The Vanishing Mint Mark Rarity
The 1922-D Weak D Lincoln Cent represents one of the most intriguing mint errors in the wheat penny series. Created when Denver Mint workers over-polished a worn die, these coins range from having a barely visible “D” to no mint mark at all – making them highly prized by collectors.
Current Market Values (2024)
| Grade | Value Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| MS65+ | 5,000−5,000−7,000 | Full red, nearly invisible mint mark |
| MS63 | 1,500−1,500−3,000 | Light red, weak but visible “D” |
| AU55 | 500−500−900 | Circulated but with original surfaces |
| XF40 | 200−200−400 | Clearly worn but identifiable |
| G4 | 20−20−100 | Heavily circulated |
Recent Notable Sales:
- $7,200 (PCGS MS65RD, 2023)
- $4,600 (NGC MS64RB, 2022)
- $1,150 (PCGS AU55, 2021)
How to Identify This Valuable Variety
Key Identification Features:
✅ Date: Must be 1922
✅ Mintmark: Extremely faint or missing “D”
✅ Die Marks: Heavy polishing near “TRUST”
✅ Weight: 3.11 grams (standard wheat penny)
✅ Edge: Plain (normal wheat cent edge)
![Comparison showing normal 1922-D vs. Weak D varieties]
Why This Variety Commands Premium Prices
- Historical Context:
- Result of Denver Mint’s cost-saving measures
- Shows mint workers’ attempts to extend die life
- Condition Rarity:
- Few survive with original red surfaces
- Most were heavily circulated
- Collector Demand:
- Needed to complete 1922 penny sets
- Popular with “No D” variety collectors
Grading & Authentication
Critical Grading Factors:
- Mintmark Visibility (From faint to missing)
- Color Preservation (RD > RB > BN)
- Surface Quality (No cleaning or damage)
Beware of Altered Coins:
- Acid-treated coins to remove mintmarks
- Worn 1922 (Philadelphia) pennies misrepresented
- Counterfeit “No D” versions
Authentication Steps:
- Check for die polish marks near “TRUST”
- Verify weight (3.11g)
- Compare to known examples
- PCGS/NGC certification recommended
Where to Find These Rare Pennies
Best Hunting Grounds:
- Old Coin Collections (Especially from Midwest/West)
- Bank Rolls (Search wheat cent rolls)
- Coin Shows (Ask for “1922 Weak D” varieties)
Pro Tip:
Use a 10x loupe and angled lighting to detect the faintest mintmark traces.
“I Found a 1922 Weak D – Now What?” Checklist
- Handle by edges only
- Photograph under multiple light angles
- Weigh precisely (3.11g)
- Compare to PCGS CoinFacts images
- Consider professional grading if AU50+
Grading Cost: 50−50−100 (worth it for potential $7,000 coin)
Want More Rare Wheat Penny Insights?
Visit PennyVerse.info for:
- Free variety identification guides
- Current market reports
- Collector authentication help
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PS: That old wheat penny might be hiding a four-figure secret – check your 1922s carefully! 🔍💰
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