Direct answer: 1972 P Lincoln Memorial cents in BU condition can be valuable to collectors, especially if they show mint state wear, provenance, or distinctive mint marks. This guide highlights five strong 1972-era options and explains who should consider each one. Whether you’re building a date set, filling an album, or seeking a starter BU copper penny, these picks help you navigate value and risk.
Buyer focus: This list is ideal for beginning and intermediate collectors seeking genuine 1972 pennies from Philadelphia (P) and nearby S mint issues, plus guidance on which coins suit different collecting goals. The selection below includes coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) and Mint State categories, with notes on suitability and potential drawbacks.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Mint | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 P Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State | Philadelphia | BU Mint State | Solid starter BU option for P-mint 1972 cents |
| 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State | San Francisco | BU Mint State | Strong for a 1972-S date; sought after by subset collectors |
| 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin | San Francisco | BU Uncirculated | Stock-photo listing; good for S-mint BU set building |
| 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin | Denver | BU Uncirculated | Helpful for completing a 1972 mint-mark trio |
| 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny PCGS MS66RD | Denver | MS66 Red | Higher-grade reference; better for serious condition-focused collectors |
1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny
Best for: Collectors focused on San Francisco mint issues, especially BU coins with strong eye appeal. Why selected: It specifically calls out Genuine 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent in BU Mint State, making it a reliable target for S-mint variety hunting and date-set completion. Caution: Stock-photo language means actual coin appearance may vary slightly from photos.
1972 P Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny
Best for: Those building a 1972 P mint year set or seeking a Philadelphia BU example. Why selected: The listing confirms authentic 1972 P Lincoln Memorial Cent in BU Mint State, a desirable baseline for date-focused collections. Caution: As with BU coins, handling and storage affect grade appearance over time.
1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny
Best for: Collectors seeking a San Francisco BU coin when trying to fill a year-mint subset. Why selected: Explicit BU Uncirculated condition supports a bright, original look. Caution: Images are stock photos; actual coin may deviate slightly in tone or luster.
1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny
Best for: Denver mint enthusiasts aiming to complete a 1972 mint-mark collection. Why selected: Clear BU Uncirculated listing helps establish a cohesive set across P, D, and S mints. Caution: Condition labeling relies on listing language; verify coin visuals before purchase.
1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny PCGS MS66RD
Best for: Advanced collectors who prize high-grade, original red color (RD) coins and want a PCGS-grade reference. Why selected: MS66RD designation signals strong eye appeal and mint-condition attributes. Caution: Higher-grade coins may have supply quirks; verify authenticity and certification details.
1954 P D S Lincoln Wheat Penny Set
Note: While not a 1972 penny, this set provides context for small-date, multi-mint collections and helps buyers compare mint-marks across eras. Best for: Diversifying a historical copper collection. Caution: Different year and design, so this item serves as a supplementary reference rather than a direct 1972 value anchor.
Buying Guide
- Mint mark significance: The P, D, and S mint marks reflect where the coin was produced. BU and MS grades typically indicate better eye appeal and potential future value, especially for 1972 S and D issues.
- Grade vs. price: Higher grades (BU/MS) usually carry more value but can come with higher price and limited availability. Balance your budget with the desire for condition.
- Authenticity and certification: For higher-grade or premium coins (like PCGS MS66RD), ensure the listing confirms authentic minting and certification to avoid fakes or misrepresented grades.
- Completing a date subset: If your goal is a 1972 Lincoln Memorial Cent collection, prioritize at least one BU example from each mint (P, D, S) to create a balanced set.
- Storage and handling: Copper coins darken with handling and environmental exposure. Proper holders and storage help maintain grade and value over time.
- Caveats: Some listings show stock photos or stock-photos-based descriptions. Use the images and listed condition as guidance, and request additional photos if needed before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which 1972 Lincoln cent is most valuable? The value typically depends on mint mark and grade; 1972 D and 1972 S coins in BU or higher grades can command higher values, especially if certified.
- What does BU mean for pennies? BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated, indicating a coin with no visible wear and strong luster typical of coins that have not circulated widely.
- Are 1972 Lincoln cents worth more if they are red or brown? Red (RD) or full red coloration often correlates with higher-grade examples; these can carry premium over more toned or brown (brown or BN) coins when grades are similar.
- Should I buy raw or certified 1972 pennies? Raw coins can be a good entry point for budget collectors. Certified coins offer verified grade and authenticity, which matters more for high-grade or investment-focused purchases.
- How can I verify a 1972 penny’s mint mark? Mint marks appear on the obverse side near the words “LIBERTY.” Philadelphia-coins lack a mint mark; San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) coins show “S” or “D.”
- Is stock photography reliable for coin condition? Stock photos provide a visual reference, but coin condition can vary. Request current photos or grading notes when possible.