1973 Lincoln Cent (Penny) Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Which 1973 penny errors are worth money? Verified guide to doubled dies, RPMs, wrong planchets, and condition rarities — values updated January 2026.
Most 1973 Lincoln Cents are worth face value — but the right error or pristine grade can push value to $1,200.
- ✅ 1973-D MS67+ Red (Condition Rarity):$900–$1,200 — near-perfect surfaces only
- ✅ Wrong Planchet (Dime Stock):$300–$600+ — weigh your coin first
- ✅ 1973-S Proof DDO-001 (Class VI):$25–$100 — extra-thick letters on the motto
- ✅ 1973-S RPM-001 (S/S North):$10–$35 — secondary S mintmark punched north
⚠️ Biggest trap: Machine Doubling — flat, shelf-like marks on the date and profile — is everywhere on 1973 cents and is worth zero premium. Do not confuse it with a genuine Doubled Die.
1973 Lincoln Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and current market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) recommended for high-value varieties. Grading fees ($30–$50+) exceed the value of most 1973 cent varieties.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable doubled die error—it is the most common false positive for 1973 cents.
A 1973 penny with no mintmark is a normal Philadelphia issue, not a missing mintmark error.
Do not confuse '1973-S Silver DDO' search results with the Lincoln Cent—those results refer to the 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar.
The famous Aluminum Cent experiments are dated 1974, not 1973. A silver-colored 1973 cent is likely plated or struck on wrong planchet stock—check the weight.
Over 7.2 billion 1973 Lincoln Cents rolled out of three mints, making this one of the highest-mintage dates in the series. Most are worth a penny. But underneath that high mintage hides a wrong-planchet error worth $300–$600+, an elusive condition rarity that fetched $990 at auction, and Proof varieties that specialists actively seek. Use this guide alongside our complete 1973 Lincoln Cent value guide to find out what — if anything — makes your coin special.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Specifications & Baseline Values
Every error search starts with confirming you have a genuine, unaltered 1973 cent. The table below lists all four 1973 issues with baseline specifications and typical value ranges.
| Mint | Type | Mintage | Composition · Weight · Diam. | Circulated | Typical Mint State / Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mint mark) | Business Strike | 3,728,245,000 | 95% Cu / 5% Zn · 3.11 g · 19.00 mm | $0.01–$0.03 | $0.50–$2.00 (MS60–63) |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike | 3,549,576,588 | 95% Cu / 5% Zn · 3.11 g · 19.00 mm | $0.01–$0.03 | $0.50–$2.00 (MS60–63) |
| San Francisco (S) — Business | Business Strike | 319,937,634 | 95% Cu / 5% Zn · 3.11 g · 19.00 mm | $0.01–$0.03 | $1.00–$4.00 (MS60–63) |
| San Francisco (S) — Proof | Proof (Proof Sets) | 2,760,339 | 95% Cu / 5% Zn · 3.11 g · 19.00 mm | N/A | $2.00–$6.00 (PR65) |
📜 Why So Much Machine Doubling on 1973 Cents?
In 1973, the U.S. Mint ran dies longer and at higher pressures to meet soaring demand as copper prices climbed. This created widespread die deterioration and machine doubling — flat, shelf-like marks with no numismatic value — making 1973 one of the most trap-heavy dates for error hunters. A coin that doesn't match the standard 3.11g weight (tolerance: 2.98–3.24g) deserves closer inspection.
For grade-by-grade pricing on all four issues, see our full 1973 Lincoln Cent value guide.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Quick Checks — Do You Have Something Valuable?
Run these four checks in order. The first three identify genuinely valuable varieties; the fourth is the trap that catches most beginners. You only need two tools: a 10x loupe and a digital scale accurate to 0.01g.
The two essential tools: a 10x loupe and a digital scale (0.01g accuracy).
Check 1: 1973-S Proof DDO-001 — Extra-Thick Motto Letters (Class VI)
San Francisco Proof coins only (mirror-like fields, frosted devices — sold in Proof Sets). Focus on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the word LIBERTY on the obverse (front).
Extra thickness (Class VI doubling): Letters appear bolder, wider, and slightly crowded — a swollen look caused by a distorted hub. Look for subtle notching on corners of LIBERTY and a puffy appearance to the date.
Flat, shelf-like ledges on letter sides — that is Machine Doubling, which is worthless. This variety does NOT show dramatic separated images like the famous 1955 or 1972 DDO cents.
