- Year: 1978
- Mint Mark: D
- Type: Lincoln Penny
- Price: 1 cent-$1.00+
- Face Value: 0.01 USD
- Produced: 4,280,233,000
- Edge: Smooth
Notes: The 1978 Penny had several errors for the year. Double Strikes (Double Struck) were somewhat common this year. Double strikes look something akin to two partial coins that have been smashed together. The 1978 penny also has an error where the Penny was struck on a Dime Planchet. This means the coin was struck on a copper nickel blend and not a copper blend. These tend to look like old dimes, with a penny face. Offcenter strikes were also common this year. Off center and Double Strikes can easily be confused. Off center strikes will have a blank crescent moon or flat area on the coin without detail.
How much is a 1978 D Penny worth?
This section is more of a layman's guide, for those new to collecting.
In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 1 cent, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $3 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 1978, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].
If you are a fan of coin roll hunting or just want to learn more about lincoln pennys then search or scroll below to find the most valuable and rarest in this series.
Overall 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% copper 3% zinc 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1982 | $55 | |
 |
1959 | D | $40 |
 |
1975 | D | $30 |
 |
1982 | D | $30 |
 |
2002 | D | $30 |
 |
1962 | $29 | |
 |
1962 | D | $29 |
 |
1961 | $28 | |
 |
1961 | D | $27 |
 |
2002 | $27 | |
 |
1968 | S | $25 |
 |
2005 | D | $25 |
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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.
Hard to Find
What is the rarest Lincoln Penny?
| Name | Produced |
|---|---|
| 1998 S | 2,086,000 |
| 2008 S | 2,169,000 |
| 1996 S | 2,525,000 |
| 2007 S | 2,577,000 |
| 1997 S | 2,796,000 |
| 1995 S | 2,797,000 |
| 1975 S | 2,845,000 |
| 1991 S | 2,867,000 |
| 2004 S | 2,965,000 |
| 1986 S | 3,010,000 |
| 2006 S | 3,054,000 |
| 1984 S | 3,065,000 |
| 1978 S | 3,127,000 |
| 2001 S | 3,187,000 |
| 2002 S | 3,211,000 |
| 1989 S | 3,220,000 |
| 1977 S | 3,251,000 |
| 1988 S | 3,262,000 |
| 1994 S | 3,269,000 |
| 1983 S | 3,279,000 |
| Name | Produced |
***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.
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