2022 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 2022 Lincoln Shield penny stands out among modern cents for collectors seeking relative scarcity.

Recent years rarely produce uncommon circulation pennies, making the 2022 Shield penny noteworthy for contemporary collectors, despite 3.1 billion no mint mark specimens produced.

Standard examples remain at face value, but high-grade specimens reveal genuine rarity—MS condition pieces reach $30.20 for no mint mark and $6.68 for Denver variants, while Deep Cameo proofs command $14.00.

A 2022 no mint mark specimen achieved $2,128 in MS67+ condition, proving condition creates collectible value in modern pennies.

 

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 Worth Money

The 2022 penny value spectrum demonstrates how professional grading and special designations dramatically affect pricing.

The chart leader, a 2022 Shield MS67RD specimen, achieved $2,128 at auction, establishing the peak value for this modern issue.

Special label designations add significant premiums—First Strike examples range from $57-611, while proof specimens with First Day of Issue or DCAM designations command $17-104.

Grade quality creates substantial price gaps: MS68RD examples vary from $59-499 depending on mint and certification details, while the perfect PR70 proof specimens reach $100-104.

Denver Mint coins appear three times in the top eight, with the MS68RD example bringing $499. The data reveals that condition, color designation (RD), and certification labels are the primary value drivers for contemporary pennies.

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

 

History Of The 2022 Penny

The 2022 penny continued the economic paradox of modern cent production, costing approximately 2.1 cents to manufacture each coin.

This negative economics has sparked ongoing congressional debates about penny elimination, similar to Canada’s decision to discontinue their cent in 2012, though American tradition and commerce patterns have maintained its production.

The 2022 Lincoln penny represents the twelfth year of the Union Shield design era, which began in 2010. This permanent reverse design replaced the Lincoln Bicentennial commemorative series and the earlier Lincoln Memorial design that had been used since 1959.

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

The 2022 penny maintains the composition established in 1982: 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating, weighing 2.5 grams. This change occurred when rising copper prices made previous 95% copper cents worth more than their face value.

Production occurred at three U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver struck circulation coins for everyday commerce, while San Francisco exclusively produced proof specimens for collectors through various numismatic products and sets.

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

 

Is Your 2022 Penny Rare?

Check any 2022 pennies with our CoinValueChecker App to identify this potentially valuable variety.

 

Key Features Of The 2022 Penny

Understanding the distinctive characteristics of the 2022 penny requires examining both its traditional elements and modern specifications. These features encompass design heritage, symbolic meaning, and technical attributes that collectively define this contemporary Lincoln cent.

The Obverse Of The 2022 Penny

The obverse maintains Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait from 1909, making it America’s longest-running presidential coin design.

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 lack mint marks and Denver coins display a small “D” beneath the date.

The Reverse Of The 2022 Penny

The reverse features the Union Shield design introduced in 2010, representing Lincoln’s preservation of national unity. Thirteen vertical stripes symbolize the original colonies, unified by a horizontal banner across the top.

“ONE CENT” appears prominently below the shield, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curved along the upper edge, creating a balanced and symbolic composition.

Other Features Of The 2022 Penny

The 2022 penny weighs exactly 2.5 grams with a 19.05-millimeter diameter and plain edge design. Its composition consists of 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating, established in 1982 when copper prices rose above face value.

This modern construction provides durability while maintaining the traditional copper appearance collectors and the public expect from American pennies.

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—P, D, or S—located beneath the date. Since these are recent coins, condition varies widely from pocket change to mint state. Circulated 2022 pennies typically hold face value, while uncirculated examples with sharp strikes and brilliant luster may be valued at $0.50-$3.

Look for minting errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or blank planchets that can dramatically increase worth. Given how new these coins are, error varieties are still being discovered by collectors. Let our CoinValueChecker 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
• 2022-D Shield– Denver Mint with “D” mint mark under date. Common in circulation and pocket change
• 2022-S DCAM Shield– San Francisco proof coins for collectors only. Feature Deep Cameo contrast with frosted design against mirror fields

Philadelphia and Denver facilities 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 their 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 represents Philadelphia Mint’s traditional production method, where coins lack mint mark designation. This follows Philadelphia Mint’s general practice of omitting mint marks, a tradition that dates back to its establishment as the nation’s first mint facility in the 1790s.

Despite large-scale production, high-grade specimens remain challenging to locate due to handling damage during circulation release.

Color designation significantly impacts value across all grade levels. Red (RD) examples retain original copper luster and command highest premiums—a 2022 MS67+RD specimen achieved $2,128 at PCGS auction in January 2023. These coins display bright, untoned copper surfaces with full mint luster, representing the most desirable preservation state for collectors.

Red-Brown (RB) coins show partial oxidation. This intermediate color stage exhibits mixed copper and brown toning, often concentrated around edges or high points where oxidation begins. While less valuable than RD specimens, quality RB examples still appeal to collectors seeking attractive, naturally toned coins.

