The 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny holds a special place in the world of coin collecting. Known for its rarity and mysterious minting anomalies, the 1922 penny is highly sought after by numismatists and investors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding the value, history, and key varieties of this fascinating coin can help you make informed decisions.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the 1922 Wheat Penny, why it’s unique, how much it’s worth today, and what to look for when buying or selling one.
History of the 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, designed by Victor David Brenner, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure.
In 1922, however, something unusual occurred: the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints did not produce any Lincoln cents that year. The entire mintage of 1922 Lincoln pennies came exclusively from the Denver Mint, which typically stamped a small “D” mint mark below the date.
Due to heavy wear on the dies and production shortcuts, many of these coins turned out flawed. In some cases, the mint mark was faint or entirely missing, creating what’s now known as the 1922 No D penny—a rare and valuable error coin.
Why the 1922 Wheat Penny Is So Special
There are several reasons why the 1922 Lincoln penny stands out:
1. Single Mint Production
Only the Denver Mint produced pennies in 1922. This is unusual since most years saw production from at least two or three mints.
2. The No D Error
Some 1922-D pennies appear to have no mint mark, which would typically suggest they came from the Philadelphia Mint. But since Philadelphia didn’t strike any cents that year, these coins are considered minting errors, not Philadelphia issues.
3. Low Mintage
Only about 7.16 million Lincoln cents were struck in 1922, making it one of the lowest mintage years in the series.
4. High Collector Demand
Because of its rarity and the intrigue surrounding the No D variety, the 1922 penny is a must-have for collectors completing a Lincoln cent collection.
Types of 1922 Lincoln Wheat Pennies
There are three major varieties of the 1922 penny that collectors seek:
1. 1922-D Strong Reverse
This is a normal coin with a clear “D” mint mark. It’s not considered rare, but still valuable due to the low mintage.
2. 1922-D Weak D
In these coins, the mint mark is very faint or barely visible. It’s the result of worn dies or clogged equipment during the minting process.
3. 1922 No D (Strong Reverse)
This is the most valuable and rarest variety. On this error coin, the mint mark is completely missing, but the reverse design is sharply struck—indicating it was made with newer reverse dies.
The Strong Reverse No D penny is recognized and authenticated by major grading services like PCGS and NGC as a legitimate error and is worth thousands of dollars, even in lower grades.
How Much Is a 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth?
The value of a 1922 Lincoln penny depends on its condition and variety. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Variety | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Mint State (MS-60 and above) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1922-D Strong | $15 – $30 | $50 – $100 | $150 – $300 | $500 – $2,000+ |
| 1922-D Weak D | $25 – $60 | $100 – $200 | $300 – $500 | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
| 1922 No D (Strong Reverse) | $400 – $800 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $3,000 – $8,000+ | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
Note: Values vary based on the coin’s grade and current market trends. Always consult a professional appraiser or coin grading service for accurate pricing.
Authentication and Grading Tips
Because of the 1922 No D penny’s high value, counterfeits are common. Here are a few tips to ensure authenticity:
- Use a magnifier to inspect the mint mark area.
- Look for a strong reverse on the No D variety.
- Watch for coins that have been altered by removing the “D” mint mark.
- Buy only from reputable dealers or certified auctions.
- Consider having your coin graded by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS.
A certified, slabbed coin not only ensures authenticity but also typically fetches a higher price on resale.
How to Sell or Buy a 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re interested in buying or selling a 1922 penny, here are your best options:
Where to Buy:
- Online auction platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions
- Professional coin dealers or coin shows
- Certified coin marketplaces like GreatCollections
Where to Sell:
- Local or online coin dealers
- Numismatic auctions
- Directly to other collectors via coin forums or marketplaces
Before selling, get the coin graded and appraised to understand its true value.
Final Thoughts
The 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a legendary coin in American numismatics. Its rarity, unique minting circumstances, and valuable No D error make it one of the most desirable Lincoln cents ever produced.
Whether you’re a collector looking to complete your Wheat Penny collection or an investor searching for high-value coins, the 1922 penny deserves a place in your portfolio.
If you’re lucky enough to come across a 1922 No D penny, you may be holding a small copper treasure worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I tell if my 1922 penny is the valuable No D variety?
A: Look for a coin with no mint mark and a strongly struck reverse. Have it authenticated by a professional grading service to be sure.
Q: Why did some 1922 pennies not have a mint mark?
A: It was due to heavily worn dies at the Denver Mint, causing the mint mark to be weak or entirely missing.
Q: Are 1922-D pennies with a weak D still valuable?
A: Yes. While not as valuable as the No D variety, weak D coins are still considered collectible and can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in high grades.
Q: Should I clean my 1922 penny before selling it?
A: No. Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value. Always leave them in their original state.