Some of us have a true hidden treasure somewhere amongst our pocket change. So, go through your small change pockets right away – you might be lucky too!
If you happen to find some 1977 Lincoln pennies, take a close look at them. Most are not valuable, but some can sell for quite a bit of money!
So, let’s see, how much is a 1977 penny worth?
How Much Is a 1977 Penny Worth?
A 1977 penny is usually worth a little above its face value. When in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition, it is worth $0.33 or more.
The highest price a 1977 no mint mark penny (graded MS66RD) reached is $2,645. The most valuable 1977-S and 1977-D pennies were sold for little over $7000 each.
Those were some pretty pennies, huh?
I bet I’ve got you interested. Let’s discuss the value of a 1977 penny in more detail!
1977 Penny No Mint Mark Value
The 1977 penny with no mint mark is worth about 2 cents when in used condition. If uncirculated (which means never used as money), it is worth from $0.10 to $0.33, or more.
A 1977 No Mint Mark Lincoln cent has been minted at the Philadelphia Mint. These pennies are quite common since there were 4,469,930,000 of them produced.
1977 pennies have something that goes in their favor. They were all made from 95% Copper and 5% Tin and Zinc.
Copper is a semi-precious metal. Hence, high copper content puts 1977 pennies in high demand.
1977 Lincoln cents are often taken away from circulation and stacked for their bullion value. Consequently, there are fewer of these pennies in circulation each day. It is why they are worth at least double their face value.
Furthermore, 1977 pennies in good condition can be sold online for 10 to 25 cents quite easily. Those that bear MS-65 grade are worth at least $0.33. Exceptional specimens can be worth way more than that!
The 1977 no mint mark penny that achieved a record price has been sold for a whopping $2,645. The Professional Coin Grading Service has given it an MS66RD grade.
Now, wouldn’t you be lucky to come across a coin like that!
1977 D Penny Value
A 1977 D penny is worth at least double its face value (2 cents) when in used condition. In Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition, it is worth 10 to 25 cents. If graded MS-65, it sells for $0.33.
The record bearing 1977-D Lincoln penny was graded MS68RD and was sold for an amazing $7,050 in a 2016 auction. Someone was lucky that day!
Sadly, even if you have landed a 1977-D penny from the Denver Mint, I doubt you’ll be that lucky too!
There have been 4,194,062,300 such pennies produced, and finding an exceptional one is no easy task, no matter how many small change pockets you go through.
1977 S Penny Value
The 1977-S proof penny is worth about $1 to $2.85. A handful of exceptional examples are worth way more, though.
All 1977 S pennies have been minted in the San Francisco Mint and produced for collectors. They all bear the S mintmark.
The San Francisco Mint produced 3,251,152 of 1977-S Lincoln pennies. It might be significantly less than in Philadelphia or Denver, but 1977 S pennies aren’t scarce at all.
So, what’s the catch?
All the 1977 S pennies were produced for collectors and sold directly to them. As a result, these proof pennies have been preserved in huge numbers.
Moreover, most of these coins are perfectly conserved. They look superior to 1977 D pennies or 1977 pennies with no mint mark.
After all, all proof coins are struck on polished blanks on high-tonnage presses. Their surface is mirror-like, and they feature finely struck details.
Consequently, all 1977 S coins look great, and it is much harder to find the ones that stand out.
Yet, it’s not impossible.
In 2013, one exceptional 1977 S penny was graded PR70RD and sold for a breathtaking $7,050!
1977 D Penny Error Value
Minor 1977 doubled die pennies are worth $25 to $100.
1977 D off-center error pennies that are 10% or more off-center are valued at $15 to $25. Those missing about half of the design but still showing a complete date and mintmark can be worth more than $100!
1977 D repunched mintmark pennies trade for $3 to $15.
Nothing in this world is perfect, coins included. However, being faulty can add value to a coin. A 1977 D penny with an error is thus often more valuable than an “ordinary” one.
Die breaks, or die cracks that result from the die that has started to age, bring extra value to the coins, especially when they appear in a unique shape or pattern.
1977 pennies with a striking die break or die crack can be worth $150 or more.
The so-called BIE error pennies struck in 1977 that have a small vertical die break sell for $5 to $10.
What is the error on the 1977 penny?
Several possible errors can be found on the 1977 penny. As we have already established, the most common are:
- Double die errors
- Off-center errors
- Repunched mint mark errors
- Die crack errors
- BIE errors
Final Words
A 1977 penny is usually nothing to turn your nose up at. It would have to be extra rare and well-preserved to earn you some good money.
On the other side, all circulating 1977 Lincoln Memorial cents are worth at least double their face value. That ain’t that bad!
It is interesting to know that owning a faulty 1977 penny can earn you more than a hundred bucks. Collectors are always excited to see error coins.
If you want to find out more about a 1977 penny value, ask me anything you like in the comment section. Help me spread the useful info to all coin enthusiasts by sharing this article. Thanks.
