How Much Is A 1922 No D Lincoln Cent Worth?
Values for the 1922 plain cent run from about $500–$700 (Good (G-4), No D strong reverse) to $10,000+ (MS-63 Brown). Here is what separates the bottom of that range from the top — and how to find out where your coin lands.
History of the 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
In 1922 only the Denver Mint struck Lincoln cents, so every genuine 1922 cent should carry a D. But overworked, clogged and over-polished dies produced coins with a weak or entirely missing mint mark — creating the famous "1922 plain" cent, a Philadelphia-looking coin that Philadelphia never made.
Specialists recognize several die pairs. Only Die Pair 2, with a strong reverse and completely absent D, commands the full premium; weak-D coins from other die pairs are worth far less. That distinction makes attribution critical before buying or selling.
The 1922 plain cent was struck in 1922 in bronze (95% copper). Each coin weighs 3.11 grams. Production took place at Denver — the only mint striking cents that year.
How much is a 1922 plain cent worth?
Like every collectible coin, the value of a 1922 plain cent comes down to grade, rarity and demand. The ranges below are approximate retail prices collectors pay for problem-free examples — coins that have been cleaned, scratched or holed usually trade well below these figures.
Printed price guides age quickly. The most honest benchmark is what comparable coins actually sold for. AI Coin Collector gives you a starting point: the Numista catalogue price per grade, from VG to UNC, whenever it identifies a coin.
- Good (G-4), No D strong reverse: $500–$700
- Fine (F-12): $800–$1,200
- Extremely Fine (XF-40): $2,500–$4,000
- MS-63 Brown: $10,000+
How to identify a genuine 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
Before you get excited about a potential find, confirm that the coin in your hand matches the genuine article. Work through this checklist:
When a coin fails any of these checks, treat it with suspicion. Modern counterfeits can be convincing at arm's length, but weight, dimensions and die details rarely lie.
- True No D (Die Pair 2) coins show a sharp, well-struck reverse; weak-D coins have mushy reverses.
- The second 2 in the date is stronger than the first on the genuine variety.
- Beware of 1922-D cents with the mint mark physically removed — look for scratches or a depression below the date.
- TRUST on the obverse appears weak on genuine examples due to die polishing.
Check your 1922 plain cent with AI Coin Collector
The fastest way to find out what you have is to photograph the coin with AI Coin Collector. Our own AI vision model suggests what it is (you check and adjust the suggestion), the app estimates a grade on the Sheldon 1–70 scale, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.
From there you can add the coin to a collection, see the collection’s total value and export it to CSV. The app is free to start and comes to Android first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 1922 plain cent worth?
Broadly, examples at the bottom of the market (Good (G-4), No D strong reverse) trade around $500–$700, while the strongest pieces (MS-63 Brown) bring $10,000+. Grade, rarity and eye appeal decide where a specific coin lands, and problem-free coins always bring the best prices.
How can I tell if my 1922 plain cent is genuine?
Start with the physical basics: true No D (Die Pair 2) coins show a sharp, well-struck reverse; weak-D coins have mushy reverses. Counterfeits usually fail on weight, dimensions or fine die details, so compare your coin against verified reference photos before paying a premium.
Can an app identify and value my 1922 plain cent?
Yes. AI Coin Collector suggests an identification from a single photo using our own AI vision model — you check and adjust it — estimates a Sheldon grade from 1 to 70, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.