1974 Penny Value
A worn 1974 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 $6–15.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974-D | 4,235,098,000 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $6–15 |
| 1974 (no mint mark) | 4,232,140,523 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $6–15 |
| 1974-S | 409,426,660 | 4¢ | 5–25¢ | $6–15 |
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
Aluminum test cents
Look for: A silvery, very light cent dated 1974.
About 1.5 million were struck as tests and nearly all were destroyed; the government treats survivors as its property, so they can't legally be bought or sold. Ordinary 1974 cents are worth copper value.
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1974-D | For circulation | 4,235,098,000 |
| 1974 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 4,232,140,523 |
| 1974-S | For circulation | 409,426,660 |
| 1974-S | Proof (collector) | 2,612,568 |
Questions
Is a 1974 penny silver?
No. 1974 pennies are made of brass (95% copper, 5% zinc).
Which 1974 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1974-D is worth the most, about $6–15 in MS65.
Where is the mint mark on a 1974 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 1974 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1974: 1974 half dollar, 1974 quarter, 1974 dollar.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.