If you’re seeking a solid entry into 1972 D small date Lincoln cents, this guide highlights five BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) pennies that suit different collectors’ goals. Best for new collectors seeking affordability, best for serious investors, and best for those focusing on 1972 D mint marks. Each product section explains who it’s best for and why it was selected, with practical notes on potential limitations.
| Product | Mint Mark | Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny | S | BU | Collectors seeking San Francisco mint issues |
| 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny | D | BU | Budget BU option with Denver mint |
| 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny PCGS MS66RD | D | MS66RD | Higher-grade option for careful collectors |
| 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny | S | BU | San Francisco mint, BU quality |
| 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny | D | BU | Denver mint, common date, solid BU choice |
1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny
Details: Genuine 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent / Penny in BU Mint State Condition. This listing emphasizes San Francisco minting and a high-grade appearance. Best for collectors who specifically want the “S” mint mark and a preserved BU look. A caution: stock photo accuracy may vary slightly from the exact coin received.
1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny
Details: 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent Penny in BU Uncirculated Mint State. Images used are stock photos from the inventory, and your purchase is guaranteed to match the shown quality. Best for Denver mint fans and those building a 1972-era set. Limitation: may be more common than other 1972 issues, so pricing can reflect availability.
1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny PCGS MS66RD
Details: PCGS MS66RD graded 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Penny. This option is best for serious collectors seeking a precise, high-grade red-dominant example. A caveat: PCGS-grade coins can command premium pricing, potentially reducing accessibility for beginners.
1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny
Details: 1972 S Lincoln Memorial Cent Penny in BU Uncirculated Mint State Condition. Stock photos mirror the listing, with guarantee of quality. Best for completing a mixed-year set that includes the San Francisco mint mark. Limitation: as with other BU pieces, eye appeal varies by individual coin.
1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny
Details: Genuine 1972 D Lincoln Memorial Cent, BU Mint State. This listing notes a strong BU presentation suitable for Denver-mint enthusiasts. Best for those who want a reliable, shiny BU 1972 D piece. Caution: some coins labeled BU may show minor contact marks typical of BU specimens.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Mint mark importance: Decide if you prefer S (San Francisco) or D (Denver) mint marks for your collection. S-mint issues often fetch different demand dynamics than D-mint coins.
- Condition grades: BU, MS66RD, and similar grades indicate different levels of luster and eye appeal. Higher grades can be more expensive but offer greater visual quality.
- Original vs. stock imagery: Listings may use stock photos. Request additional images if exact coin appearance matters to you.
- Stock vs. certified coins: PCGS or NGC certification can provide added assurance, but often at a premium. Weigh certification against your budget.
- Historical context: The 1972 Lincoln cent is common; depth of minting variations (small vs. large date) can influence value more than mere year, so verify specific date and style in listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “small date” Lincoln cent? – It refers to the date size and design variations that appear on certain 1972 issues, often worth distinguishing in a set.
- Is a PCGS MS66RD designation important for casual collectors? – It signals a high-grade, red-dominant coin and can affect price and desirability depending on your goals.
- What does BU mean? – BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated, indicating coins with mint luster and no wear from circulation.
- Should I buy multiple 1972 D coins? – If you want a mixed-year set, buying both BU and higher-grade examples can diversify appearance and mint-mark variety.
- Are 1972 S and 1972 D coins equally available? – Availability varies by market and grade; S-mint examples may be less common in high grades than some D-mint counterparts.
- What should I consider before buying a 1972 penny online? – Confirm mint mark, date accuracy, grade, and return policy; request close-up images to verify surface details.