1974 Lincoln Penny

CoinTrackers.com estimates the value of a 1974 Lincoln Penny in average condition to be worth 1 cent, while one in mint state could be valued around $9.00. - Last updated: June, 12 2023


1974 Lincoln Penny
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  • Year: 1974
  • Mint Mark: No mint mark
  • Type: Lincoln Penny
  • Price: 1 cent-$9.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 4,232,140,000
  • Edge: Smooth





Notes: The mint was still using copper as the primary ingredient in Lincoln Cents, and would continue to do so for another 7 years.

1974 Penny Error Guide


(Click to Enlarge Image)

1974 Off Center Strike

Off center strike by up to 90% are known to exist. When the die is misaligned and strikes the planchet off center this is the resulting error. These are pretty easy to identify and valuable.

1974 Struck on 10C

Instances are known to exist of pennies with 1974 date marks that were accidentally struck on dime planchets. Resulting in a sort of silverish penny.



Mintages

Production Chart





How much is a 1974 Lincoln Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 1 cent, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $9 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1974, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].


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Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 2.5 g, a diameter of 19.05 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm. It's edge is Smooth, and the coins are composed of 95% Copper Pre 1982, 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper after 1982.


Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obv), Lyndall Bass (rev)


Front (Obverse): The obverse or front of this coin contains the bust of President Lincoln the 16th president of the United States. The words In God We Trust are engraved in an arching manner on the top most portion of this coin. The date is present along with the mint mark. If the mark is missing the coin was issued from the Philadelphia mint. With the exception of 2017 P, the only year to contain a P mint mark to honor the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint.


Back (Reverse): The reverse of this coin has been described as Lincoln Memorial design. Nice clean lines on the steps and buildings are important for a decent grade. The Lincoln Memorial replaced the reverse after the last Wheat Cent was issued in 1958.



Most Valuable

The most valuable Lincoln Penny's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.

Image Year Mint Worth
Lincoln Penny 1982 $55
Lincoln Penny 1967 $50
Lincoln Penny 1975 $45
Lincoln Penny 1959 D $40
Lincoln Penny 1962 D $32
Lincoln Penny 1975 D $30
Lincoln Penny 1982 D $30
Lincoln Penny 2002 D $30
Lincoln Penny 1962 $29
Lincoln Penny 1961 $28
Lincoln Penny 1961 D $27
Lincoln Penny 2002 $27
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1989 P $345.22
1989 $345,000
1989 D $345
Image Name Mint Worth

Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.

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***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.

We use user submitted pictures please read that article if you are interested in adding your own.

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