1972 Lincoln Penny Worth Over $65,000?!
Did you know a simple 1972 Lincoln penny could be worth over $65,000 right now?
Most collectors overlooked this date for decades… until rare error varieties started breaking auction records.
Here’s your easy guide to checking if your 1972 penny is one of these hidden treasures.
Top 3 Most Valuable 1972 Lincoln Cent Varieties
1972 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO – FS-101)
This is the BIG one — the famous doubled-die error.
How to Identify It
• Strong, clear doubling on LIBERTY
• Doubling visible on 1972 date
• Letters look like they were stamped twice
• Officially recognized by PCGS as FS-101
Value Range
$5,000 – $65,000+ (depending on grade)
1972 “No S” Proof Penny
One of the rarest modern proof errors ever struck.
Key Features
• Proof coins from San Francisco should have an S mintmark
• This variety shows NO S mintmark at all
• Only under 8 confirmed examples exist
Auction Price
$65,000+ in high-grade proof condition
Off-Center Strike Errors
Collectors LOVE dramatic mistakes.
How to Identify
• Off-center must be 50% or more
• Full date must still be visible
Value Range
$3,000 – $15,000+
How to Authenticate Your 1972 Penny (Step-By-Step)
Inspect for Doubling
Use a 10× magnifying glass to check:
• LIBERTY
• The date (1972)
• The motto IN GOD WE TRUST
Look for:
Thick edges
Shadow-like letters
Three distinct ridges (true DDO)
Check the Mintmark
• No mintmark = normal Philadelphia issue
• Proof coins should have S
If you have a proof with NO S → extremely rare! Get it authenticated immediately.
Verify Weight & Size
• Copper (3.11 g) — normal for 1972
• Zinc (2.5 g) — indicates a possible wrong-planchet error
• Diameter: 19 mm
BEWARE OF FAKES
Some sellers artificially create doubling.
Only trust coins graded by PCGS or NGC.
Best Places to Sell Your Rare 1972 Pennies
Here’s where collectors get top-dollar:
Heritage Auctions — best for high-value certified pieces
PCGS & NGC Grading — can boost value by 30–50%
Error Coin Dealers — some buy raw (uncertified) coins
If your penny looks promising, grading is strongly recommended.
Need a Free Evaluation?
Send clear HD photos of both sides to CoinVerse.Pro for a free review.
Be sure to include close-ups of the date, LIBERTY, and mintmark.
Final Tip
Your pocket change may be hiding a $65,000+ treasure.
Thousands of valuable error coins are still out there — so don’t stop searching!
Grab a magnifier, check your 1972 pennies, and start treasure hunting today.
