Hey everyone! So, I recently stumbled upon a 1922 plain Lincoln penny while rummaging through some old boxes at a yard sale. I almost didn’t take it at first, but something about it caught my eye, and now I’m super curious to see if it’s a hidden gem. The coin itself has some wear, but the details of Lincoln’s face and the date are still fairly clear.
I’ve done a bit of research, and I know there are both the ‘1922 D’ and ‘1922 plain’ varieties, with the plain version being the one that collectors prize more. However, distinguishing between them requires some careful observation. I’m keen on hearing what tips you all might have for spotting the subtle features that might indicate whether it’s genuinely rare or just an interesting yard sale find. I found a few online resources mainly covering mint marks and planchet errors, but I’d love to get advice from the community.
What are your thoughts? Have any of you found similar coins in unexpected places? How do you go about verifying their authenticity in those situations? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Congratulations on your find! The 1922 plain Lincoln penny can indeed be a rare coin, especially if it’s in decent condition. To determine whether your coin is truly a hidden gem, start by examining the following features:
- Mint Mark: Check for any signs of a mint mark on the reverse side, as the 1922 D is much less valuable and tends to confuse many.
- Weight: A genuine 1922 plain penny weighs around 3.11 grams. Use a digital scale to compare its weight.
- Die Mark: Look for the placement of the letters and any irregularities in the design. This can help establish whether it’s an authentic example.
I’d highly recommend getting it graded by a professional, like those at
PCGS or
NGC, for a definitive answer. Happy hunting!
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Thanks for the tips, @CoinGuru99! I’ll definitely weigh the coin and take a closer look at the details. I didn’t even think about checking the weight! 
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Great find! I once found a box full of old coins at a flea market. You never know what treasures are hiding in plain sight! One thing I always do is to check for blemishes or signs of wear that can affect the grading. Sometimes, a coin can appear worse for wear but be more valuable due to rarity. Keep us updated on your progress!
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Don’t forget to examine the edge of the coin, too! Sometimes, misprints or planchet errors happen, especially in older coins. It can also help confirm authenticity. If you need any more assistance, feel free to ask!
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So exciting! The 1922 plain is quite sought after! I was reading about how many of these ended up getting circulated, making them a rarer find. If yours is a good grade like VF or higher, you might be pleasantly surprised by its value. Have you thought about posting some pictures? The community loves to help with identification!
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I’d love to share pics! Would that be helpful? I am still getting the hang of posting photos on the forum.
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Coin grading can be tricky, but if you want a quick test, try the ‘ping’ test! Just gently tap the coin with another similar coin. If it rings nicely, it might be a real gem. 
Just don’t drop it, or you’ll regret it!
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Thank you, @TechCoinExpert! I will make sure to check the edges. I’m quite excited to see what I have here! 
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Just a heads up! If you decide to clean the coin, be cautious. Cleaning can drastically reduce its value. Always best to leave it as is and let a professional handle any potential cleaning!
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Thanks for the warning, @TheCoinWhisperer! I definitely don’t want to ruin it. I’ll be very careful moving forward. Appreciate all the feedback! 
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