The 1922 No D Lincoln cent with Strong Reverse (FS-401) stands as one of the most important varieties in the entire Lincoln cent series. Collectors often compare it to the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D. However, the 1922 No D differs from the 1922 No D because it arose from a chain of minting mishaps rather than a planned low mintage. As a result, the coin offers an irresistible mix of rarity, intrigue, and historical drama.
A Denver Mint Under Pressure
The story begins with an unprecedented situation: Denver was the only Mint striking Lincoln cents in 1922. Philadelphia and San Francisco paused production, leaving Denver to shoulder the entire output for the year. Heavy demand forced extended die use, and workers routinely polished dies to stretch their service life. That routine practice set the stage for one of American numismatics’ most famous errors.
As dies wore down, their surfaces clashed more frequently. A severe die clash occurred early in 1922, damaging the obverse and reverse dies assigned to one of the working presses. When technicians attempted to remove the clash marks from the obverse die, they polished the surface so aggressively that they weakened, and eventually erased, the D mintmark entirely. Meanwhile, the badly damaged reverse die was replaced with a fresh, sharply detailed one.
This specific combination, over-polished obverse with no mintmark paired with a crisp new reverse, produced Die Pair 2, the celebrated Strong Reverse variety recognized today as FS-401.
Collectors Discover the “Plain 1922”
In the 1930s, collectors began finding 1922 cents with no mintmark. Because the obverse appeared smooth and slightly distorted, many believed Philadelphia had quietly released a small, undocumented mintage. Early price guides even listed the “1922 Plain” as a separate Philadelphia issue. That belief endured for decades and fueled significant market enthusiasm.
As die variety research matured in the mid-20th century, specialists re-examined these mysterious cents. They identified distinct die pairs, traced them all back to Denver, and demonstrated that polishing, not a missing minting facility, caused the missing mintmark.
Once the die study concluded, the Strong Reverse emerged as the premium collectible within the No D group. It shows the sharpest reverse details, the boldest TRUST in the motto, and the strongest diagnostic markers that authenticate the variety.
Why the Strong Reverse Commands Its Own Place in the Market
Although Denver struck more than seven million cents that year, only a small number survived as genuine No D pieces. Even fewer come from the elite Strong Reverse die pair. Mint State examples remain notably scarce, especially those that receive third-party approval for strike quality and originality.
Because of this scarcity, collectors treat major auction offerings as events. One such example is the upcoming 1922-No D Lincoln Cent Strong Reverse, PCGS MS-64 BN (CAC), a standout coin from the Whispering Pines and Marigold Collections. It will be offered by GreatCollections on January 11, 2026.
This coin represents a well-preserved survivor from one of the most storied die pairs in U.S. numismatics, and its certified status places it among the finer Mint State Brown examples known.
Coin Highlights
- Only circulation-strike Lincoln cent that should show a mintmark yet doesn’t.
- Strong Reverse FS-401 features a crisp reverse paired with a characteristically soft obverse.
- Result of aggressive die polishing after a severe die clash at the Denver Mint.
- Premium variety recognized by PCGS and NGC, with clear diagnostics and high demand.
A key date for Lincoln cent registry participants and die-variety specialists alike.
Something else to look for in my change now
1909 VDB copper zinc 3.11g
Good info! Thanks!
I have all the excpect the 1909svc penny but rest of them I have the 1909-1940/1941-1950/
1950-1965
1999 quarter dollar George Washington 1st president of the USA creators John Flanagan JF William cousins WC
1976D Lincoln wheat memorial penny copper zinc 3.11g
I got a 1944 wheat penny and a 1950 wheat penny too, can you tell me how much can I sell these two pennies for ?
Have them graded by pcgs that’s where you will get the value of your coins
Look them up on the internet or go to a coin show where the Pgcs or the other one that grades and show it or just walk around and see how it’s done. The Long Beach coin show is pretty good because they graded ours. They got books that show everything you could want to know. 70 is the best grade! Pretty near perfect at 70 grade.
I have three 1922 wheat pennies for sale
Quanto chiederesti per loro?
Thanks for spreading the information about the 22-D with strong reverse. A lot of people did not understand why it was labeled such, and how come the D was not on the calling when I was younger. Some coinbooks said it was counterfeit.
I have the penny 1909SVDB. This is valuable. Tell me more about it.
If I was you I would have it graded by pcgs if it is ms64 or better ms70 being best you have a new car in your hand. That penny brings thousands even 6 figures
I have probably 1000 or more wheat Penny’s trying to get rid of anyone know where!
What do you want for them?
You should really hang on to him since they quit making pennies
I Have 4 Where Do I Take Them?
I have one.
I have a lot of wheat pennies 1944 where do I take them let me know thanks.
Hola tengo centavo del 1958 del 1935 del 1945 Del 1953 del 1951 del 1955 1956 1976 1957
Who buys these Pennie’s?
I literally have over 130 wheat pennys from 1909 to the last year 1958, not including the ones I have found in the few past years..
I’m still on the lookout for this awesome minting variety.