When Absence Makes the Heart (and the Coin) Grow Richer!
At PennyVerse.info, we’re diving into the intriguing story of the 1922 “No D” Penny. This isn’t just an old Lincoln cent; it’s a rare and sought-after error coin from the Denver Mint, renowned for its missing mintmark. Valued at up to $19,000 for well-preserved examples, its scarcity and unusual history make it a prized possession for coin collectors. Let’s learn what makes this penny so special and how to identify it, using the image above as our guide!
Why a “No D” 1922 Penny is So Special:
In 1922, the Denver Mint was the only facility producing Lincoln cents for the entire United States. This means that every single Lincoln cent struck in 1922 was supposed to bear a “D” mintmark below the date. However, due to extreme die wear and aggressive over-polishing of a specific die, the small “D” mintmark was accidentally removed or effaced from a number of coins before they were struck. This created the rare “No D” variety.
Key Identification Features (The Absence is Key!)
The primary way to identify a 1922 “No D” Penny is by its date and the absence of a mintmark where one should definitively be.
Obverse (Front):
- Abraham Lincoln: The familiar bust of Abraham Lincoln faces right.
- Inscriptions: “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches above, and “LIBERTY” is to the left of Lincoln’s bust. The black arrows in the image point to these areas, highlighting general detail.
- Date “1922”: This is the crucial year, circled in red in the image.
- The Missing Mint Mark: Crucially, look directly below the “1922” date. On a genuine 1922 “No D” penny, there will be NO “D” mint mark where it normally would be (e.g., like you see on a 1921-D or 1923-D cent). This absence, combined with the characteristics of a weak strike often associated with these worn dies, is the key.
Reverse (Back – not shown in this specific image, but standard for Wheat Cents):
- Wheat Ears: The standard Lincoln Wheat Cent reverse, with two wheat ears framing “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The error is on the obverse.
Valuation Breakdown (The Up to $19,000 Truth!)
The claim that a 1922 “No D” Penny can be worth up to $19,000 is ABSOLUTELY TRUE for authenticated examples in excellent condition.
- Why it’s Rare: This error is a classic example of a “missing mint mark” variety caused by a heavily worn and over-polished die. Because Denver was the only mint producing cents in 1922, any 1922 cent without a mint mark must be a “No D” variety from Denver, and is thus a scarce error. The rarity and unusual history behind this error coin make it highly valuable among collectors.
- Condition is Key: While any genuine 1922 “No D” penny is valuable, well-preserved examples (especially because of the coin’s age) are particularly sought-after and command the highest prices.
5-Step Authentication Protocol: Proving the “No D” is Genuine (Not Altered!)
It’s common for valuable “No D” coins to be counterfeited by removing an existing “D” from a regular 1922-D penny. Careful authentication is vital!
- Absence of “D”: First, confirm there is no “D” mint mark below the date.
- Examine Mint Mark Area Closely: Use magnification (a jeweler’s loupe or microscope) to look for signs of alteration, such as scratches, tooling marks, or depressions where a “D” might have been removed. Genuine “No D” pennies will show a smooth field in that area, consistent with a die that lacked the mint mark.
- Die Characteristics: Genuine 1922 “No D” pennies exhibit specific die characteristics (tiny flaws or marks) associated with the worn dies that produced them. Experts look for these “fingerprints.” The coins often show a weaker strike than typical 1922-D cents, especially on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” due to the heavily worn die.
- Weight and Composition: Confirm it’s a standard copper penny (3.11 grams).
- Professional Grading: For any coin you suspect is a 1922 “No D” Penny, immediate submission to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is absolutely vital. They have the expertise to distinguish genuine errors from altered coins and will certify its authenticity and grade.
Why This Coin Commands High Value (The Indisputable Facts!)
Extreme Rarity: A relatively small number of “No D” pennies were produced, especially given that all 1922 cents were from Denver. Unique History: Its origin from a heavily worn and polished die makes it a fascinating story of mint production. High Demand: It’s a key variety for collectors of Lincoln Cents and U.S. error coins. Historical Context: Part of the long-running and popular Lincoln Cent series.
Premium Selling Options (If You Are Among the Lucky Few!)
If you happen to possess an authenticated 1922 “No D” Penny:
- Top-Tier Numismatic Auction Houses: They are excellent venues for selling coins of this value and historical importance.
- Specialized U.S. Coin Dealers: Dealers who focus on error coins or classic U.S. coinage are well-equipped to handle such a piece.
Critical Alert: Never attempt to clean, polish, or modify this or any other valuable coin! Its original surface is crucial to its value.
Immediate Action Required (If You Believe You Have This Treasure!)
If you suspect you have an authentic 1922 “No D” Penny, email us IMMEDIATELY with:
- Hi-res macro photos (front and back, with very clear close-ups of the area below the date where the mint mark should be)
- 360-degree video under good lighting
- Any details about its provenance (how you acquired it).
Free With Evaluation:
- Our “High-Value Coin Initial Assessment”
- Guidance on professional grading and authentication.
- Referrals to trusted auction houses and dealers.
“The 1922 ‘No D’ Penny is a fantastic detective story in numismatics – where what’s missing is the most important clue, and expert eyes reveal the truth!” – Dr. Eleanor Vance (Chief Numismatist, RareCoin Guild)
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Valuation Estimates are subject to market fluctuations. Always verify with current market data and professional grading.] 
The lesson learned today: Always know what a coin should have. If a feature is missing, and that absence is due to a verifiable mint error (not alteration), you might have found a true rarity!
Reply “1922-NOD” for immediate VIP evaluation! 
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