A 1973-S Proof PR70 Deep Cameo sold for $12,075. A 1973-D MS67 Red sold for $4,993.75. Yet most circulated 1973 pennies are worth about 2 cents. The 1973 Lincoln cent belongs to the last generation of true 95% copper pennies — struck the same year the U.S. Mint secretly began testing aluminum replacements. The difference between a 2-cent coin and a $4,000 coin comes down to one thing: color.
Use the free calculator, run your coin through the color self-checker, and compare it against the complete value chart — no signup required.
$4,993Business-strike record — 1973-D MS67 RD (Heritage 2014)
319MLowest business-strike mintage — San Francisco (S)
95%Copper content — last generation before 1982 zinc change
Free 1973 Penny Value Calculator
Select your mint mark, color designation, and condition. Values drawn from PCGS, NGC, Heritage Auctions, and TheFunTimesGuide data.
Describe Your Coin for a Detailed Assessment
Describe what you see — mint mark, color, surface quality, any unusual features. Mention coin weight if available.
Mention these things if you can
Mint mark (none / D / S)
Color — bright red, mixed, or brown?
Weight in grams if you have a scale
Any doubling on "LIBERTY" or the date?
Mirror-like surfaces (suggests proof)?
Also helpful
Does a magnet stick to it? (should not)
Is the coin silver-colored? (possible dime planchet)
Any design missing or shifted off-center?
Are the letters sharp and fully struck?
Has the coin ever been cleaned or polished?
Skipped the calculator? Get an instant estimate for your 1973 penny now.Open the Calculator →
Color Designation Self-Checker: RD, RB, or BN?
Color is the most important value driver for any 1973 penny beyond grade. A coin graded MS65 can be worth $25 RD, $8 RB, or $2 BN — the same numerical grade, radically different value. Use this checker to identify your coin's color tier before grading or selling.
🔴 Red (RD) — Most Valuable
Brilliant orange-red copper color
95%+ of original luster retained
No significant brown or dark patches
MS65 RD: $15–$25; MS67 RD: $135–$4,993
🟤 Red-Brown (RB) — Intermediate
Mixed copper-red and brown areas
5–94% of original luster remaining
Some areas fully oxidized to brown
MS65 RB: $3–$8; worth 2–5× less than RD
⚫ Brown (BN) — Lowest Value
Fully oxidized, dark brown surface
No visible original copper luster
Very common — most circulated pennies
MS65 BN: $1–$3; typically worth face value
Assess your coin's color by checking the criteria that apply:
1973 Penny Value Chart at a Glance
Before checking auction prices, review this complete 1973 penny identification and value walkthrough to confirm your coin's variety. Orange rows = premium RD color designation. Red rows = top auction records and proof varieties.
Variety
Worn / Circulated
Uncirculated (MS60–64)
Gem (MS65–66)
Superb (MS67+)
1973-P (no mark) BN/RB
$0.01 – $0.02
$0.10 – $0.50
$1 – $5
$20 – $100
1973-P (no mark) RD
—
$0.15 – $1
$15 – $25
$135 – $3,850
1973-D BN/RB
$0.01 – $0.02
$0.10 – $0.50
$1 – $5
$20 – $100
1973-D RD
—
$0.15 – $1
$15 – $25
$135 – $4,993
1973-S (business strike) BN/RB
$0.02 – $0.05
$0.15 – $0.60
$2 – $10
$30 – $200
1973-S (business strike) RD
—
$0.20 – $1.50
$15 – $35
$135 – $2,232
1973-S Proof (regular / CAM)
—
$1 – $5
$5 – $15
$50 – $380
1973-S Proof DCAM
—
$15 – $50
$50 – $200
$380 – $12,075
Orange rows = RD (Red) color designation — the most important value driver. Red rows = Proof varieties (San Francisco Mint collector issues). Superb column top values reflect MS67/PR70 extremes confirmed by TheFunTimesGuide + coinvalueapp.com + ExploreAndCollect (3 independent sources).
🪙 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo and instantly estimate your 1973 penny's value — a coin identifier and value app.
The 1973 Lincoln cent's value hierarchy is driven primarily by color and condition — not scarcity of the coin itself. The 1973-S has the lowest business-strike mintage (319 million), but even this is abundant by numismatic standards. Real value emerges from pristine Red examples in MS65+, the proof varieties (especially DCAM), and a short list of documented production errors. All five categories below are covered with verified auction records.
1973-S Proof — Deep Cameo (DCAM)
HIGHEST VALUE VARIETY$15 – $12,075
The 1973-S Deep Cameo Proof is the most valuable regular variety in the 1973 Lincoln cent series. Struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for inclusion in collector Proof Sets (never for circulation), these coins were produced using specially prepared, hand-polished dies and mirrored planchets struck multiple times under high pressure. The result is a coin with razor-sharp details and two distinct surface types: mirror-like background fields (the flat areas) and heavily frosted (satiny white) raised devices — Lincoln's portrait, the date, and the inscriptions.
The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, awarded by PCGS and NGC, requires that this frost-versus-mirror contrast be bold and dramatic — visible at arm's length. Regular proofs from the same mintage may look similar but show only subtle or moderate contrast. As the dies accumulate strikes during production, the microscopic frosting that creates the cameo effect gradually wears away, meaning the earliest strikes from each die are the most dramatic. DCAM specimens are genuinely scarcer than their mintage suggests because most coins came from mid-to-late die use.
The all-time auction record of $12,075 for a PCGS PR70 example is confirmed by TheFunTimesGuide (Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, ANA/NLG member) and independently documented by CoinValueChecker — two authoritative sources. This record was set in 2004 for a coin graded a perfect 70 on the Sheldon scale. Even PR69 DCAM examples are meaningful: one sold for $380 on eBay. The 1973-S proof mintage of 2,760,339 is tiny compared to the billions of business strikes, but not all are DCAM — making the top-graded Deep Cameo examples genuinely rare survivors.
How to identify DCAM
Under bright light, tilt the proof coin so the flat background fields reflect light like a mirror — they should appear deep black or dark silver. The raised design elements (Lincoln's portrait, lettering) should appear pure white and frosted — not shiny. If both surfaces look similarly shiny, the coin is a regular proof, not DCAM. The contrast should be visible without magnification on a genuine DCAM example.
Mint mark
S (San Francisco) only — all 1973 proof pennies were struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint. Philadelphia and Denver do not produce proof coins. The S mint mark appears below the date on the obverse. No proof 1973 penny can have a D or no mint mark.
Notable sales
$12,075 for PCGS PR70 DCAM at Heritage Auctions, 2004 (TheFunTimesGuide). $380 for a PR69 DCAM at eBay (Antiquesknowhow). Regular proofs (non-DCAM) in PR65–PR69 range typically trade for $1–$15. CAM (Cameo, one tier below DCAM) examples in PR65–PR69 range from $5–$25. The deep cameo contrast is the single most important premium driver for proof pennies.
Red (RD) Color Designation — The #1 Value Driver
MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE$0.15 – $4,993
For business-strike 1973 Lincoln cents, the RD (Red) color designation is the single most important factor in determining value — more important than mint mark and nearly as important as the numerical grade itself. RD means the coin retains 95% or more of its original copper luster: that brilliant, shiny orange-red color that a new penny has when it leaves the mint. As copper ages, it oxidizes gradually from red to red-brown to fully brown, and this process cannot be reversed without cleaning (which destroys collector value).
The 1973-D holds the top business-strike auction record for any 1973 cent: a PCGS MS67 RD example sold for $4,993.75 at Heritage Auctions in 2014 — confirmed by coinvalueapp.com, TheFunTimesGuide, and ExploreAndCollect (three independent sources). The 1973-P RD holds the second-highest business-strike record: a PCGS MS67+ RD example sold for $3,850 at Heritage Auctions in 2020 (CoinValueChecker). The 1973-S RD holds the San Francisco business-strike record at $2,232.50 for an MS67 RD (TheFunTimesGuide, 2016).
What explains the 1973-D auction record exceeding Philadelphia? PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1973-D is "really common in circulated grades all the way up to MS64" but that "MS66 examples are scarce as most have nicks, scratches or carbon spots." An estimated 80% of 1973-D pennies exhibit weak strikes due to the Denver Mint's record 3.5-billion-coin production straining dies and equipment — meaning a fully struck, gem-quality, blazing-red 1973-D is a genuinely exceptional find despite the enormous mintage.
How to identify RD
Under bright LED or natural light, the coin should appear a vivid orange-copper color — like a new penny. No brown or dark patches anywhere on the surface. The luster (reflective quality of the fields) should be present and unmistakably coppery. Compare to a known brown cent: the color difference should be immediately obvious. Any cleaning to restore color disqualifies the RD designation.
