1973 S Penny Value
The 1973-S penny has gotten complicated with all the proof versus business strike confusion, grade premiums, and variety hunting flying around. As someone who has collected proof Lincoln cents for years, I learned everything there is to know about this San Francisco issue. Today, I will share it all with you.
Understanding the 1973-S
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—the 1973-S penny was struck only as proofs for collector sets. San Francisco didn’t produce business strike cents for circulation this year. If you have a 1973-S, it came from a proof set.
Composition
1973 pennies contain 95% copper, 5% zinc—the traditional composition before the 1982 switch to copper-plated zinc. This gives them slightly more intrinsic metal value than modern cents.
Value by Grade
That’s what makes proof pennies endearing to us collectors—the mirror-like surfaces and sharp strikes:
- Proof 65: $0.75-$1
- Proof 67: $3-5
- Proof 69: $15-25
- Proof 70 (perfect): $50+
Identifying Proofs
- Mirror-like fields
- Frosted design elements (cameo effect)
- Sharp, complete details
- S mintmark below the date
Errors and Varieties
Doubled dies and other proof errors exist but are less common than on circulation strikes. Any genuine error on a proof coin commands significant premiums due to the controlled minting process.
Storage
Keep proof coins in their original government packaging or archival holders. Avoid touching surfaces—fingerprints cause spots that reduce grades and value.
