Most 1971 Lincoln pennies aren't valuable. However these pennies can sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. Keep reading to learn more about these one cent coins.
Specifications
Type: Lincoln Penny
Year: 1971
Face Value: $0.01
Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Total Weight: 3.11 grams
The US minted the 1971 penny with no mint mark and also the 1971 D penny and 1971 S penny. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Philadelphia | 1,919,490,000 |
| 1971 D | Denver | 2,911,045,600 |
| 1971 S | San Francisco | 525,133,459 |
Value
Most 1971 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their weight in copper. The current copper melt value for each penny is about $0.02. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition.
The 1971 penny with no mint mark is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1971 D penny is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1971 S penny is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
Proof coins with the S mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $18 in PR-67RD condition. There were 3,220,733 proof coins minted.
Doubled Die Error Coins
There is a rare error variety for the 1971 penny with no mint mark and the 1971 S proof penny. On the obverse side of the coin the date and the design elements are minted twice onto the coin. This is called a doubled die error.
The 1971 penny with no mint mark doubled die error coin is worth around $500 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1971 S proof penny doubled die error coin is worth around $500 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
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Grading System
MS-65RD gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable. The color is red.
PR-67RD proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present. The color is red.
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