In an extraordinary and unexpected turn of events, a rare 1922 No D Lincoln penny discovered inside a dusty old candy tin was recently sold for an astonishing $82,500 at auction. The find stunned even seasoned collectors, offering yet another reminder that coin treasures can be hiding in the most ordinary places.
This penny, already known in the numismatic world as one of the most famous error coins, sparked immense interest due to its rarity, condition, and the incredible story behind its discovery.
Why the 1922 No D Penny Is So Rare
Unlike most coins, the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny was minted exclusively at the Denver Mint, meaning every coin from that year should carry a small “D” beneath the date.
However, due to excessive die polishing during the minting process, some coins were struck without the “D” mintmark—an error that resulted in a limited number of “No D” pennies being circulated.
Collectors categorize the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny with a strong reverse as the only true “No D” Lincoln cent, separating it from other weakly struck examples or coins damaged over time. That specific combination—no D on the obverse and a strong, clear reverse—is what makes it so desirable.
Value of the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny by Condition
The final auction price of $82,500 was influenced by this coin’s near-pristine condition and confirmed authenticity. Here’s a table showing how the value of a 1922 No D Lincoln penny increases with quality:
| 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+ |
Note: “Mint State” coins in near-perfect condition are exceedingly rare and command the highest premiums.
How the Coin Was Found: From Forgotten Tin to Auction House
The seller of this coin had inherited an old metal candy tin from a late relative, stored in an attic for decades. While sorting through keepsakes and family mementos, they stumbled upon a small stack of pennies wrapped in tissue paper. Among them sat the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, gleaming with a reddish-brown patina and crisp detailing.
Initially assuming it was just another old coin, the owner later took it to a coin shop for evaluation. The expert immediately recognized the potential significance and advised submitting it to a third-party grading service.
After authentication and grading, the coin was certified as a Mint State 64 “No D Strong Reverse”, putting it among the highest-quality known examples of this error.
Collectors from around the world participated in the final bidding war, which concluded at $82,500—a record price for a circulated Lincoln cent found outside of an official collection.
What Makes a 1922 No D Penny Authentic?
To be considered a genuine 1922 No D Lincoln Penny worth high value, it must meet the following criteria:
- No visible “D” mintmark on the obverse (front).
- Strong and clear reverse design, especially the wheat stalks and lettering.
- No signs of tampering or damage that could have removed the mintmark artificially.
- Ideally, the coin should be graded by a recognized authority like PCGS or NGC.
History of the 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
- Year of Issue: 1922
- Mint: Denver (only U.S. Mint producing cents that year)
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Error Origin: Die over-polishing removed the “D” mintmark
This cent is part of the Wheat Penny series (1909–1958), beloved by collectors and known for the iconic image of Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the reverse.
The story of the 1922 No D Lincoln penny hidden in an old candy tin reminds us that incredible treasures often hide in plain sight. Selling for $82,500, this coin joins the ranks of legendary finds and proves why collectors value history, rarity, and condition so deeply.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or someone with a jar of old coins, it’s worth taking a second look—you never know if you’re holding onto a piece of American history worth tens of thousands.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a valuable 1922 No D penny?
Look for a 1922 penny with no visible “D” under the date and a strong, detailed reverse. Get it authenticated by a professional grading service to confirm its value.
Can a worn or damaged 1922 penny still be valuable?
Yes, even heavily circulated 1922 No D pennies can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on rarity and condition.
Where can I sell a rare coin like this?
You can sell through certified auction houses, trusted coin dealers, or online marketplaces—preferably after authentication and grading to maximize your sale price.