1922-D Lincoln Cent, Missing D

All Lincoln cents coined in 1922 came only from the Denver Mint, where more than 7.1 million pieces were struck. A very small percentage of them are what collectors describe as "Plain", that is, they're missing the "D" mintmark. A few of the 1922-D cents are also characterized by a barely visible, “Weak D” mintmark.⁽¹⁾

Researchers have identified three die varieties, or die pairs, responsible for the missing mintmark effect. The most important of the trio is “Die Pair 2,” considered by numismatists to be the only true “No D” variety, and carries the most clout in the marketplace.⁽²⁾

Regarding Die Pair 2, the current theory is that a pair of working dies, well into its production run making normal 1922-D cents, suffered a clashing event (i.e., the coin press activated without a planchet in place, causing the dies to hit one another, resulting in damage to the dies).⁽³⁾

The reverse die was destroyed and replaced with a new die. The obverse die, though already considerably worn, was deemed serviceable. The die was reworked and polished to remove the clash marks, but in the process, the D mintmark was erased. These dies were then coupled to form Die Pair 2, and the resulting coins bore no mintmark whatsoever.

Die Pair 1 and Die Pair 3 may have evolved as a result of die deterioration and die filling. This theory suggests the obverses of these die pairs accumulated foreign matter (lubricants, dirt, metal filings, or any combination thereof) in the recess of the mintmark. Thus, the mintmark could not form because the gunk occupying the recess prevented metal flow.

With additional strikings, the gunk compressed and the same dies produced the “Weak D” effect. This process repeatedly played out, alternatively producing “No D” and “Weak D” cents.

It is not difficult to distinguish Die Pair 2 examples from those of Die Pairs 1 and 3. On Die Pair 2, the reverse is by far the sharpest, the second 2 in the date is bolder than the first 2, and the obverse, although worn, is the strongest of the three.

Ironically, had cents been produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1922, the "No D" rarity would probably have never been recognized. Upon hitting circulation, Denver cents missing the D would have been assumed to have originated in Philly.⁽⁴⁾

When shopping for the 1922 “Plain” Lincoln cent, remember it is the Die Pair 2 “Strong Reverse” favored most by collectors. However, the “Weak D” and “Weak Reverse” of Die Pairs 1 and 3 do carry some value and deserve to be placed in protective holders.

Be careful when buying a 1922-D "No D". As should surprise no one, many so called "no D" cents have been passed on to unsuspecting collectors that are regular 1922-D cents altered to remove the D. That's why it's better to obtain examples of this rarity certified by PCGS or NGC.

Like other key dates of the venerable Lincoln cent series, the 1922 “No D” has stumbled in value over the last few years, in accordance with its long history of cyclical movements. Expect to see steeper trendlines in the not-so-distant future.

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Trendline Avg = 5.71	CLASSIC RARITY

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