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1974-D

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,235,098,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-665

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About this coinHistory

Denver's 1974 cent production exceeded 4.23 billion pieces, bearing the "D" mintmark. The Denver facility ran at enormous capacity to supply the nation's need for small change during a period of high inflation. Rising prices meant more transactions and more demand for coins of all denominations.

President Nixon resigned in August, replaced by Gerald Ford. The economy struggled with "stagflation," a combination of stagnant growth and rising prices. The 1974-D cent is one of the most common coins in the Memorial series, available in huge quantities at minimal cost.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.01 $0.01
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.01 $0.01
F-12 Fine (F) $0.01 $0.01
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.01 $0.01
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.01 $0.01
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.01 $0.01
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.01, rising to roughly $0.01 in About Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
4,235,098,000 were struck.
What is a 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.