combined total near 5.5 billion coins. However, high-grade (MS67 and above) specimens are genuinely scarce due to handling damage during production and distribution. San Francisco proof coins are scarcer still, and error varieties represent true conditional rarities regardless of the large total mintage.

4. What does “RD” mean on a 2022 penny, and why does it matter?

RD stands for Red, a color designation used by grading services PCGS and NGC to describe coins that retain at least 95% of their original copper-plated luster. The other designations are RB (Red-Brown, 5%–94% original color) and BN (Brown, below 5% original color). A 2022 MS67RD example may be worth $100+, while the same coin graded MS67BN could be worth a fraction of that—so color designation directly multiplies a modern penny’s value.

5. What is a Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof penny worth in 2022?

The 2022-S DCAM proof penny shows heavy frosting on Lincoln’s portrait contrasting against mirror-polished fields—the highest standard for proof coin appearance. In PR65 condition, a 2022-S is worth approximately $2.60. A PR69RD DCAM First Strike can fetch $104, and a perfect PR70RD example sold for $119 on eBay in September 2023. DCAM coins always command significantly more than standard Cameo (CAM) examples of the same grade.

6. What are the most valuable 2022 penny errors to look for?

The highest-value documented 2022 penny errors include: the “Crying Lincoln” doubled die with die chop error ($40–$50), the off-center strike with partial collar ($14–$20), the “Lincoln’s Assassination” struck-through error ($18–$20), the missing reverse lettering grease fill error (up to $375), and the 2022-D shield die crack (up to $390). For doubled die errors, the more prominent the doubling—especially on “LIBERTY” or shield details—the higher the value.

7. Who designed the 2022 penny’s reverse?

The Union Shield reverse was designed by Lyndall Bass and sculpted by U.S. Mint sculptor Joseph Menna. Their initials “LB” and “JFM” appear on the reverse of every 2022 Shield cent. The obverse portrait of Lincoln has been used continuously since 1909, originally sculpted by Victor David Brenner, whose initials “VDB” appear in tiny letters beneath Lincoln’s shoulder. Together, the 2022 penny bears the work of three artists spanning over a century.

8. Is the 2022 penny historically significant since the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies?

Yes—the U.S. Mint officially halted circulating penny production in 2025 after 232 years, making the 2022 cent part of the final generation of regular-issue Lincoln Shield pennies. The last circulating pennies were auctioned as “Omega Penny” sets through Stack’s Bowers Galleries, with sets selling for $50,000–$80,000 each. The finality of penny production is already driving increased collector interest in recent-year Lincoln cents, including 2022 issues, particularly high-grade RD examples and certified error coins.

9. How do I tell if my 2022 penny has a valuable doubled die error?

Use a 5x–10x magnifying loupe under good lighting. Focus on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, and the shield stripes on the reverse. A genuine doubled die shows distinct doubling of the design elements—often as a clear second outline or shadow image of letters or numbers offset slightly from the main image. Mechanical doubling (a common post-strike distortion from worn machinery) looks flatter and shinier; genuine doubled dies show rounded, distinct secondary images. Doubled dies with naked-eye visible doubling are worth $100–$150+; subtle examples are worth $25–$50.

10. Should I clean my 2022 penny before submitting it for grading?

Never clean a coin you intend to sell or grade. Cleaning removes the original surface and luster—the very qualities that PCGS and NGC grade for. A cleaned coin receives a “details” designation that can reduce its value by 50–70% compared to an uncleaned example of the same grade. For a 2022 Red (RD) penny, cleaning can eliminate the RD designation entirely, drastically cutting the coin’s value. Store valuable specimens in soft holders or inert flips, and handle only by the edges.