The 1969 D penny is worth more than the face value nowadays.
It is worth more than what you can imagine if you have any of it in mint or double die condition.
Read on for more information about this old penny that is still of interest to collectors in modern times.
1969 D Penny Design
The 1969 D penny was made in Denver, the world’s largest coin mint and it was designed by David Brenner and Frank Gasparro. It has the D mintmark under its year of production.
It weighs about 3.11 grams and it was made of 95% copper and the rest contains zinc and tin. Also, the 1969 D cent has a plain edge of about 19 millimeters.
A total of about 4,002,832,200 1969 D pennies were minted.
1969 D Penny Designers Missing Initials
Since the history of coin minting in the US, the designers’ initial is always at the obverse or the reverse side of the coin. These initials are so small that you might not notice them. However, there are some pennies in circulation without the designers’ initials.
There is a controversy about this and some people believed the initials were lost in the process of polishing the coin, while others believed they were lost due to abrasion or grease blockage.
Nevertheless, the absence of the designers’ initials does not reduce the value of the 1969 D Lincoln penny. In 2012, a 1969 D penny with a missing designers’ initial was sold for $240 at a coin auction.
1969 D Penny Grading
The 1969 D Lincoln memorial penny is of interest to collectors but the value placed on it will depend on its grading.
Before the penny is valued, collectors will inspect different segments of the coin for any sign of wear and mark on the surface and the color.
For close inspection, collectors or dealers might make use of a magnifying glass.
Highlighted below are some of the grading systems for the 1969 D penny.
Like New or MS67
This is the highest grading level of the 1969 D penny. At this grade level, the coin has no trace of wear and it is without blemish. In addition, the coin still maintains its red color. A 1969 D penny coin in this condition was sold for a staggering price of $7,475 at a coin auction.
Choice Uncirculated or MS65
Collectors have an interest in coins at this grade. The coin is still in near-mint condition as the trace of wear or blemish on it is almost unnoticeable. Also, the color is still near red.
Select Uncirculated or MS63
The 1969 D penny in this condition has no trace of wear but there are signs of blemish on the surface of the coin. In addition, the color has turned red-brown. The coin at this grade level is still of interest to collectors.
➜ How to determine what’s your coin worth
Uncirculated Mint State or MS60
1969 D penny at this level of grading has no trace of wear. However, there are signs of blemish and discoloration on the surface of the coin.
About Uncirculated or AU50
At this level, the value of the coin has reduced but is still worth holding if you have any. There are signs of slight wear on Lincoln’s jaw and cheek. Also, the coin has an obvious trace of discoloration.
Extreme Fine or EF40
Though the coin is still in good condition. However, at this level, the details on the coin are still sharp, with slight signs worn on the surface of the coin.
Very Fine or VF20
This is one of the lowest grade levels. The coin at this level does not have sharp details again. There are noticeable signs of wear and damage on the surface of the coin.
Good or G4
This is the lowest grade level of the 1969 D penny. There are clear signs of wear and damages on the surface of the coin, especially in the year of production.
Value of the 1969 D Penny
If you have any 1969 D penny, you will likely get to exchange it for something more than its face value. Though it was mainly made of copper, collectors placed more value on any of it that is still in mint or uncirculated condition.
The 1969 D penny is valued at around $0.30 if it is still in mint condition. The level of wear on the coin will determine its value.
Conclusion
The 1969 D penny contains about 95% copper, which makes it valuable to collectors. However, the current value of the coin depends on its condition.
