Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1973-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.01 in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade proof condition. While most of these pennies found in pocket change carry only a small premium, certain specimens and mint errors are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
| Condition / Grade | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS) Value | Proof (PR) Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good to Fine | $0.01 – $0.05 | N/A | N/A |
| Extremely Fine | $0.10 – $0.25 | N/A | N/A |
| MS 63 to MS 65 | N/A | $1.00 – $5.00 | N/A |
| PR 67 to PR 69 | N/A | N/A | $10.00 – $150.00 |
Identifying Your 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Penny
Finding a 1973-S penny in your spare change often sparks excitement because of that “S” mint mark. During this era, the San Francisco Mint produced both business strike coins for circulation and specially polished proof sets for collectors. If you aren’t sure which one you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the matte finish of a standard coin and the mirror-like finish of a proof.
The 1973-S Lincoln Penny features the classic profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. For daily users of the CoinKnow app, identifying these features is easy, but the real value lies in the coin’s preservation. Most 1973-S pennies you find in “the wild” have been through millions of hands, leaving them with scratches, dullness, and wear.
Because the San Francisco Mint stopped producing pennies for general circulation just a year later in 1974, any “S” mint mark cent from the early 70s is a fun piece of history. Even if it isn’t worth a fortune, it represents the end of an era for the West Coast mint.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Understanding the San Francisco Mint Business Strikes
In 1973, the San Francisco Mint struck nearly 317 million pennies for general use. These are known as “business strikes.” Unlike the proof versions, these were meant to be spent. If your coin looks brown and has softened details on Lincoln’s hair or the Memorial pillars, it is a circulated business strike.
The 1973-S penny market prices for Red (RD) grades show that while circulated coins are worth face value, those that remain in brilliant, “Red” condition can fetch a few dollars. Serious collectors look for MS 65 or higher.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you have a handful of old cents, CoinKnow is an excellent tool to help you sort through them. You might find that your 1973-S has survived in surprisingly good condition, potentially making it worth ten to twenty times its face value to a collector building a date-and-mint-mark set.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| S (San Francisco) | Business Strike | 317,177,293 |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Strike | 2,760,339 |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | 3,549,576,588 |
The High Value of 1973-S Proof Lincoln Pennies
If you find a 1973-S penny that looks like a mirror, you likely have a “Proof” coin. These were never meant for circulation and were sold in sets by the US Mint. However, over the years, many people have broken these sets open and spent the coins. These are called “Impaired Proofs” and generally lose much of their value.
A pristine 1973-S Proof penny is judged on its “Cameo” effect—the contrast between the frosty image of Lincoln and the shiny, reflective background. The 1973 Lincoln Penny value guide notes that top-tier Proof 70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) coins are exceptionally rare and can sell for hundreds of dollars at auction.
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Why is the 1973-S proof so special? It was one of the last few years the S-mint penny was included in the standard annual proof set before the minting process underwent various technological changes. Collectors using CoinKnow often prioritize these “S” proofs to complete their Memorial Cent collections.
Grading and Color: Red, Red-Brown, and Brown
When discussing the 1973-S Lincoln Penny Value, color is the biggest factor in pricing. Copper reacts with oxygen, turning from a bright orange-red to a chocolate brown over time. Coin graders use three designations: RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown).
A 1973-S penny in “Red” condition is the most valuable because it looks exactly as it did the day it was minted. Once a coin turns completely “Brown,” it typically loses its premium unless it is a rare error.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Color Designation | Visual Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Red (RD) | 95% or more original mint luster | Highest Value |
| Red-Brown (RB) | 5% to 95% original mint luster | Moderate Value |
| Brown (BN) | Less than 5% original mint luster | Lowest Value |
For the average person, determining the exact color grade can be tricky. However, most 1973-S pennies found in pockets today will be categorized as “Brown.” If you find one that still glows with its original copper luster, keep it safe in a plastic holder!
1973-S Penny Mint Errors to Look For
Mistakes happen, even at the US Mint. When they do, the value of a common penny can skyrocket. For the 1973-S, there are several known mint errors that collectors hunt for. These include “Doubled Dies,” “Off-Center Strikes,” and “BIE” errors.
A Doubled Die error occurs when the coin is struck by a die that has a doubled image. On a 1973-S, look closely at the lettering of “LIBERTY” or the date. If you see clear doubling of the numbers or letters, you might have a rare find. Off-center strikes are also popular; this is when the design isn’t centered on the copper planchet, leaving a crescent shape of empty metal.
The “BIE” error is specific to Lincoln Pennies. It happens when a small crack in the die creates a tiny vertical line between the capital letters ‘B’, ‘I’, and ‘E’ in “LIBERTY.” While not worth thousands, these are fun oddities that can add $5 to $20 to the 1973-S Lincoln Penny value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Is It Worth Getting Your 1973-S Penny Professionally Graded?
Professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC costs money—usually $20 to $50 per coin plus shipping. Therefore, it is only worth grading a 1973-S penny if you think it is in nearly perfect condition (MS 66 or higher) or it has a significant mint error.
For the average 1973-S penny found in a jar, professional grading will cost more than the coin is worth. Most collectors find that using a reliable appraisal tool or checking online sales is enough to determine if their coin is a keeper. If CoinKnow identifies your coin as a high-grade proof or a potential error, that is the time to consider professional authentication.
Remember, condition is everything. A single scratch across Lincoln’s face can drop the value from $50 down to 1 cent instantly. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting oils from your skin on the surface, which can cause tarnishing over time.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 1973-S penny look so shiny compared to others?
A: You likely have a Proof coin. San Francisco minted over 2.7 million proof pennies in 1973 specifically for collectors. They were polished multiple times to create a mirror-like finish. If you found it in change, it is an “impaired proof,” but still more interesting than a standard penny.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Are all 1973 pennies made of copper?
A: Yes, all 1973 Lincoln pennies, including those from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. The US Mint didn’t switch to the cheaper zinc-core pennies until mid-1982. This means your 1973-S is also worth about 2-3 cents just for its raw copper content!
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1973-S penny?
A: High-grade specimens can sell for impressive amounts. For example, a 1973-S Proof penny graded PR 70 Deep Cameo can sell for over $500 at major auctions. For business strikes (the ones meant for circulation), an MS 67 Red specimen can sell for $150 to $200.
Q: Where can I sell my 1973-S Lincoln Penny?
A: If it is a common circulated coin, most coin shops won’t buy it individually. However, if it is a Mint State Red coin or a Proof, you can sell it on eBay, at local coin shows, or through specialized numismatic forums. Using CoinKnow can help you document the coin’s condition before listing it for sale.