1973 Penny Error List & Coin Value
The 1973 penny error category represents an exciting opportunity for collectors who know what to look for.
The 1973 penny error category represents an exciting opportunity for collectors who know what to look for. While this year doesn't feature blockbuster varieties like the famous 1972 doubled die, several documented errors can turn ordinary pocket change into valuable collectibles.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors because many supposed "errors" are actually just post-mint damage. Learning to distinguish genuine mint mistakes from wear and tear can save you time and help you spot real treasures. Professional tools like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors instantly, provide professional grading, and determine accurate market values.
Rare 1973 Penny Error List & Value
1973 Penny Struck on Dime Planchet Error
This dramatic error occurs when a cent is accidentally struck on a blank intended for a Roosevelt dime. The result is a smaller, silver-colored penny with portions of the design cut off at the edges.
These wrong planchet errors are among the most valuable 1973 penny errors known to exist. One authenticated example sold for an impressive $26,400, while others in lower grades have brought $450 to $860.
To identify this error, look for a coin that appears silver-colored rather than copper. The piece will weigh approximately 2.27 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams, and design elements near the rim will be missing or compressed.
CoinKnow uses AI technology to instantly identify coin errors, assess their condition, and provide current market values. Quickly determine whether your find is worth sending to professional authenticators.
1973 Penny Doubled Die Error
Doubled die errors occur during the die-making process when design elements are impressed multiple times at slightly different angles. This creates a distinctive doubled appearance on letters, numbers, or design features.
Unlike the spectacular 1972 doubled die, no major doubled die varieties exist for 1973 pennies. However, minor doubled dies do appear and can fetch $25 to $100 depending on the strength of the doubling.
Look for doubling in "IN GOD WE TRUST," the date, "LIBERTY," and Lincoln's eye and bowtie areas. Use magnification to examine these features carefully, as minor doubling can be subtle.
A reliable coin value app can help distinguish true doubled dies from worthless machine doubling. CoinKnow's AI technology analyzes these details quickly and accurately.
1973-D Penny Repunched Mintmark Error
Repunched mintmark errors happened because mint workers hand-punched the "D" or "S" onto working dies. When the initial punch wasn't positioned correctly, workers would strike again, creating doubled or shifted mintmark images.
These RPM varieties are relatively common on 1973-D pennies but still collectible. Most examples trade between $3 and $10, with more dramatic specimens commanding higher prices.
Examine the "D" mintmark below the date under magnification. Look for shadows, split serifs, or secondary impressions indicating multiple punches.
Wondering if your 1973-D has a valuable RPM? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through its user-friendly coin value app interface.
1973 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes happen when the blank planchet isn't properly positioned between the dies during striking. This creates coins with crescent-shaped blank areas where the design didn't reach.
Minor off-center errors of 1-2% have little premium value. However, 1973 pennies struck 5-10% off-center bring $10 to $20, while dramatic 50% off-center strikes with visible dates can reach $100.
The key to value is having the complete date visible despite the misalignment. Coins missing their dates are worth significantly less regardless of how dramatic the error appears.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification through its comprehensive coin value app platform.
1973 Penny Die Crack and Cud Error
As dies age and wear, they develop cracks that transfer as raised lines onto struck coins. When pieces break away from the die rim, they create "cuds" — raised blobs of metal on the coin's edge.
One documented cud variety is cataloged as CU-1c-1973D-01 and is recognized by error specialists. Values for die break errors range from $3 for minor cracks to over $100 for significant cuds.
Look for raised lines or bumps that weren't part of the original design. BIE errors, where a crack between "B" and "E" in "LIBERTY" resembles the letter "I," typically bring $5 to $10.
A quality coin value app like CoinKnow can help you evaluate whether your die crack adds meaningful value to your 1973 penny.
1973 Penny Multiple Strike Error
Multiple strike errors occur when mechanical failures prevent proper coin ejection. The planchet receives additional impressions, often at different angles, creating dramatic overlapping designs.
One documented 1973 double-strike that was 90% off-center on the second impression sold for $590 in MS 63 RB condition. These errors are uncommon and highly collectible.
Look for overlapping design elements, expanded diameters, or multiple rim impressions. The more dramatic and well-preserved the error, the higher the potential value.
CoinKnow's coin value app technology can analyze these complex errors and provide accurate market valuations instantly.
How Much is 1973 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Determining accurate values for 1973 penny errors requires reliable identification tools. Here are two excellent options for collectors.
CoinKnow delivers exceptional accuracy for error coin identification with AI-powered grading that rivals professional services. The app provides real-time market valuations, automatic rare variety recognition, and detailed specifications instantly. It's particularly strong for detecting doubled dies, off-center strikes, and wrong planchet errors.
CoinValueChecker offers comprehensive market intelligence alongside its identification features. Collectors appreciate its trend analysis, auction monitoring, and robust collection management tools. The app excels at tracking values over time and providing context for pricing decisions.
Both applications help transform confusing error coins into confidently identified collectibles with accurate valuations.