1972 Penny Value
A worn 1972 penny is worth about 4¢ for its copper. In everyday use it still spends as one cent, since melting cents isn't allowed.
Uncirculated ones bring 5–25¢, and a certified MS65 brings $8–18.
An ordinary one is worth a few cents at most. Check the date and mint mark closely for the varieties below before spending it.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972-D | 2,665,071,400 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $8–18 |
| 1972 (no mint mark) | 2,933,255,000 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $8–18 |
| 1972-S | 376,939,108 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $8–18 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc), 3.11 grams, about 4¢ of copper
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
1972 doubled die obverse
Look for: Clear doubling on the date, LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
A famous doubled die worth hundreds of dollars.
Typical value: $200–400
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1972-D | For circulation | 2,665,071,400 |
| 1972 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 2,933,255,000 |
| 1972-S | For circulation | 376,939,108 |
| 1972-S | Proof (collector) | 3,260,996 |
Questions
Is a 1972 penny silver?
No. 1972 pennies are made of brass (95% copper, 5% zinc).
Which 1972 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1972-D is worth the most, about $8–18 in MS65. The 1972 doubled die obverse is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $200–400.
Where is the mint mark on a 1972 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1972 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1972: 1972 dollar, 1972 half dollar, 1972 quarter.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.