Brown (BN) specimens display complete color change and represent the most affordable option for collectors seeking certified examples, though they remain scarce in premium grades due to the coin’s recent vintage. The brown patina develops uniformly across coin surfaces, creating rich chocolate or mahogany coloration that some collectors prefer for its classic appearance.

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 positioned beneath the date, continuing the facility’s cent production since 1911. This mint mark placement serves as the primary identifier distinguishing these coins from Philadelphia specimens. Denver-minted coins often exhibit unique striking characteristics due to the facility’s specific production methods.

Color preservation directly affects market value across all grading tiers.

Red (RD) examples maintain original copper brilliance and achieve top prices—a 2022-D MS68RD specimen realized $499 at eBay auction in July 2022. These pristine copper surfaces exhibit bright, lustrous appearance with no signs of oxidation or toning, making them the most visually appealing to collectors.

Red-Brown (RB) coins display partial surface oxidation, creating mixed coloration that typically reduces premiums compared to full Red designations. This intermediate color stage shows patches of original copper luster combined with areas of brown oxidation, often creating attractive patterns that some collectors appreciate for their natural beauty.

Brown (BN) specimens show complete color transformation and offer the most accessible entry point for collectors seeking certified Denver examples. These coins have developed full brown patina across their surfaces, though high-grade BN specimens remain scarce due to the coin’s recent production.

The color change typically occurs gradually through environmental exposure, and while BN examples command lower premiums, they still represent legitimate collecting opportunities for those seeking affordable certified modern pennies.

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 represents San Francisco Mint’s exclusive proof production for collectors, never released into circulation. San Francisco has specialized in proof coin production since the 1970s, utilizing advanced striking techniques and quality control measures that distinguish proof coins from their circulation counterparts.

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates exceptional visual contrast where Lincoln’s frosted portrait stands against mirror-black fields, creating striking three-dimensional appearance. This finish requires precise striking conditions and fresh dies, making DCAM examples highly sought after.

Color preservation affects collectibility significantly across all proof grades. Red (RD) specimens maintain brilliant copper surfaces and represent the most desirable category for proof collectors, with a perfect PR70RD example achieving $119 on eBay in September 2023.

Red-Brown (RB) examples show partial surface oxidation but remain collectible, typically trading at moderate discounts compared to full Red designations. This intermediate color stage often appears as natural toning around coin edges or in protected areas, creating color variations that some collectors appreciate.

Brown (BN) specimens display complete color transformation and offer the most accessible entry point—a PR70BN example realized $88 in May 2022—though they remain relatively scarce given the coin’s recent production and proof-only status.

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 Errors List

While 2022 pennies remain common in circulation, manufacturing errors can create valuable exceptions worth significantly more than face value.

Lincoln penny errors follow established patterns found throughout the series, including doubled die varieties, off-center strikes, and die clash errors.

These minting anomalies occur during production when dies malfunction, creating unique characteristics that appeal to collectors seeking modern error coins.

1. Doubled Die Errors

Doubled die errors result from die production flaws where design elements receive multiple impressions at slightly different positions. This creates visible doubling in text, dates, or images—commonly affecting “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and shield details on modern Shield cents. Magnification often reveals subtle doubling invisible to naked eye examination.

Values typically range from $25-50 for common doubling to over $100 for prominent examples, with shield doubling particularly scarce and valuable.

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.

Die breaks can appear anywhere on the coin surface. The famous “BIE” variety shows an apparent “I” between letters “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY,” typically worth $5-25.

These errors result from normal die wear during extended production runs, making them relatively common but consistently collectible among Lincoln cent specialists.

3. Off-Center and Striking Errors

Off-center errors occur when coins strike outside normal alignment, with partial designs worth $15-25 and dramatic 50% off-center examples commanding over $100.

Related striking anomalies include broadstruck coins (struck outside the collar), die clash errors (dies striking without planchets), and struck-through varieties where foreign objects interfere with normal striking.

These mechanical errors create distinctive visual characteristics highly sought by error coin collectors.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 2022 Penny?

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 Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2022 Penny

1. Is a 2022 penny worth anything?

Most circulated 2022 pennies are worth face value only. However, uncirculated specimens 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. Proof coins from San Francisco and error varieties also command premiums above face value for collectors.

2. Where’s the mint mark on a 2022 penny?

The mint mark appears beneath the date on the obverse. Philadelphia pennies have no mint mark, following the historical standard established in 1793. 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 circulation.

3. Are 2022 coins rare?

2022 pennies are not rare—billions were struck for circulation at Philadelphia and Denver mints. However, high-grade specimens remain challenging to locate due to handling damage during circulation release.

San Francisco proof coins are scarcer since they were made exclusively for collectors. Premium-grade certified examples are uncommon despite the large overall production numbers.