Check 2: 1973-S RPM-001 — Doubled Mintmark (S/S North)
The S mintmark below the date on San Francisco coins (both Proof and business strike). Use a 10x loupe.
A clear secondary S image punched to the north of the primary S, or split serifs (decorative end-strokes) with a distinct separation line or notch visible within the top of the letter.
A flat, shelf-like distortion on one side of the mintmark — that is Mechanical Doubling (MD), extremely common on 1973-S coins. MD shows no clear separation line or notching, just a squashed ledge.
Check 3: Wrong Planchet — Weigh Your Coin
Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01g. A standard 1973 cent weighs 3.11g (acceptable range: 2.98–3.24g). This applies to any mint.
A weight of approximately 2.27g may indicate a coin struck on dime stock (a planchet punched from clad dime strip) — a genuine, valuable mint error. About 2.7g could indicate a foreign planchet.
A weight of 2.5g suggests copper-plated zinc (1982+ composition) — virtually impossible on a genuine 1973 cent, likely a counterfeit or acid-dipped coin. Also confirm the coin has not been chemically thinned (acid-dipped).
Check 4 (TRAP): Machine Doubling — The Most Common False Alarm
The date 1973, mintmark (D or S), and Lincoln's profile. Extremely common on this date due to high die pressures and minting speeds at all three facilities.
Flat, shelf-like ledges on one side of the letter or digit. The device appears thinner than normal — as if a layer was shaved off. Tilting the coin under light often makes it disappear.
Machine Doubling subtracts from the device (thins letters). Genuine doubling adds to the device (extra thickness or a distinct secondary image). If doubling makes a letter thinner, it is worthless.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Errors & Varieties Value Table
All verified 1973 Lincoln Cent errors and varieties are listed below. Highlighted rows with amber borders represent the highest-value finds. Error Type links lead directly to the detailed guide section for that variety. Values are for ungraded (raw) coins unless noted.
| Error Type | Category | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973-D MS67+ Red | Condition Rarity | MS67+ RD | D | Extremely Rare | $900–$1,200 | $990 |
| Wrong Planchet (Dime Stock) | Planchet Error | — | Any | Extremely Rare | $300–$600+ | $322 (Heritage) |
| 1973-P MS67 Red | Condition Rarity | MS67 RD | P | Very Rare | $300–$400 | $384 |
| Off-Center / Multiple Strike | Striking Error | — | Any | Rare | $10–$300+ | $258 (Triple Struck) |
| 1973-S Proof DDO-001 | Die Variety | CONECA 1-O-VI | S (Proof) | Scarce | $25–$100 | — |
| Broadstrike | Striking Error | — | Any | Rare | $15–$50 | — |
| 1973-D WDDO-001 | Die Variety | Wexler WDDO-001 | D | Very Rare | $10–$50 | — |
| 1973-S RPM-001 / RPM-002 | Die Variety | S/S North | S | Scarce | $10–$35 | — |
| Clipped Planchet (Major) | Planchet Error | — | Any | Uncommon | $5–$25 | — |
| 1973-P DDO-001 | Die Variety | Coppercoins 1DO-001 | P | Rare | $5–$25 | — |
⚠️ FS Number Warning
The Cherrypickers' Guide (FS) does not list a major Doubled Die Obverse for the 1973 Lincoln Cent. Online searches for 1973 FS-101 almost always return results for the 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar or Kennedy Half Dollar — not the cent. Data cross-contamination is a significant risk for this year.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Rare Errors & Varieties Worth Money
1973-S Proof DDO-001 (CONECA Class VI, 1-O-VI)
Standard 1973-S Proof motto (left) vs. DDO-001 with swollen, extra-thick letters on IN GOD WE TRUST (right).
What Is Class VI Doubling?
Unlike the dramatically separated doubled images seen on the famous 1955 or 1972 DDO cents, this is a Class VI (Distended Hub) doubled die — so named because the hub (the master tool used to press the design into the die) was distorted during annealing, a heat treatment process. The result is swollen, extra-thick letters rather than two distinct images side by side. Many collectors miss this variety entirely because they expect to see obvious duplication.
How to Identify
- Under a 10x loupe, focus on IN GOD WE TRUST: letters appear bolder, wider, and more tightly spaced than a normal Proof.
