1974 No Mint Mark Penny Value & Collectors’ Guide

The 1974 Lincoln cent is a common coin to most people — but to collectors, specific variations like the “no mint mark” penny hold special interest. Minted in Philadelphia, these coins did not carry a letter designation, making them distinct from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) issues.

Copper vs. Zinc

1974 was also one of the last years before the U.S. Mint began experimenting with zinc-based cents in preparation for the 1982 composition change. Most 1974 pennies are 95% copper, making them heavier and desirable to collectors who prefer “true copper” coins.

No Mint Mark & Error Varieties

• No Mint Mark (Philadelphia issue) – Standard for that mint, but sought after in higher grades.

• Double Die Errors – Look for doubling in the date or lettering.

• Off-Center Strikes & Planchet Flaws – Error coins from this era can sell for significant premiums.

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  1974 Penny Without Mint Mark

  Discover the unique charm of this rare 1974 penny that stands out without a mint mark

  Product information

  $1,100.00

  Product Review Score

  4.58 out of 5 stars

  187 reviews

  Description

  The 1974 Penny Without Mint Mark is a cool circulated Lincoln Memorial coin made of copper and minted in Philadelphia. Since it’s ungraded and uncertified, it makes for a unique find and is especially valuable for collectors who love the Lincoln Memorial series.

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Collector Value

• Circulated 1974 no mint mark pennies: generally 1¢–25¢.

• Uncirculated (MS-65+): $5–$20, depending on quality.

• Errors and rare high-grade examples: $50–$500+ at auction.

Tips for Collectors

1. Check the weight – Copper cents weigh 3.11 grams; zinc cents weigh 2.5 grams.

2. Inspect for errors – A magnifying loupe is essential for spotting double dies or off-center strikes.

3. Consider grading – Coins certified by PCGS or NGC with high grades often sell for multiples of raw coins.