The aluminum cent was proposed to the U.S. Congress in 1973, at a time when copper prices had increased dramatically, according to the Smithsonian Institution. The Mint made about 1.6 million of the aluminum coins and distributed them to Congress in anticipation of approval.

Also How much is a 1972 aluminum penny worth?

Uncirculated and proof 1972 pennies are worth well more than face value. However, unless you find a 1972 doubled die penny or another type of error penny from that year, your 1972 penny is worth 2 cents.

Subsequently, Was there an aluminum penny? The 1974 aluminum cent was a one-cent coin proposed by the United States Mint in 1973. It was composed of an alloy of aluminum and trace metals, and intended to replace the predominantly copper–zinc cent due to the rising costs of coin production in the traditional bronze alloy.

Is there a 1975 aluminum penny? A cent composed of aluminum would not be magnetic, but neither would a normal 1975 Lincoln cent, which is composed of 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc. To know for sure, the coin would need to be examined by an expert who could authenticate the coin either as one of the Mint’s prototype pieces or an altered coin.

How many 1974 aluminum pennies are there?

The U.S. Mint is known to have struck more than 1.5 million aluminum 1974 Lincoln cents at the Philadelphia Mint during research and development considering metallic alternatives to the 3.1-gram cent’s alloy of 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc.

How much is a 1972 penny worth today?

The 1972 penny with no mint mark and the 1972 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1972 S penny is worth around $0.75 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. Proof coins with the S mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $1 in PR 65 condition.

Is a 1972 s penny worth anything?

Value: As a rough estimate of this coins value you can assume this coin in average condition will be valued at somewhere around 1 cent, while one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $8 at auction. …

What year Penny is the most valuable?

The 1943 copper-alloy cent is one of the most enigmatic coins in American numismatics — and reportedly the most valuable Lincoln penny of all.

How much is a 1943 steel penny worth?

According to USA Coin Book, a steel penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between 16 cents and 53 cents. However, Heritage Auctions sells 1943 steel pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition for more than $1,000.

How much is a 1943 copper penny worth?

While the 1943 steel pennies are worth a few bucks, the rare copper version is worth more. One report suggested that, depending on the condition of it, the 1943 copper penny can be worth anywhere from $60,000 to $85,000.

What is the value of a 1944 steel penny?

The 1944 steel penny is worth between $75,000 and $110,000, depending on its condition. The 1943 copper cent — with only 40 made and 12 known to exist today — can command a price of around $150,000 to $200,000.

What are 1975 pennies made of?

Because they’re made from a bronze composition consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc. That might not seem all that unusual until you realize that high-volume copper content makes a penny more valuable for its metal than for the face value of the coin.

Are there any 1975 pennies worth money?

The 1975 penny with no mint mark and the 1975 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1975 S proof penny is worth around $3.50 in PR 65 condition.

How do you know if a penny is copper or steel?

The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.

Are any 1974 pennies worth anything?

The 1974 penny with no mint mark and the 1974 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1974 S penny is worth around $0.75 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. Proof coins with the S mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $1 in PR 65 condition.

Is a 1974 D penny rare?

– To most people, a 1974 penny is worth one cent. For one San Diego man, it could fetch millions. … McConnell discovered the coin was a 1974-D aluminum penny. Only ten of the coins were ever made and it was believed that all of them were destroyed.

What is the rarest coin?


9 of the most valuable coins in the world

  • The 1787 Brasher Doubloon. …
  • The 1787 Fugio cent. …
  • The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. …
  • The 1343 Edward III Florin. …
  • The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny. …
  • The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. …
  • 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel. Scott Olson/Getty Images. …
  • Morgan Silver Dollars. H.

What is the significance of a 1972 penny?

1972 Doubled Die Obverse

Similar to the 1969 Doubled Die, the doubling on this penny is especially prominent in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” — with some light doubling on the date, said Stone. Bucki estimates that at least 250,000 coins released with the doubled die.

What is the rarest penny?


25 Most Valuable US Pennies

  • 1.) 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – Worth $110,334.
  • 2.) 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – Worth $85,782.
  • 3.) 1856 Flying Eagle Penny – Worth $25,000.
  • 4.) 1873 Indian Head Penny – Worth $10,000.
  • 5.) 1858 Flying Eagle Penny – Worth $10,000.
  • 6.) 1857 Flying Eagle Penny – Worth $7,000.
  • 7.) …
  • 8.)

What pennies are worth money what years?


Here’s a rundown of 10 of the most valuable pennies made since 1900:

  1. 1909-S Indian Cent. Image: USA CoinBook. …
  2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. 1909-S “VDB” Lincoln Wheat cent. …
  3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent. …
  4. 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent. …
  5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent. …
  6. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent. …
  7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent. …
  8. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent.

Are S mint pennies rare?

These Denver pennies without a mintmark are rare and became a popular error coin. San Francisco mint (“S” mintmark) pennies in comparison to Philadelphia pennies were minted in fewer quantities. … However, in 1931 less than 866,000 were released and another rare penny was part of a set of Lincoln cents.

What year pennies have S mint mark?

In 1968, proof coin production moved from the Philadelphia Mint to San Francisco and proof coins gained the “S” mint mark. The West Point Bullion Depository made circulating cents from 1973 to 1986 and circulating quarters in 1976 to 1979. The San Francisco Mint also produced circulating cents around this time.

What years of pennies are worth money?

Lincoln pennies that were minted between 1959 and 1982 tend to be worth more since they are almost 100 percent copper, rather than an alloy. Improperly prepared dies can result in coins with a “double” image.

What is a penny from 1965 worth?

CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1965 Lincoln Penny value at an average of 1 cent, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $15.

Is a 1964 penny worth anything?

The 1964 penny with no mint mark and the 1964 D penny are each worth around $0.15 in uncirculated condition with an MS-63RB grade. The value is around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS-65RD. Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $1.50 in PR-65RD condition.