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Lincoln Memorial cent

1971 Penny Value

When worn, every 1971 penny made for circulation (3 kinds) is typically worth about 4¢. Worth looking for: the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Penny (about $35.00 when worn, a rough estimate from few sales).

1971 penny: front (type example, 2005-D Memorial cent)1971 penny: back (type example, 2005-D Memorial reverse)
Type example: 2005-D Memorial cent and 2005-D Memorial reverse. Your coin's date and mint mark may differ.
Photo creditsUnited States Mint image (PD; front, back)

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Check your own penny

Penny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.

Every 1971 penny

Worn = typical value when worn (Good to Very Fine); MS-60 = uncirculated. Values as of Q4 2026 · Penny Value estimates · not an offer to buy.

The proof penny listed here was sold to collectors in sets, so you won't normally find it in change.

How to tell them apart

Mint marks

1971 pennies for circulation were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (mint mark D) and San Francisco (mint mark S). The mint mark is below the date, on the front.

Questions

How much is a 1971 penny worth?

When worn, every 1971 penny made for circulation (3 kinds) is typically worth about 4¢. Worth looking for: the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Penny (about $35.00 when worn, a rough estimate from few sales). These are Penny Value estimates as of Q4 2026, for information only.

Which 1971 pennies are worth the most?

Among 1971 pennies made for circulation: the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Penny (about $35.00 when worn, a rough estimate from few sales). Valuable pennies are often faked or altered, so check the signs first. Grading costs about $30–$70, so it usually pays only for coins worth more than about $150.

Where is the mint mark on a 1971 penny?

1971 pennies for circulation were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (mint mark D) and San Francisco (mint mark S). The mint mark is below the date, on the front.

Is a 1971 penny silver or copper?

Regular 1971 pennies are brass (95% copper, 5% zinc; about 3.11 g). A silver-colored 1971 penny has usually been plated or altered after it left the Mint.

Is a 1971 penny rare?

Most are not: about 5.4 billion were made for circulation. The scarce or valuable ones are the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Penny (about $35.00 when worn, a rough estimate from few sales).

What 1971 penny errors are worth money?

Known 1971 varieties and errors include the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Penny (about $35.00 when worn, a rough estimate from few sales). Other errors, such as off-center strikes or die cracks, can happen on any date; their value depends on the error and condition.

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Every Lincoln Memorial Cent

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