1972 proof no mint mark

[timlacy]

Just recently found this penny that appears to be a proof strike yet there is no mint mark.It is my understanding that no proofs were struck in 1972 without the S mark. Will try and upload photo.

[liveandievarieties]

Not only no mintmark, no coin!

[timlacy]

Here's a photo it is very low quality though...

[liveandievarieties]

Not a proof coin, proofs are found in proof sets or can be purchased individually from coin dealers. With very few exceptions, you will not find a proof coin in circulation.

What you have is a normal 1972 cent. While the photos are indeed fuzzy, I can see enough to tell you that it's a lightly circulated brown cent, normal.

[jcuve]

Welcome to the forum!
I agree, it seems to be a circulated business strike. Once and a while a proof is spent and found in a roll or change. With your camera, I suggest you stabilize it on something as you shoot, a stack of books - something under it if you don't have a tripod or a mount.

[RWBILLER]

Welcome to LCR. From 1950 to 1964, Lincoln cent proof coins were produced at the Philedelphia mint (no mint mark). From 1965-1967 there were no proofs made. From 1968 to present, proof Lincoln cents are made at the San Fransisco mint (s mint mark). The only year that the mint made a mistake, I believe, was 1990. Only a few coins were struck without the mintmark. Very rare. I suggest very highly that you purchase a "red book" on us coins. You can buy one online or any major book store. The latest edition is 2012. The other thing to do is visit a coin store or local coin show. You will be. Able to see for yourself what a proof coin, etc., looks like in person. Pictures are sometimes deceiving. If you private message me with your address, I will send a proof Lincoln Cent to you at no charge. Get that red-book and read the whole book. It's not only a reference on us coins but ties the history of the US into the book too.

Good luck and remember that if you don't ask questions it's hard to learn. We are here to help! And sit back and whatch how the forum works and what is being posted. By doing that you will also learn alot.