1975 Lincoln Penny

Notes:

The mint was still using copper as the primary ingredient in Lincoln Cents, and would continue to do so for another 6 years.

In terms of errors there are many to be aware of.

1975 Penny Error Guide

(Click to Enlarge Image)

1975 DDO / DDR

1975 D and P minted double die strikes are plentiful. You can see by the image attached that Double Die strikes are most noticeable when looking at lettering. When the die strikes the coin again it creates a second copy of the coin usually slightly off center from the original die strike. 1975 d penny double die seem to be the main specimens found, but there are some from the P mint known to exist as well.

1975 10c Planchet Error

Struck on 10C or Dime Blank. Somehow type II planchets (ones with rims) 10c dimes, made it into the penny pile, and were struck by a 1975 die. The result is a silver looking penny. While they appear silver in color they are in fact just aluminum, as the mint ceased issuing silver dimes in 1965. There seem to be many of these floating around, and they are selling for between $200 and $600 dollars.

Die Break Error

When the die breaks and cracks portions of it fall off, or the die crack leaves its mark on the coin. This is the case with 1C Lincoln Cents from 1975 as well. See image above for a better visual reference.

Off Center / Off Center Double Die

When a die strikes a planchet 2x, once on center and the coin is not fully ejected from the machine and then it is struck again by the automated minting process, the result is a double die off center strike.

Fold Over

These errors occur when the planchet is folded over on top of itself before being struck.

Rare 1975 MS-68 Red Penny Sold

One of just three known coins of this condition and color are known to exist, and in 2018 1 1975 MS-68 Red Lincoln Penny sold for exactly $9,000 at Heritage Auctions.

$9,000 for a 1975 Penny?

Unraveling the Remarkable Story Behind This Rare Coin

Price Chart

Rates listed here refer to professionally graded and slabbed coins. If new to collecting the prices below might not make sense.

• Grade MS61 = $2-$3
• Grade MS62 = $4-$6
• Grade MS63 = $6-$10
• Grade MS64 = $8-$13
• Grade MS65 = $11-$19
• Grade MS66 = $14-$24
• Grade MS67 = $75-$125
• Grade MS68 = $6,000-$10,000

• Grade MS63 = $2-$3
• Grade MS64 = $4-$6
• Grade MS65 = $6-$10
• Grade MS66 = $9-$15

Is the list above a little overwhelming? If so, take 5 minutes to learn all about Coin Grading.

It's also important to note...Prices are subject to the same supply and demand laws as everything else. Coins sold at the same auction house 10x, would fetch drastically different bids each session. To raise your chances of receiving top dollar read How to Get the Most for your Coins.

We've personally researched these values. If you enjoy our content please return the favor and share this page with your friends.

How much is a 1975 Lincoln Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 25 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $25 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 1975, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].

What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any lincoln penny in your collection.

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.