The 1973-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.02 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade Deep Cameo proofs. While most are worth just a few cents, certain specimens from the San Francisco Mint are highly coveted by collectors looking for that perfect mirror-like finish.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Brown) | $0.02 – $0.15 |
| Uncirculated (Red) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (PR65 – PR68) | $3.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof Deep Cameo (PR69 – PR70) | $50.00 – $1,000+ |
History of the 1973-S Lincoln Memorial Cent
The year 1973 was a transitional era for American coinage. The Lincoln Memorial design, which replaced the Wheat reverse in 1959, was well-established. However, the San Francisco Mint (denoted by the “S” mint mark) played a unique role during this time.
Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver facilities, the San Francisco Mint primarily focused on striking Proof coins for collectors. By 1973, San Francisco had ceased production of regular business-strike pennies for general circulation, making nearly all “S” marked pennies from this year “Proof” coins.
If you find a 1973-S in your pocket change, it is likely a “Proof” coin that escaped into the wild. To determine if your find is a rare variety or a common strike, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between standard circulation wear and genuine proof characteristics.
Professional collectors or those using CoinHix often look for the sharpness of the strike. Proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies, giving them a distinct brilliance that stands out from a standard penny.
Identifying the 1973-S Penny Mint Mark
Identifying a 1973-S penny is relatively straightforward if you know where to look. The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date “1973.” This mark signifies that the coin was produced at the San Francisco Assay Office.
In 1973, there were three different mints producing pennies: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). While millions were made in Denver and Philly, the San Francisco mintage was limited to approximately 2.7 million coins—all of which were intended for Proof Sets.
Finding an “S” mint mark in 1973 is always a treat for casual hunters. Even though the mintage isn’t as low as some early Wheat pennies, the fact that they weren’t meant for circulation adds a layer of exclusivity.
If the “S” looks blurry or filled, don’t worry—this was common due to die wear. However, serious collectors check the current 1973-S Lincoln Penny price data to see how mint mark clarity impacts the final sale price at auction.
Grading and 1973-S Lincoln Penny Value
When determining the value of your 1973-S Lincoln Penny, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale. Since these were issued in plastic-sealed proof sets, most 1973-S pennies started their lives in “Perfect” condition.
Unfortunately, many have since been handled, scratched, or exposed to air, which causes oxidation. The color of the copper is vital: “Red” (RD) coins are worth significantly more than “Red-Brown” (RB) or “Brown” (BN) coins.
| Grade | Description | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Proof 63 | Noticeable marks, dull luster. | $1 – $2 |
| Proof 67 | Very few marks, great eye appeal. | $10 – $15 |
| Proof 69 DCAM | Almost perfect with deep contrast. | $40 – $120 |
| Proof 70 DCAM | Flawless under 5x magnification. | $500+ |
For the average person, a coin that looks “shiny” might only be a Proof 65. To reach the big money, the coin must have “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) features, where Lincoln’s portrait looks frosted and white against a black, mirror-like background.
You can verify the specifics of these denominations by checking detailed 1973 penny value information online, which helps distinguish between “shiny” and “Deep Cameo.”
Rare Varieties and Errors for the 1973-S Penny
While the 1973-S is mostly known as a proof issue, collectors are always on the hunt for mint errors. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the manufacturing process, resulting in a unique and often valuable specimen.
One interesting thing to look for is the “Double Die” obverse. While there isn’t a major, famous DDO (Double Die Obverse) for the 1973-S like there is for 1972, minor doubling on the letters of “LIBERTY” or the date can still command a premium from specialist buyers.
Another error to watch for is the “Off-Center Strike.” Since Proof coins are struck with extreme care, error proof coins are incredibly rare. If you find a 1973-S that was struck off-center or has a “Clip” (a piece of the coin missing from the minting process), you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.
Tools like CoinHix allow you to upload photos of your errors to compare them with known authentic varieties. Using such an app is a great way to avoid getting excited over “Post-Mint Damage” (PMD), which is just a coin that got beat up in a parking lot.
Are 1973-S Lincoln Pennies Made of Copper?
Yes, the 1973-S Lincoln Penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. This is an important distinction because, in 1982, the U.S. Mint switched the composition to mostly zinc with a thin copper plating.
Because of its high copper content, every 1973-S penny has an intrinsic “melt value.” As of today, the copper in a pre-1982 penny is worth about 2 to 3 cents—more than the face value of the coin itself.
However, keep in mind that it is currently illegal to melt U.S. pennies for their metal content. Most collectors ignore the melt value and focus on the numismatic (collector) value instead. A beautiful 1973-S Proof is worth far more as a piece of history than as a scrap of metal.
If you are sorting through a large jar of coins, the CoinHix app can help you quickly sort the copper cents from the later zinc versions by identifying the dates and mint marks instantly.
| Penny Composition | Years | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze (95% Copper) | 1909–1982 | 3.11 grams |
| Zinc (Copper Plated) | 1982–Present | 2.50 grams |
Where to Sell Your 1973-S Lincoln Penny
If you’ve discovered a high-grade 1973-S or a rare error, your next step is determining where to sell it. For common Proof coins worth a few dollars, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets.
However, if you believe you have a PR70 Deep Cameo—a coin that could be worth hundreds—you should consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade “locks in” the value and makes the coin much easier to sell to high-end collectors.
Online auctions like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are the preferred venues for top-tier coins. For the everyday American, simply keeping a nice-looking 1973-S in a protective flip is a great way to start a collection without spending a fortune.
Always remember to research recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. Anyone can ask for $1,000 for a penny, but what matters is what someone actually paid for it.
FAQ
Q: Why is there an “S” on my 1973 penny?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1973, this mint primarily produced Proof coins for collectors, though some may have entered circulation by accident.
Q: Is a 1973-S penny rare?
A: It is not “rare” in the sense that millions were made (roughly 2.7 million), but it is harder to find than the Philadelphia or Denver versions because it wasn’t intended for general pocket change.
Q: How can I tell if my 73-S penny is a “Proof”?
A: Proof coins have a very sharp strike, mirror-like backgrounds, and often have frosted details (Lincoln’s face). They look much more “polished” than a standard penny.
Q: Is it worth getting a 1973-S penny graded?
A: Only if it is in flawless condition. Unless the coin looks absolutely perfect (no scratches, even under a magnifying glass), the cost of grading will likely exceed the value of the coin.