- Look for subtle notching on the corners of LIBERTY — tiny splits or nicks at letter corners caused by the misaligned second impression.
- The date may appear slightly puffy or distorted.
- The overall effect is as if the font has been inflated — letters have an overfed appearance.
- Advanced collectors use die markers (e.g., specific scratches near the eye or mintmark) listed in detail on VarietyVista to confirm the exact die pair.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling shows flat, shelf-like ledges that make letters thinner. This DDO adds thickness and width. Also, do not confuse this coin with the 1973-S Silver DDO appearing in search results — those refer to the 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar (a 40% silver dollar coin), not the Lincoln Cent.
Market Values
- Raw / ungraded: $25–$75
- PR65 RD with variety attribution: $75–$100+
Auction Record
No major single verified auction record on file; values derived from specialist dealer listings and raw sales data.
1973-S RPM-001 & RPM-002 (S/S North)
Normal S mintmark (left) vs. RPM-001 showing a secondary S punched north with a visible separation line (right).
Origin & Background
A Repunched Mintmark (RPM) occurs when the mintmark punch is applied to a die in two slightly different positions. In 1973, mintmarks were still hand-punched into each working die individually, creating opportunities for misalignment. Both RPM-001 and RPM-002 show a secondary S punched to the north — the second punch landed slightly above the first.
How to Identify
- Examine the S mintmark closely under a 10x loupe.
- Look for a distinct secondary S image to the north of the primary — not a blur, but a recognizable second impression with its own shape.
- Alternatively, look for split serifs (the decorative end-strokes of the S) with a clear separation line or notch within them.
- Both RPM-001 and RPM-002 are documented in the VarietyVista RPM database.
False Positives to Avoid
Mechanical Doubling on the mintmark shows no separation line — just a flat, smeared shelf on one side. Any RPM candidate must display a clear secondary image or definite notching, not just a blurry or thick-looking S.
Market Values
- Raw / ungraded (Proof): $10–$35
- Attribution adds a modest premium over standard Proof value ($2–$6).
1973-P DDO-001 (Coppercoins 1DO-001)
How to Identify
- Light doubling spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY.
- Requires 10x–16x magnification minimum to discern — this is not visible to the naked eye.
- Listed in the Coppercoins database as 1DO-001; a 1DO-002 also exists with similar diagnostics.
- Not listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide primary listings — this is a specialist variety, not a commercial one.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling is extremely prevalent on 1973 Philadelphia cents (3.7 billion struck). Unless you see distinct extra thickness or notching — not a flat shelf — it is not this variety. This variety trades primarily between die-variety enthusiasts, not at general auctions.
Market Values
- Raw / ungraded: $5–$25
- Market is thin; values fluctuate based on specialist listings.
1973-D WDDO-001 (Wexler)
1973-D date area: WDDO-001 shows subtle doubling above the horizontal bar of the '7'.
How to Identify
- Doubling is visible above the horizontal bar of the '7' in the date.
- Confirming die marker: a scratch running west-northwest from the top of the 'D' in GOD — this identifies the specific die pair.
- The spread is minimal; this is a specialist variety requiring 10x+ magnification.
- Listed in Wexler's Doubled Die database.
False Positives to Avoid
Denver produced 3.5 billion cents in 1973 — machine doubling on the date is extremely common. If no die marker scratch from the 'D' in GOD is present, and the doubling is not specifically above the horizontal bar of the 7, it is not this variety.
Market Values
- Raw / ungraded: $10–$50
- Best value through variety-specialist venues; general auction market is thin for this variety.
1973 Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Dime Stock)
Wrong planchet (dime stock, 2.27g) vs. standard 1973 cent (3.11g) — the weight difference is definitive.
Origin & Background
A wrong planchet error occurs when a coin blank intended for a different coin enters the striking chamber. The most documented version for 1973 cents involves dime stock — the clad strip material from which dime blanks are punched. Dime stock is thinner and lighter than cent stock, producing a coin that weighs approximately 2.27g instead of the standard 3.11g.
How to Identify
- Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01g. Standard 1973 cent: 3.11g (range: 2.98–3.24g).
- Dime stock planchet: approximately 2.27g.
- Foreign planchet: approximately 2.7g.
- Do NOT clean the coin under any circumstances — cleaning destroys value and complicates authentication.