Mint mark
All three mints — P, D, and S — can produce RD examples. The 1973-D holds the top auction record at $4,993.75 (Heritage 2014); Philadelphia follows at $3,850 (Heritage 2020); San Francisco at $2,232.50 (Heritage 2016). All three auction records are for MS67 RD specimens. The S mint mark commands the most consistent premium due to its lower mintage.
Notable sales
1973-D MS67 RD: $4,993.75 at Heritage Auctions, 2014 (TheFunTimesGuide + coinvalueapp.com + ExploreAndCollect). 1973-P MS67+ RD: $3,850 at Heritage Auctions, 2020 (CoinValueChecker). 1973-S MS67 RD: $2,232.50 at Heritage Auctions, 2016 (TheFunTimesGuide). Even MS65 RD examples typically trade for $15–$25 — accessible premium collecting for beginners.
Wrong Planchet Error — Struck on Dime Blank
RAREST & MOST VALUABLE ERROR$200 – $26,400+
The 1973 Lincoln cent struck on a dime planchet is the most dramatic and most valuable error in the 1973 penny series. This error occurred when a blank (planchet) intended for a Roosevelt dime accidentally entered the Lincoln cent press and was struck with the cent dies. The result is an unmistakable coin: silver-colored rather than copper, approximately the size of a dime (about 17.9mm diameter) rather than a penny's 19.05mm, and weighing approximately 2.27 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams for a copper cent.
The coin's appearance is immediately striking: a Lincoln Memorial cent design compressed onto a silver-colored dime-sized planchet, with the edges of the design cutting off before it reaches the rim. The reeded edge of the dime blank may also be preserved, providing another diagnostic feature that confirms the wrong-planchet attribution. These are not counterfeits — they are genuine U.S. Mint production errors that slipped through quality control.
CoinValueChecker documents the 1973 Lincoln penny struck on a dime planchet as having been valued at $26,400. Antiquesknowhow documents the error range at $200–$1,000 or more depending on condition. These errors require authentication by PCGS or NGC before any sale — the silver color, smaller diameter (~17.9mm vs. 19.05mm), lighter weight (~2.27g vs. 3.11g), and reeded edge are the four diagnostic markers that collectively confirm the attribution. Never clean or alter a suspected wrong-planchet error.
How to spot it
Four diagnostic tests: (1) Color — silver-gray, not copper. (2) Diameter — approximately 17.9mm vs. standard 19.05mm penny. (3) Weight — approximately 2.27 grams vs. standard 3.11 grams on a 0.01g precision scale. (4) Edge — reeded (ridged) rather than the penny's plain smooth edge. All four should be consistent with a dime blank. Do NOT use a magnet — a copper-nickel dime planchet is not magnetic, same as the penny.
Mint mark
Can occur at any mint facility — Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. The specific mint mark on a dime planchet strike may be absent or distorted because the smaller planchet cannot accommodate the full quarter-size design impression. Document the coin's appearance carefully before submission to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.
Notable sales
CoinValueChecker documents the 1973 Lincoln penny on a dime planchet at $26,400. Antiquesknowhow documents the range at $200–$1,000+ depending on condition. CoinValueChecker (error list) states the 1973 dime planchet penny has been "valued at $26,400." Submit to PCGS or NGC immediately without cleaning — authentication is the essential first step before any sale claim.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
WORTH SEARCHING FOR$50 – $200+
A 1973 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) shows visible doubling — a distinct secondary impression — on the date, "LIBERTY," or "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the obverse. Unlike the famous 1955 or 1972 doubled dies (where the doubling is dramatic and visible to the naked eye), the 1973 DDO examples are more subtle and require 10× magnification with raking light for reliable identification. This makes them genuinely findable in bulk rolls and unexamined collections for collectors who know what to look for.
The doubling on 1973 pennies is a hub doubling error created during die production when the master hub strikes the working die twice at slightly different positions. Every coin struck from that affected die carries the same doubling, making it a reproducible, attributable die variety — not a random striking accident. The critical diagnostic to master: genuine hub doubling shows three-dimensional, raised, separated letter elements. Machine doubling (valueless "shelf doubling" from die bounce during striking) shows flat, step-like protrusions with no depth or separation. Under magnification, the difference is clear.
Strong 1973 DDO examples with clearly separated doubling visible under a 10× loupe are worth $50–$100 or more in circulated grades, rising with condition and color designation. Coin-identifier.com documents values at $50–$100 or more for strong DDO examples. The 1973-D has a documented RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) variety as well — where the D was punched into the die twice, leaving a shadow or doubled D visible under magnification. RPM examples typically trade for $3–$15 in most grades.
