1974 Pennies.why All So Different?

Lots of factors here, and it isn't just this year, it's all coins from all years.

Toning, die stages, environmental exposure, etc.

Sure thing. Okay so let's go over toning. Basically toning happens over time when a coin is exposed to the environment, or some outside factor. The coin begins to change color. It can literally range all over the color spectrum. All cents generally start out as bright red once they're released from the mint. Overtime, they begin to change color, often ending in brown. For instance, in the first photo, the coin at the top of the triangle has an orangish hue to it, but it's also brown. That coin has a bit of its original luster, but it's been left in circulation for so long that it's starting to turn brown. That's why the other two coins are brownish as well.

Die stages is the next thing. The piece of equipment that actually presses the image of Abe onto the coin blank is what's known as a "die." Now coin collectors don't like this, but as a beginner you can think of the die as a stamp. When the die is first created, it's nice and fresh. The coins that get stamped are very clear in the design, very crisp. But over time the die becomes older and older, and starts to deteriorate. As this happens, the coins that get struck by it become weaker and weaker in design, and lose detail. That's why some cents might look more "junky" than others.

Environmental exposure can do all types of stuff to coins. Basically what happens is, like toning, the coins are exposed to outside factors and they change color, and look different. It's much more in depth but it's a good explanation for a beginner.

There are more factors that go into why cents look so different from one another sometimes, but hopefully this gives you a clear idea.

. Don't forget that there are large date and small dates that year as well. Use the search box upper left of page for a ton of info.
John1

There were also large and small dates this year. No premium as they were in the 50% of each range. (Most didn't realize there were large and small dates and different reverses on this years cents)

I agree with the above.