- The edge and diameter may look or feel slightly different. Submit to PCGS or NGC immediately for professional authentication.
False Positives to Avoid
A 2.5g reading suggests copper-plated zinc — the post-1982 composition — which is virtually impossible on a genuine 1973 cent, indicating a likely counterfeit or chemically altered coin. Also confirm the coin has not been acid-dipped, which artificially reduces weight.
Market Values
- Verified wrong planchet (raw): $300–$600+
Auction Record
$322 at Heritage Auctions.
1973 Off-Center Strike
Major off-center 1973 cent — the blank crescent and the visible date are both present, satisfying the key value requirement.
How to Identify
- A blank crescent area is visible where the planchet was not struck; the design shifts toward one edge.
- The date must be visible for the coin to command a full premium.
- Genuine off-centers have a smooth, unstruck area with the design fading progressively at the boundary — not a jagged or torn edge (which would be post-mint damage).
Value by Severity
- Minor off-center (<10% missing): $3–$10
- Major off-center (10%–50% missing, date visible): $15–$50+
- Multiple strike / triple struck: $100–$300+
Auction Record
$258 for a verified triple-struck example.
1973 Broadstrike / Uncentered Broadstrike
A broadstruck 1973 cent: full design present but spread wider than normal, with the rim missing or very weak.
How to Identify
- The rim is missing or partial.
- The full design is present but the coin's diameter exceeds the standard 19.0mm because the retaining collar (which forms the rim) was not engaged during striking.
- The design appears uniformly spread out — all elements present, just wider than normal.
False Positives to Avoid
Post-mint damage (being run over or crushed) can flatten and expand a coin. A genuine broadstrike has uniform expansion and clean, undamaged surfaces in the expanded areas — not wrinkled, folded, or abraded edges.
Market Values
- Uncentered broadstrike: $10–$30
- Significant spread with dramatic expansion: $30–$50
Condition Rarities: 1973-D MS67+ Red & 1973-P MS67 Red
A 1973-D in MS67+ Red — pristine cartwheel luster, zero spots or contact marks anywhere on the surfaces.
Why Condition Drives Value Here
Despite billions of 1973 cents being minted, almost none were saved in pristine condition. Circulated examples and typical Mint State coins are abundant. But at MS67 Red and above — where the coin must have full original red luster with absolutely no spots, carbon specks, contact marks, or toning — examples become genuinely rare. For 1973, condition is often a more reliable value driver than variety.
- Value range: $900–$1,200
- Auction record: $990
- Even one spot or contact mark prevents this grade
- Value range: $300–$400
- Auction record: $384
- MS65/MS66 examples: only $2–$10 premium
What to Look For
- Full cartwheel luster — a rolling, brilliant shine that sweeps across the coin as you rotate it under a direct light source.
- No spots or carbon specks anywhere on obverse or reverse, even tiny ones.
- No contact marks visible under 10x magnification.
- Full Red (RD) designation — at least 95% of the original red copper surface intact.
💡 Is It Worth Grading?
Only submit a 1973-D cent if it appears absolutely pristine under 10x magnification — no spots, no marks, full cartwheel luster. Only at MS67+ does the value ($900+) justify the grading fee ($30–$50+). For Philadelphia, the same threshold applies at MS67. Every grade below MS67 is not worth the cost of certification for this date.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Common Traps & False Alarms
The 1973 Lincoln Cent is one of the most trap-heavy dates for error hunters. Here are the four false alarms that fool beginners most often — and how to dismiss them confidently.
Machine Doubling (left) creates flat ledges that thin the letter; genuine DDO (right) adds extra thickness and width.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD) — The #1 Trap on 1973 Cents
Flat, shelf-like ledges on the sides of the date numerals (1973), mintmark, or Lincoln's profile. Letters or numbers appear to have a shadow or double image on one side.
The die shifts or bounces during retraction after striking. Running dies at high pressure — as the U.S. Mint did in 1973 to maximize output — causes exactly this. It is a mechanical event that does not repeat on every coin from a given die.
- The doubled area looks like a flat shelf, not a raised secondary image.
- The device appears thinner where the doubling is present (material sheared away, not added).
- Tilting the coin under a light source makes the doubling disappear or shift.
- Machine Doubling subtracts from the device. Genuine Doubled Dies add to the device.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ 'Missing Mintmark' on Philadelphia Cents
A 1973 penny with no mintmark anywhere below the date.