How to spot it
Examine the date "1973" and the word "LIBERTY" under 10× magnification with raking side-light from the left. Genuine DDO shows raised, three-dimensional doubling — a complete secondary impression displaced from the primary. Reject flat, shelf-like doubling (machine doubling) where the secondary element appears lower than the primary and lacks depth. The spread between genuine doubled elements should appear as a distinct, raised shadow of the original letter.
Mint mark
DDO varieties have been documented for Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) 1973 cents. The 1973-D also shows documented RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties. All are minor enough to require magnification — none approach the dramatic naked-eye doubling of the 1955 or 1972 series. Submit confirmed strong examples to PCGS or NGC for attribution and certification.
Value range
Strong 1973 DDO examples with clearly separated doubling are worth $50–$100 or more in circulated condition (Coin-identifier.com; Antiquesknowhow). Higher-grade examples with full Red color command additional premiums on top of the DDO attribution. RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties for the 1973-D typically sell for $3–$15. Machine doubling examples (flat shelf-like) are worth exactly face value — 1 cent.
Off-Center Strike
HISTORICALLY INTERESTING$10 – $100+
An off-center strike on a 1973 Lincoln cent occurs when the copper planchet is not correctly centered between the dies at the moment of impact. The misaligned blank results in the Lincoln Memorial design being shifted to one side, leaving an arc of bare, unstruck copper on the opposite edge. The result is a coin that looks dramatically "wrong" — and exactly right for error coin collectors.
The most collectible off-center 1973 pennies are those where the shift is dramatic enough to be visually striking (15–50% off-center) while the date "1973" remains visible in the struck area. Date visibility is essential for authentication — a coin without a visible date cannot be confirmed as a specific year's production. The bare copper planchet area should be perfectly smooth and untextured, not worn-away design; the struck portion should show consistent copper color and luster confirming a single striking event.
Antiquesknowhow documents the 1973 off-center error value at $10–$50 or more depending on percentage and date visibility. Coin-identifier.com confirms the range at $10–$50+ for these errors. Dramatic examples — 40–60% off-center with the full date clearly visible — can exceed $100 from error coin specialists. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is recommended for any example claiming 25% or greater offset to protect against post-mint alteration claims.
How to spot it
A genuine off-center 1973 penny shows smooth, bare copper on one side forming a crescent arc, while the struck portion carries Lincoln's portrait and as much of the Memorial design as the planchet allowed. The bare area is completely smooth — not worn-away design. Both struck and bare areas should share identical copper color and luster, confirming they are part of the same planchet rather than a cut-and-glued fake.
Mint mark
Can occur at Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. Given the enormous mintages (3.7B Philadelphia, 3.5B Denver), the vast majority of documented off-center 1973 cents come from one of the two high-volume mints. All mint origins are equally collectible for dramatic examples retaining the date.
Value range
Antiquesknowhow and Coin-identifier.com both document 1973 off-center penny values at $10–$50+. Dramatic 40–60% off-center examples with the full date visible can bring $75–$150 from error dealers. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is recommended for all examples claiming 25% or greater offset and values above $50. Minor 5–10% off-center examples are worth $10–$20.
Found a variety or error on your 1973 penny? Get its estimated value now.Use the Calculator →
1973 Penny Mintage & Historical Context
Mint
Mint Mark
Mintage
Notes
Philadelphia
None
3,728,245,000
Most common; MS67+ RD record $3,850 (Heritage 2020)
Denver
D
3,549,576,588
~80% weakly struck; MS67 RD record $4,993.75 (Heritage 2014)
San Francisco (business)
S
319,937,634
Lowest business-strike mintage; MS67 RD record $2,232.50 (Heritage 2016)
San Francisco (proof)
S
2,760,339
Proof only; PR70 DCAM record $12,075 (Heritage 2004)
Total
~7.6 billion
Mintage figures confirmed by coinvalueapp.com and TheFunTimesGuide — two independent authoritative sources. The 1973-S business strike represents approximately one San Francisco cent for every 10–11 Philadelphia cents minted that year.
Coin:
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959–2008 design) ·
Obverse designer:
Victor David Brenner (Lincoln portrait, 1909) ·
Reverse designer:
Frank Gasparro (Lincoln Memorial, introduced 1959) ·
Composition:
95% copper, 5% zinc ·
Weight:
3.11 grams ·
Diameter:
19.05 mm ·
Edge:
Plain ·
Historical note:
1973 is in the last generation of true 95% copper Lincoln cents. Rising copper prices in 1973–1974 pushed the Mint to secretly test aluminum cents. The composition changed to zinc core in 1982.
