1972-S Proof Penny Value Guide
Many collectors overlook modern proof coins, assuming they are only worth a few dollars. The 1972-S proof penny proves that assumption wrong. Certain examples, especially rare varieties and dramatic mint errors, have sold for hundreds to thousands of dollars 💰 — all originating from proof sets that still sell for $15 or less 😮.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 1972-S proof Lincoln cent, including specifications, key varieties, major errors, and real auction prices 📈.
🔍 1972-S Proof Penny Overview
- 🏛 Mint: San Francisco
- 🔤 Mintmark: S
- 🧪 Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- ⚖️ Weight: 3.11 grams
- 🔢 Mintage: Over 3.2 million
- 🎁 Original Sale: Included in U.S. Mint proof sets
- 🎨 Designers: Victor David Brenner & Frank Gasparro
Despite the high mintage, many proof pennies were struck with imperfections, making high-grade examples surprisingly rare ⭐.
💵 Standard 1972-S Proof Penny Value
Most 1972-S proof pennies grade between PR64 and PR67. The highest known grade is PR69 Deep Cameo, which is extremely rare 🔥.
🏆 Auction Highlight
- 🪙 Grade: PR69 Deep Cameo
- 💲 Sold for: $182
- 🏛 Auction: Heritage Auctions
While $182 may not sound life-changing, most proof pennies sell for just a few dollars — making this a strong premium for a modern proof coin.
⭐ Key Variety: 1972-S Proof Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
This is the most valuable and sought-after variety for the 1972-S proof penny.
👀 How to Identify the FS-101 DDO
Look for strong doubling on:
- 🔠 LIBERTY
- ✝️ IN GOD WE TRUST
- 📅 Date
- 🔤 Mintmark
🏅 Top Known Grades
- Highest graded example: PR67 Deep Cameo
- Only one coin graded PR67 DCAM by PCGS 😲
💎 Estimated Value
- 📊 PCGS estimate: $2,750
- ❗ Never publicly sold
- 🚀 Higher grades could bring even more
💰 Recent Sales of the 1972-S Proof DDO
- 🪙 PR65 Deep Cameo
- 💵 Sold for: $312
- 🏛 Heritage Auctions
- 🪙 PR66 Deep Cameo
- 💵 Sold for: $1,560
- 🏛 Heritage Auctions
All from proof sets that originally sold for about $15 🤯 — proof that small investments can lead to big returns.
⚠️ Major 1972-S Proof Penny Errors
Beyond varieties, 1972-S proof pennies are known for spectacular mint errors 👇
🎯 55% Off-Center Strike
- 🏷 Grade: PR64 Red Brown
- 💲 Sold for: $528
- 🏛 Heritage Auctions
Off-center proof errors are far rarer than circulation strikes, making this a standout collectible 🌟.
🔗 Bonded Pair Error (Two Coins Fused Together)
One of the most incredible proof errors known for the year 👀
- 🪙 Description: Two proof cents bonded together
- 🏷 Grade: PR63 Brown
- 💲 Sold for: $3,737
- 🏛 Heritage Auctions
This single error coin is worth more than 200 proof sets combined 😳.
✅ Why You Should Check Your 1972 Proof Sets Twice
1972 proof sets are still:
- 💸 Affordable
- 📦 Widely available
- 💎 Full of hidden potential
With so many valuable varieties and errors, this issue deserves a permanent spot on every collector’s coin lookup list 📝.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The 1972-S proof penny is a perfect example of how overlooked coins can hide serious value 💥. Whether it’s a Deep Cameo, a doubled die, or a dramatic mint error, these pennies can turn a small purchase into a major win.
If you own any 1972 proof sets, inspect them carefully 🔍 — you might be holding a small fortune.
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