You are here:
- Home
- Hobbies
- Coin Collecting
- Coin and Paper Money Collecting
- Lincoln Penny 1973
Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Lincoln Penny 1973
Advertisement
Question
I found this penny by its feel. Much rougher than usual especially the depth of the surrounding rim and columns on memorial on reverse. Lincoln statue is visible in exceptional detail compared even to 2010 coins. The FG is larger than on other coins and the M in AMERICA is closer to E than A. It is not an uncirculated mint coin. Numerous surface blemishes but it is very bright, more like a coin only a few years old. But I cant find any pennies with the depth of detail this one has. Just a very well struck coin? The scan shows the fine detail in Lincoln statue and the variations in FG size and M position. The 1973 penny is on left, 2007 penny on right. I am a stamp collector not coin collector so please pardon me if this is a trivial question. Thanks fro any info you might have.
)
Hi Carmen:
Thanks for your question.
There is usually small differences in the date and or numerals as well as the lettering on both obverse and reverse designs from year to year. They normally do not carry much of an added value to the coin, so I don't think you're rich. There are several significant varieties that can be found in circulation. One is called a close "AM" in "AMERICA" on the reverse of the coin. A very small number of examples of the Close AM reverse are known on the 1992 Denver issue.
For more information, see: http://www.numismaticnews.net/article/No_longer_unique_Second_Close_AM_1992_cent. and http://www.lincolncentresource.com/wideams.html
For data on the coin series, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_(United_States_coin)
If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php
Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.
Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Really informative answer. The more I look at different pennies with mag, the more variety I see. This 1973 seems to have a plating that is chipped off (square) on the obverse side. Read there were some experimental coins made but not circulated in 73. I'll take to an expert as u suggest. Thanks much! | ||
Related Articles
- What Is my Penny Worth - Pennies are Worth How Much - Find Penny Prices and Values in the Coin Value Guides
- Grade Rarities Versus Mintage Rarities - What Is a Grade Rarity?
- Lincoln Cents - History of the Lincoln Penny - Wheat Pennies & Lincoln Memorial Cents
- Lincoln Memorial Cents - History of the Lincoln Pennies Part 3
- Lincoln Penny Values - Coin Values for Lincoln Memorial Cents - How Much are Lincoln Memorial Pennies Worth? - Lincoln Pennies
Answers by Expert:
Ronald Fern
Expertise
I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.
Experience
Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.
Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG
Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News
Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964
BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968
Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.