Philadelphia-minted cents from this era carry no mintmark by design. This is completely normal — not a mint error. Over 3.7 billion 1973 cents were struck in Philadelphia without any mintmark.
- All 1973 Philadelphia cents have no mintmark — this is normal production.
- A genuine 'missing mintmark' error would require documentation that a die originally carried a mark that was polished away — this is not documented for 1973 Lincoln Cents.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ The '1973-S Silver DDO' Search Result Confusion
Search results claiming a '1973-S Silver DDO' cent worth hundreds of dollars, or a silver-colored 1973 penny in hand.
The 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) has a documented and valuable DDO. Search engines mix results across denominations. A silver-looking 1973 cent in hand is almost certainly an electroplated coin — a common school chemistry experiment.
- The 1973 Lincoln Cent has no silver content whatsoever.
- A silver-looking cent that weighs 3.11g is plated (no value). If it weighs ~2.27g, check the wrong-planchet guide instead.
- Never conflate search results for the Eisenhower Dollar with the Lincoln Cent.
Value: Face value only (unless wrong planchet — see guide above).
⚠️ 'Floating Roof' Lincoln Memorial Reverse
The legs of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse appear detached from the base — the steps seem to 'float.'
Die polishing removes fine detail between the columns and steps of the Memorial. It is a routine die-maintenance artifact common on Memorial cents of this era.
- The Floating Roof adds no premium on 1973 cents — it is a curiosity, not a recognized variety.
- Keep it in a 2x2 holder as an educational piece if you like, but do not pay to have it graded.
Value: Face value only.
Genuine clipped planchet: the Blakesley Effect (weak rim directly opposite the clip) confirms a mint error, not post-mint damage.
📌 What About Clipped Planchets?
Clipped planchets — coins with a crescent-shaped bite out of the edge — are valid minor errors but require verification. A genuine clip will almost always show the Blakesley Effect: a weak or missing rim segment directly opposite the clip, caused by the lack of metal flow during the upsetting process. If that weakness is absent, the edge damage likely happened after minting (post-mint damage, no value). Minor clips: $2–$5. Major clips: $10–$25. Straight clips: $15–$30+.
1973 Lincoln Cent: How Grade Affects Value
For the 1973 cent, grade matters more than for most high-mintage issues because the condition rarities at MS67 and MS67+ are where the real money lies. The chart below shows how dramatically value jumps at the top of the grade scale.
| Grade (Business Strike) | What It Means | Typical Value (P or D) |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 to F-12 Circulated | Visible wear on Lincoln's cheekbone and jaw; date clear | $0.01–$0.03 |
| EF-40 to AU-58 | Light to slight wear; mint luster partially visible | $0.05–$0.25 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | No wear; luster present but contact marks visible | $0.50–$2.00 |
| MS-64 to MS-65 RD | Few marks; full original red luster (RD = Red designation) | $2–$10 |
| MS-66 RD | Near perfect; only very minor flaws under magnification | $10–$50 |
| MS-67 RD (Philadelphia) | Essentially perfect surfaces, full cartwheel luster | $300–$400 |
| MS-67+ RD (Denver) | Superb gem; virtually flawless surfaces | $900–$1,200 |
Color matters too. The Red (RD) designation requires 95%+ original red copper surfaces. Brown (BN) and Red-Brown (RB) designations significantly reduce value — the condition rarity premiums for 1973 cents apply only to full Red examples.
1973 Lincoln Cent: When to Get Professional Authentication
Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC charge $30–$50+ per coin. For most 1973 cents, that fee will far exceed the coin's value. Use this GO / STOP framework.
✅ GO — Submit to PCGS or NGC if:
- Your 1973-D cent appears completely pristine — full red luster, no spots, no contact marks under 10x magnification — and may grade MS67+. Auction record: $990. The fee is justified.
- Your coin weighs approximately 2.27g — a potential wrong planchet. Do NOT clean it. Submit directly. Verified examples sell for $300–$600+.
- You have a major off-center strike (50%+ with date clearly visible) or a confirmed multiple strike in Mint State condition.
🛑 STOP — Keep Raw if:
- The 'doubling' disappears when you tilt the coin under light — it is Machine Doubling, not a doubled die.
- You have a minor die variety (1973-P DDO-001, 1973-D WDDO-001) in circulated or typical Mint State — grading fees will exceed the coin's value.
