The 1971 penny error varieties make this year one of the most exciting for Lincoln cent collectors. With over 4.8 billion pennies minted across three facilities, numerous minting mistakes slipped into circulation.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors who want to separate valuable errors from common coins worth just face value. A small detail you might overlook could mean the difference between one cent and thousands of dollars.
Coin value apps like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors instantly, provide professional grading, and determine accurate market values. Let's explore the most valuable 1971 penny errors you should know about.
Rare 1971 Penny Error List & Value
1. 1971 Penny Doubled Die Obverse Error
The 1971 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is the most famous and valuable error from this year. This error occurred during the die-making process when the hub impressed the design onto the working die multiple times with slight misalignment.
The result is a distinctive doubled appearance on key design elements. You can see clear doubling on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date "1971."
This error is classified as FS-101 in the Cherrypicker's Guide. It represents Class II hub doubling, which creates a spread toward the center of the design.
Value Range: Circulated examples sell for $50-$100. Mint state specimens in MS65 Red grade have sold for over $10,000 at auction.
Identification Tips: Look closely at the "G" in "God" and the "I" in "Liberty" for the strongest doubling. Use at least 5x magnification for accurate detection.
Finding Reliable Error Detection Apps
Given the complexity of identifying these 1971 penny errors, I thoroughly reviewed 10 best coin identifier apps free to determine which ones deliver accurate results. The testing focused on each app's ability to detect doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and other subtle varieties that separate common cents from valuable finds. The two apps recommended at the end of this article consistently outperformed others in detection accuracy and grading precision.
2. 1971-S Penny Doubled Die Obverse Error
The 1971-S proof penny features multiple doubled die obverse varieties. San Francisco produced these proof coins specifically for collectors, making error specimens particularly desirable.
Three main varieties exist: FS-101, FS-102, and FS-103. Each shows different degrees and positions of doubling on the obverse design elements.
FS-101 displays extremely strong Class II doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the vest, and the date. FS-102 is scarcer and shows stronger doubling characteristics overall.
Value Range: FS-101 in PR65 grade starts around $500. High-grade specimens like PR68 DCAM have sold for $9,775 or more.
Identification Tips: The doubling on "LIBERTY" is typically the boldest and easiest to spot. Check all lettering with a loupe for consistent doubled images.
Wondering if your proof penny has this valuable error? A reliable coin value app like CoinKnow can analyze your coin's images and provide instant authentication results.
3. 1971-D Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error
The 1971-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error shows evidence of the mint mark being punched into the die more than once. Before modern technology, workers manually punched mint marks into dies using steel punches and hammers.
When the initial punch wasn't positioned correctly, workers would strike again at a slightly different angle. This created visible "shadow" effects where you can see multiple impressions of the "D."
Value Range: Most 1971-D RPM varieties sell for $2-$45 depending on condition and the strength of the repunching.
Identification Tips: Examine the area around the mint mark carefully. Look for a secondary "D" showing within or adjacent to the primary mint mark.
This error requires careful examination to authenticate properly. The CoinKnow coin value app uses advanced AI technology to detect subtle RPM varieties that might escape the naked eye.
4. 1971-D Penny No FG Error
The 1971-D No FG error occurs when the designer's initials "FG" (Frank Gasparro) are missing from the reverse. These tiny initials normally appear at the base of the Lincoln Memorial's right side.
This variety resulted from overzealous die polishing at the Denver mint. When workers tried to remove die damage, they sometimes accidentally polished away the initials entirely.
Some specimens also show a "floating roof" effect where memorial columns appear partially removed. The most valuable examples combine both missing initials and the floating roof phenomenon.
Value Range: Standard No FG varieties sell for $3-$20 in circulated condition. Exceptional specimens with floating roofs command higher premiums.
Identification Tips: Use good lighting and magnification to confirm the initials are completely absent, not just worn from circulation.
Unsure if your penny has this error or just heavy wear? CoinKnow's coin value app can distinguish between genuine die varieties and post-mint damage with remarkable accuracy.
5. 1971-S Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error
The 1971-S RPM varieties show the "S" mint mark punched multiple times at different positions. Several documented varieties exist with different repunching directions.
One notable variety displays S/S North positioning, where the secondary punch appears above the primary mint mark. This particular RPM is also found on some doubled die specimens.
Value Range: Values range from $5-$50 depending on the specific variety and coin condition. Specimens combining RPM with DDO errors are worth significantly more.
Identification Tips: Compare your coin against published variety photos from CONECA or Wexler's files for proper attribution.
Getting accurate attribution matters for these varieties. A quality coin value app like CoinKnow can cross-reference your coin against thousands of documented varieties instantly.
How Much is a 1971 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Finding and identifying 1971 penny errors requires the right tools. Here are two excellent apps that can help you determine if your coins are valuable.
CoinKnow stands out as the most accurate coin identifier app available today. It offers AI-powered instant identification, professional grading within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale, and automatic rare error detection. The app recognizes doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and missing design elements with impressive precision.
CoinValueChecker provides comprehensive market intelligence alongside identification features. It includes trend analysis, auction alerts, price tracking, and robust collection management tools. This app suits collectors who want identification combined with sophisticated market analysis for their 1971 penny error hunting.
Both apps can transform your smartphone into a powerful numismatic tool.
