1972 DDO Penny Value

The 1972 doubled die penny has gotten complicated with all the grading debates, authentication concerns, and price fluctuations flying around. As someone who has examined hundreds of 1972 pennies looking for this error, I learned everything there is to know about identifying and valuing these coins. Today, I will share it all with you.

What Is a Doubled Die Obverse?

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—a doubled die happens during die manufacturing when the hub strikes the die at a slightly different angle on subsequent impressions. The result is visible doubling on the struck coins, not to be confused with machine doubling (which is worthless).

Identifying the Real Thing

The 1972 DDO shows strong doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. The doubling appears as a shelf-like secondary image to the left and above the primary lettering. You’ll need at least a 5x loupe to see it clearly on most examples.

That’s what makes this error endearing to us collectors—once you spot genuine hub doubling, you’ll never mistake it for machine doubling again. The doubled image has the same sharp edges as the original; machine doubling looks flat and mushy.

Grading Matters

Value depends heavily on condition:

• Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8): Heavy wear, doubling still visible—$30-75
• Fine to Very Fine (F-12 to VF-30): Moderate wear, clear doubling—$75-150
• Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF-40 to AU-58): Light wear—$150-350
• Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65+): No wear, full red or red-brown—$400-2,000+

MS-65 red examples with strong doubling have sold for over $1,500 at major auctions.

Authentication Is Essential

Counterfeits exist. The coin’s popularity makes it a target. PCGS and NGC certification costs around $30-50 for modern coins and provides authentication, grading, and a sealed holder that buyers trust. For any 1972 DDO worth more than $100, certification pays for itself.

Where to Find Them

Bank rolls, estate collections, and old jars of pennies are your best hunting grounds. I’ve found three genuine examples in my years of roll searching—it happens, but patience is required. Already-certified examples are available through dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces.

Historical Note

The 1972 DDO ranks among the most prominent doubled die errors in the Lincoln Memorial series. Collectors pursuing error varieties consider it a cornerstone piece, alongside the famous 1955 and 1969-S doubled dies.