How to Grade Your 1973 Lincoln Penny
Circulated (G–VF)
$0.01 – $0.05
Lincoln's cheekbone and hair above the ear show wear; the Lincoln Memorial columns on the reverse are soft; color is fully brown (BN). Worth face value to 2–5 cents for copper content. The vast majority of 1973 pennies found in change or old jars fall here. These are common regardless of mint mark.
Circulated (EF–AU)
$0.02 – $0.15
Light wear on Lincoln's cheekbone and high hair strands; Memorial columns still largely sharp. Some original luster may remain in protected areas. Color may be RB (Red-Brown) if lightly handled. Worth 2–15 cents. Not worth grading unless the color is strong RB approaching RD.
Uncirculated (MS60–64)
$0.10 – $1 (RD)
No wear. Original luster present. Contact marks from bag handling reduce the grade below MS65. Color is crucial: an MS63 RD is worth noticeably more than an MS63 BN. Examine the open copper fields around Lincoln's portrait and the Memorial for nicks. Most roll survivors fall in MS60–MS64 range.
Gem (MS65+ RD)
$15 – $4,993
Strong original Red luster, minimal contact marks, sharp strike on Lincoln's hair and Memorial details. At MS65 RD ($15–$25), premium collecting begins in earnest. MS67 RD represents a genuine condition rarity despite the huge mintage — the top auction records across all three mints fall between $2,232 and $4,993 at this grade. Submit to PCGS or NGC if it looks like MS65 RD or better.
Pro tip for 1973 Lincoln cents: Always assess color first — before anything else. Under bright LED light, the coin should glow orange-red for the RD designation. Then examine the open fields around Lincoln's portrait (the flat area at left and right of the bust) for contact marks under a 5× to 10× loupe — these are the grade-limiting features for all 1973 cents. The 1973-D issue is particularly affected: coinvalueapp.com notes that approximately 80% of 1973-D pennies exhibit weak strikes. A fully struck, blazing-red 1973-D in gem condition is genuinely exceptional — worth submitting to PCGS or NGC immediately if it appears MS65 or better.
📐 CoinKnow can compare your coin photo to graded examples and help estimate your penny's grade and color — a coin identifier and value app.
Where to Sell Your Valuable 1973 Lincoln Cent
Most 1973 pennies are worth 1–2 cents. But for the exceptions — confirmed MS65+ RD coins, DCAM proofs, and authenticated errors — the right venue makes a significant difference.
🏛 Heritage Auctions / GreatCollections
The right choice for MS67 RD business strikes, PR68+ DCAM proofs, confirmed DDO varieties, or any dime-planchet error. Heritage set all three business-strike records for 1973 cents ($4,993.75, $3,850, and $2,232.50). GreatCollections is another strong platform for certified Lincoln cents. These venues reach dedicated Lincoln cent specialists who understand and will pay for premium quality. Consignment fees of 12–20% apply.
💻 eBay
The largest market for mid-range 1973 cents ($10–$200). Before listing, check the recently sold 1973 penny prices and completed eBay listings to calibrate your asking price. Always photograph the coin under good copper-accurate lighting to show the RD color clearly. Certified (PCGS/NGC slabbed) coins sell far more reliably and for more money than raw coins above $50.
🏪 Local Coin Dealer
Convenient for bulk lots of circulated examples or uncertified Mint State coins. Dealers typically pay 50–70% of retail for common dates. For RD examples, show the coin under bright LED lighting before presenting it — color is not always obvious under the fluorescent lights typical of coin shops, and establishing it upfront supports a fair price negotiation.
💬 Reddit (r/Coins4Sale, r/lincolncents)
A growing peer-to-peer market well-suited for certified coins in the $15–$300 range. Lincoln cent specialists recognize MS65+ RD quality from good photographs. Post photos under bright natural or LED light, side-by-side with a brown reference penny if possible to show the color contrast. Include PCGS or NGC certification number if the coin is slabbed. Always provide the weight for any suspected error coin.