- The coin has any spots, toning, cleaning, or environmental damage — certification will only confirm the impairment.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coin
Cleaning a coin — even lightly with a cloth — destroys the microscopic surface texture that grading services evaluate. A coin that might have graded MS67 Red becomes an impaired, unsaleable piece. Leave every coin exactly as found.
For local coin dealer referrals and variety-specialist resources, consult the American Numismatic Association (ANA) dealer directory at money.org.
1973 Lincoln Cent: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1973 penny with no mintmark a valuable error?
No. Philadelphia-minted cents from this era carry no mintmark by design — over 3.7 billion 1973 cents were produced in Philadelphia without one. This is completely normal and carries no premium. A genuine 'missing mintmark' error would require documented evidence that the die originally had a mark that was polished off, which is not documented for 1973 Lincoln Cents.
What is the '1973-S Silver DDO' that appears in my search results?
It is the 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar, not the Lincoln Cent. The Eisenhower Dollar was struck in 40% silver at San Francisco, and the S-mint Eisenhower has a documented DDO worth significant sums. Search engines mix results across different denominations. The 1973 Lincoln Cent has no silver content whatsoever.
How do I tell Machine Doubling from a real Doubled Die?
The key rule: Machine Doubling (MD) subtracts from the device — it creates flat shelves that make letters or numbers appear thinner. A genuine Doubled Die (DDO) adds to the device — extra thickness, notching at letter corners, or a distinct secondary image. If tilting the coin makes the doubling vanish, it is MD. NGC provides a helpful visual guide on this distinction.
My 1973 penny weighs 2.5g — is it a rare zinc cent?
No. Copper-plated zinc cents were not introduced until 1982. A 2.5g reading on a 1973 cent almost certainly indicates a counterfeit or a coin that has been chemically thinned by acid. A genuine wrong-planchet 1973 cent struck on dime stock would weigh approximately 2.27g — significantly different from 2.5g.
Are there real 1973 aluminum cents?
The famous aluminum cent experiments produced coins dated 1974, not 1973. The minting of those pattern coins occurred in late 1973, which causes some confusion between the minting date and the coin date. No aluminum cents are known dated 1973. A silver-colored 1973 cent is almost certainly electroplated (no value) — check the weight first. If it is around 2.27g, it may be a wrong-planchet error; if around 3.11g, it is plated.
What is the most valuable 1973 penny?
For error-free coins, the 1973-D MS67+ Red is the most valuable, with an auction record of $990 and a current value range of $900–$1,200. For mint errors, a verified wrong planchet (struck on dime stock) can reach $300–$600+, with a Heritage Auctions record of $322. A triple-struck off-center example sold for $258.
What does 'FS-101' mean and does it apply to 1973 Lincoln Cents?
'FS' numbers come from the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, the standard reference for die varieties. The Cherrypickers' Guide does not list a major Doubled Die Obverse for the 1973 Lincoln Cent in its primary listings. Online searches for '1973 FS-101' almost invariably return results for the 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar or Kennedy Half Dollar — not the cent. There is significant cross-contamination of data for this year.
Should I clean my 1973 penny before trying to sell it?
Never. Cleaning destroys the microscopic surface texture that grading services and collectors evaluate. Even a light wipe with a soft cloth leaves hairline scratches visible under magnification. A coin that might have graded MS67 Red (worth $300–$400) becomes an impaired piece worth a few cents after cleaning. Leave every coin exactly as found.
Sources & Methodology
Values in this guide reflect verified auction records, PCGS CoinFacts pricing data, and specialist variety database listings as of January 2026. The following primary sources were consulted:
- VarietyVista — 1973-S DDO-001 diagnostic page
- VarietyVista — 1973-S RPM-001 diagnostic page
- VarietyVista — 1973-S RPM full listing
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-S Lincoln Cent (BN)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-D Lincoln Cent (BN)
- Wexler's Doubled Die Database — 1973-D WDDO-001
- Coppercoins — 1973-P Doubled Die Obverse listings
- NGC — Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling (educational reference)
- Numismatic News — 1973-S Lincoln Cent mintage context
Minor variety market data (1973-P DDO-001, 1973-D WDDO-001) is sparse and primarily based on specialist dealer listings and raw sales; values should be treated as estimates. Condition rarity market data (MS67+) is well-documented through major auction house records.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
