The 1973 S Penny and Its Value
The 1973-S penny has gotten complicated with all the proof versus business strike confusion and grading premiums 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.
The Key Fact
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 circulation cents this year.
Composition
1973 pennies contain 95% copper—the traditional composition before 1982. This gives them slightly more metal value than modern zinc cents.
Value by Grade
That’s what makes proof cents endearing to us collectors:
- Proof 65: Under $1
- Proof 67: $3-5
- Proof 69: $15-25
- Proof 70: $50+
Identifying Proofs
- Mirror-like fields
- Frosted design elements
- S mintmark below date
- Exceptionally sharp details
Storage
Keep in original government packaging or archival holders. Handle by edges only—fingerprints cause spots that reduce grades.