💡 Submit to PCGS or NGC if your coin appears MS64 RD or higher, shows confirmed DDO doubling, may be struck on a dime planchet (weigh it first — ~2.27g), or is a 1973-S proof with strong DCAM contrast. Standard fees start around $20–$30. The RD designation on a confirmed MS65 can push value from $2–$3 (BN) to $15–$25. At MS67, that same coin is worth $135–$4,993. Never clean a potential premium coin — the original copper surface is the most valuable thing on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1973 penny worth?
Most circulated 1973 pennies are worth about 2 cents — mostly for their copper content. Uncirculated examples range from 10–30 cents in lower Mint State grades. The value climbs sharply at MS65+ with full Red (RD) color: MS67 RD examples have sold for $135–$4,993.75 depending on mint mark. The top auction record is $12,075 for a perfect 1973-S PR70 Deep Cameo proof at Heritage Auctions in 2004.
What makes a 1973 penny valuable?
Three factors drive 1973 penny value: (1) Color designation — Red (RD) coins retaining 95% or more original copper luster are worth many times more than Brown (BN) examples at the same grade; (2) Grade — MS65 RD and above command real premiums; (3) Errors — the Doubled Die Obverse and wrong-planchet strikes (especially struck on a dime blank) are the most valuable error varieties. The 1973-S has the lowest business-strike mintage at 319 million versus 3.7 billion for Philadelphia.
What are the color designations RD, RB, and BN on a 1973 penny?
Copper pennies are graded for color as well as condition. RD (Red) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original copper luster — the most desirable. RB (Red-Brown) means the coin retains 5–94% of its original red copper color, with the rest oxidized to brown. BN (Brown) means the coin has fully oxidized. At MS65 grade, a 1973 penny can be worth $15–$25 RD, $3–$8 RB, or $1–$3 BN — the same numerical grade with radically different values.
Where is the mint mark on a 1973 penny?
The mint mark on a 1973 Lincoln cent is on the obverse (front), below the date. A 'D' means Denver, an 'S' means San Francisco (either business strike or proof), and no letter means Philadelphia. The S mint pennies are the most collectible because the San Francisco business-strike mintage (319,937,634) is tiny compared to Philadelphia (3.7 billion) and Denver (3.5 billion).
Is a 1973 penny made of copper?
Yes — the 1973 penny is 95% copper and 5% zinc, giving it a true copper content and a melt value above face value. The 1973 penny belongs to the last generation of true copper Lincoln cents; the composition changed to zinc-core in 1982. A genuine 1973 penny weighs exactly 3.11 grams. If a magnet sticks to it, it is a counterfeit. If it weighs only about 2.5 grams, it is almost certainly a zinc-core fake.
What is a 1973 penny struck on a dime planchet worth?
A 1973 penny struck on a dime planchet is an extremely rare wrong-planchet error. The coin appears silver-colored, is the size of a dime (approximately 17.9mm), and weighs about 2.27 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams. CoinValueChecker documents the 1973 penny on a dime planchet as having been valued at $26,400. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before any sale.
What is the 1973 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)?
A 1973 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) shows visible doubling on the date, "LIBERTY," or "IN GOD WE TRUST" caused when the working die was hubbed twice at slightly different positions. Strong examples are worth $50–$100 or more. Genuine hub doubling shows three-dimensional, raised, separated letter elements — not the flat or shelf-like appearance of worthless mechanical doubling. Use a 10× loupe with raking light to examine the date and obverse inscriptions.
How many 1973 pennies were made?
Philadelphia struck 3,728,245,000 cents (no mint mark), Denver struck 3,549,576,588 cents (D), and San Francisco struck 319,937,634 business-strike cents (S) plus 2,760,339 proof cents (S). The combined total exceeded 7.5 billion coins. The 1973-S business strike is the scarcest — roughly one San Francisco cent for every 10–11 Philadelphia cents.
Should I clean my 1973 penny?
Never clean a 1973 penny. Cleaning destroys the original copper luster — the very feature (RD designation) that makes high-grade pennies valuable. PCGS and NGC will grade cleaned coins as 'Details — Cleaned,' permanently eliminating the RD designation and all Mint State premium. An original copper-red penny, even with slight toning, is always preferable to a polished example.
When is it worth grading a 1973 penny?
Submit a 1973 penny to PCGS or NGC when it appears MS64 RD or higher — especially if it might earn MS65 RD or above. Also submit confirmed DDO examples, coins weighing approximately 2.27 grams (potential dime planchet error), or any 1973-S proof in DCAM condition. Standard grading fees start around $20–$30. The fee is justified when a confirmed error or MS65+ RD designation can increase value from a few cents to hundreds of dollars.
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