In a surprising event, a rare 1922 No D Lincoln penny was found inside an old candy tin. The penny later sold at auction for $82,500. Even experienced collectors were shocked by this amazing find.
This special coin is already famous among coin lovers. Its rarity, good condition, and the story of how it was found made it very valuable.
Why the 1922 No D Penny Is Rare
Most 1922 Lincoln pennies were made at the Denver Mint. So, they should all have a small “D” below the date.
But a few coins were made without the “D” because of too much polishing on the die during minting. This mistake caused only a small number of “No D” pennies to be made.
The rarest and most wanted type is the one with no “D” on the front and a strong, clear back. That is what makes this penny so special.
How Much Is a 1922 No D Penny Worth?
The penny sold for $82,500 because it was in near-perfect condition. It was also confirmed to be real. The value of a 1922 No D penny depends on its condition.
| Coin 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 are the most valuable. They are very rare and look almost new.
How the Coin Was Found
The person who sold the penny got it from a relative. It was inside a metal candy tin stored in an attic for many years.
While looking through old items, the person found a small group of pennies wrapped in tissue. One of them was the 1922 No D penny. It looked clean and had a reddish color.
At first, the owner didn’t think it was special. Later, they took it to a coin shop. The expert there knew right away it might be very rare. They suggested sending it to a grading service.
The grading service confirmed it was a Mint State 64 “No D Strong Reverse” penny. This made it one of the best examples of this error coin.
Buyers from around the world wanted the coin. After many bids, it was sold for $82,500. That is a record price for a Lincoln cent found outside a coin collection.
How to Tell If a 1922 No D Penny Is Real
For a 1922 No D penny to be real and valuable, it must meet some conditions:
- No “D” mintmark on the front
- Strong and clear back design
- No damage that looks like someone removed the “D”
- Graded by trusted companies like PCGS or NGC
Only coins that match all these things are seen as real No D Lincoln pennies.
History of the 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
The penny was made in 1922. That year, only the Denver Mint made Lincoln cents.
The coin is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. It was designed by Victor David Brenner. The mistake happened because the mint workers over-polished the die and removed the “D.”
This penny is part of the Wheat Penny series, which ran from 1909 to 1958. These coins have Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back.
A Reminder That Treasure Can Be Anywhere
The story of this penny shows that valuable things can be found in everyday places. This coin sat in an old tin for years before someone realized its worth.
Now, it is one of the most valuable Lincoln cents ever sold. It proves that condition, rarity, and a great story can make even a small coin worth a lot.
If you have old coins, take a second look. You might have a hidden treasure too.
FAQs
What is a 1922 No D penny?
It’s a Lincoln penny with no “D” mintmark.
Why is it valuable?
Because it’s rare and a minting mistake.
Where was it found?
Inside an old candy tin in an attic.
Who made the coin?
The Denver Mint in 1922.
Can I find one too?
Yes, check your old coins carefully.