In a surprising and unexpected twist, a 1922 No D Lincoln penny was recently found inside an old candy tin and sold for a jaw-dropping $82,500 at an auction. This find amazed even the most experienced coin collectors. It serves as a reminder that treasures can be hidden in the most unlikely places.
This particular penny is already famous in the world of numismatics for being one of the most notable error coins. The penny’s rarity, condition, and the fascinating story behind its discovery sparked major interest from collectors worldwide.
Why the 1922 No D Penny Is So Special
Typically, Lincoln pennies minted in 1922 bear a small “D” mintmark under the year, signifying they were struck at the Denver Mint. However, due to an error in the production process, some coins were struck without this mintmark.
This error occurred because of excessive die polishing during the minting process, which led to some coins being produced without the “D” mintmark. These error coins became extremely rare, making the 1922 No D penny highly sought after by collectors.
The 1922 No D Lincoln penny is considered particularly valuable if it has a strong reverse. This means the back of the coin must be well-defined with clear details, especially the wheat stalks and lettering. The absence of the “D” on the front and a strong reverse are what make it so special.
How the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny’s Value Varies by Condition
The auction price of $82,500 for this specific penny was largely due to its excellent condition and authenticity. The value of a 1922 No D Lincoln penny can vary greatly depending on its condition. Here’s a breakdown of its estimated value by grade:
| Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $400 – $600 |
| Fine (F-12) | $700 – $1,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63 or higher) | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
Coins in Mint State (MS) are in near-perfect condition and are the rarest and most valuable of all.
How the Coin Was Found: From a Forgotten Tin to a Record Auction Price
The story behind how this coin was found is just as remarkable as the coin itself. The seller had inherited an old candy tin that had been sitting in an attic for decades. When going through old family keepsakes, they discovered a small stack of pennies wrapped in tissue paper.
Among these pennies was the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, still shining with a reddish-brown hue. At first, the owner thought it was just another old coin, but later decided to take it to a coin shop for evaluation.
The expert at the shop quickly recognized the coin’s significance and suggested sending it to a professional grading service for authentication. After being graded and confirmed as a Mint State 64 “No D Strong Reverse,” the coin was placed at the center of a bidding war. The auction ended with a final price of $82,500, setting a record for a circulated Lincoln cent found outside of an official collection.
What Makes a 1922 No D Penny Genuine?
For a 1922 No D Lincoln Penny to be considered authentic and valuable, it must meet the following criteria:
- No “D” mintmark visible on the front (obverse).
- A strong and clear reverse design, with well-defined wheat stalks and lettering.
- No tampering or damage that would have altered the mintmark.
- Ideally, it should be graded by a reputable authority, such as PCGS or NGC.
History of the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- Year of Issue: 1922
- Mint: Denver (the only U.S. Mint producing cents that year)
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Error Origin: Over-polishing of the die caused the removal of the mintmark
This penny is part of the Wheat Penny series, which ran from 1909 to 1958. The series is loved by collectors for its depiction of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the wheat stalks on the back.
The discovery of the 1922 No D Lincoln penny in a dusty old candy tin shows us that incredible treasures can be hidden in plain sight. Selling for $82,500, this coin is now part of the legendary finds in the numismatic world. It proves how valuable history, rarity, and condition are to collectors.
Whether you are an expert numismatist or simply have a jar of old coins lying around, it’s worth taking a second look at them—you never know if you are holding onto a rare piece of American history.
FAQs
Why is the 1922 No D penny so rare?
It was minted without the “D” mintmark due to a die polishing error.
How much can a 1922 No D penny be worth?
Its value depends on its condition, with prices ranging from $400 to over $100,000.
How was the coin found?
It was discovered in an old candy tin in an attic.
What makes a 1922 No D penny authentic?
It must have no “D” mintmark and a clear reverse design.
Who designed the 1922 Lincoln penny?
The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner.