How Much Is a 1964 Lincoln Penny Worth?

As usual, a meek penny might seem like one of the least significant coins. Yet the penny 1964 value may go far beyond what is written on its face. The price of uncirculated coins starts from $1,000 USD.

How Much Is a 1964 Penny Worth Today?

Are 1964 pennies worth anything? This one-cent coin is a part of the long-running Lincoln Cent program, which became famous thanks to its unusual composition, large production volumes, and classic look.

Although this may appear to be a common coin, its physical characteristics and distinctive variants can make it a valuable asset and a true collectible, too. What is a Red item?

Obverse Design

The front of the coin features the Lincoln portrait used since 1909. Victor David Brenner designed this image to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It remains the longest-running design in the history of the US Mint.

Other details are:

• Portrait: A right-facing profile of Lincoln in the center.

• Motto: “IN GOD WE TRUST” arching across the top.

• Liberty: The word “LIBERTY” is to the left of the bust.

• Date: The year “1964” on the right side.

Reverse Design

The back of the coin shows the Lincoln Memorial. This design was introduced in 1959 to celebrate 150 years since Lincoln's birth. It replaced the original "Wheat Ears" style and was created by Frank Gasparro. Else:

• Top area: The words curve around the top.

• Middle area: The phrase sits just above the building.

• Bottom area: The value "ONE CENT" is written clearly at the base.

• Small detail: You can see a tiny statue of Lincoln inside the memorial's pillars.

Composition and Weight

The 1964 Lincoln cent was made with a copper alloy that had been the standard for a century and was established in 1864. While new coins have a bright red color, they turn dark or brown quickly once they start moving through hands.

How much is a penny from 1964 worth? Proof strikes form a separate collector segment. Most regular proof 1964 cents sell for about $5 to $35 in typical collectible grades, while top pieces can go much higher.

1964 Penny Value Chart

According to the PCGS grading service, the 1964 D penny value today chart below has an actual 2026 price. The MS-60 item for the Red piece starts from $1,300 USD.

How to Check Your Item?

• Step 1 – The luster test

If the coin is brown, it is likely common. If it still glows like it was minted this morning, it may be a high-grade candidate.

• Step 2 – The S Secret

You will never find an "S" mint mark on a 1964 penny. San Francisco made them, but they left the mint mark off that year to discourage hoarding.

• Step 3 – The steps check

Use a magnifying glass to look at the Lincoln Memorial on the back. If all the steps are defined, you might have an MS-67 item.

Is a 1964 Penny Rare or Valuable?

The U.S. Mint produced over 6 billion pennies in 1964. It was the highest mintage in history up to that point. You can still find them in your daily routine. The penny is valuable when it has a Red color or an SMS defect. Moreover, check the other major item anomalies, for example, DDR.

The Item History

As a fine representative of the legendary Lincoln Cent series, the 1964 penny manages to carry its own story via the appearance and value trapped in it. Being introduced in 1909, it was the first American coin to commemorate and depict a profile of a real person, i.e., President Abraham Lincoln. And by 1964, the 1964 pennies turned into the real celebration of concurrent events and constraints of the 20th century, while being one of the denominations widely used in the country.

The Economic Situation

The US Mint produced the 1964 penny during a time of economic growth, when people needed more small change for daily use. Even though inflation made it more expensive to make coins, the Mint did not change the metal mix. They kept the standard 95% copper, and 5% tin, and zinc formula that had been used since 1864.

A nationwide shortage of coins peaked this year as well. In response to the widespread hoarding of silver coins caused by rising silver prices, the US Mint was forced to boost production of other denominations, including the penny. Consequently, this led to an extraordinary production of Lincoln Cents in 1964, which was meant to guarantee their continuing use.

Attention: Check the other 87 nickels that are worth money.

Cultural Impact of the Item

Many collectors look for this cent because of its history. In the mid-1960s, the US government prepared to remove silver from most coins, and people started hoarding pieces from use because they feared silver would disappear from currency.

Although the penny’s copper content did not change, the public saved them as a hedge against economic shifts. This massive hoarding made the 1964 date a common sight in family jars and piggy banks for decades. Reasons:

1964 Penny Error List

What is a 1964 penny worth? Minting flaws on 1964 error pennies make them extremely collectible and can fetch much more than their usual value. Doubled die errors may fall into the range of $25 to $200, depending on how severe the doubling is.

Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) cannot be considered a premium option, which is why the price is modest, i.e., $5 to $50. Valuable 1964 D penny error “L on rim” is estimated similarly to off-center strikes and may be worth  $10 to $100 (with high asking prices on popular marketplaces).

Examples of Sale Prices

As for the 1964 no mint mark penny value (as the worth of any version of the issue), it depends on the type of coin and the level of preservation. Most circulation strikes remain inexpensive, but proof coins, minting errors, and especially rare SMS pieces trade in a much higher range. The table below shows realistic market levels for the 1964 D penny error list. 

1964 SMS Penny: What It Is and Why It Matters

What makes a 1964 D penny rare? The SMS penny is not a standard business strike (meant for pockets) nor a traditional Proof (meant for collectors). It is a special strike coin with unique characteristics. It features a smooth, satin-like appearance. It isn't reflective like a mirror (Proof), but it isn't grainy like a regular penny.

The strike is incredibly sharp. You can see microscopic details in Lincoln's hair and the pillars of the Memorial that are usually mushy on standard 1964 coins. The edges are square and sharp, rather than rounded, indicating it was struck with higher pressure than a normal coin.

“Many experts believe there are anywhere from 20 to 50 sets in existence in all grades combined, making these coins very scarce. Many of the 1964 SMS coins could have also been lost, damaged, or even tossed aside since their mysterious status was only somewhat solved by early 1993.”
– Jaime Hernandez, Author
PCGS

Are There Any 1964 Silver Pennies?

The production of this coin took place in two mints, i.e., the one situated in Philadelphia and another established in Denver. As a rule, pennies made in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark at all, while those produced by the Denver Mint should bear a tiny "D" mint mark beneath the date.

What about special strikes?

Proof Coins: were struck at the Philadelphia Mint (they have no mint mark; these collectors' rare 1964 penny value no mint mark is typically higher than for standard pocket change). They were made using polished dies and blanks to create a mirror-like shine.

Special Mint Sets (SMS) are very rare. The Mint produced a small number with a satin finish instead of a mirror shine. They have much sharper details than regular coins.

Genuine 1964 SMS cents are in a different price range altogether. The pieces usually sell for hundreds to even thousands of $. The auction record shows the price of $19,200 for an SP67RD at Heritage Auctions on January 19, 2025.

Because of a nationwide coin scarcity, the 1964 penny was produced in large quantities. The result is that this cent became one of the most widely used pennies in American history. Even so, some characteristics (e.g., errors or proper circumstances) might improve its position on the market and increase its value in the end.

How to Identify a Valuable 1964 Penny

1964 D Penny value (as well as the value of an instance produced in Philadelphia) completely depends on a few factors and, hence, varies from its face value of one cent to thousands of dollars.  Looking for uncommon instances might be a solution, yet an understanding of how the market price is formed is still useful. So, let us check.

Circulation Value

When it is fine yet already circulated,  the 1964 penny value D or Philadelphia specimen remains the same. Their metal content, however, can be definitive. These instances are usually made of approximately 2.95 grams of copper. Although it is illegal to melt US coins for scrap value, copper's intrinsic worth could grow above one cent if copper prices increase.

Mint Types and Their Value

The mint marks on coins are key. Pennies from Philadelphia have no mark and are very common. In circulated condition, they usually trade for face value. How much is a 1964 D penny worth, and the item with no mint mark?

As for the Denver Mint, it manufactured fewer instances. While uncirculated 1964 Penny D can sell for $0.30 to $1.50, depending on grade, circulated ones are worth their face value only.

Variations and 1964 Penny Errors

The 1964 error penny list is usually long and profound, as it incorporates some of the most valuable instances ever minted within the program. As we know, the major part of conventional strikes, but some might include 1964 D penny errors or deviations that increase their value.

Typical mistakes include:

• Doubled die errors (i.e., the slight duplication of inscriptions or design elements that occurs during the minting process).

• Repunched mint marks or RPMs (i.e., visible overlaps of mint marks usually found on coins struck in Denver.

• 1964 penny error l on the edge (i.e., the lettering is struck too close to the outer edge).

• Off-center strikes (i.e, a misaligned design as a result of incorrect minting placement).

Condition and Appearance

Is a 1964 penny worth anything? It depends greatly on its condition, and this cannot be changed. Pieces from pocket change show heavy wear, but Mint State (MS) coins keep their original luster and sharp details. Collectors pay more for uncirculated pieces. High grades from services like PCGS or NGC significantly increase a coin's market appeal.

How Much Is a 1964 Penny Worth in Circulation?

Since you've been researching grading and authentication, remember that uncirculated doesn't just mean it looks new. It means it has zero wear on the high points:

• Lincoln's cheek

• The memorial pillars

How much is a 1964 penny worth with no mint mark? If you find a 1964 penny that looks like it was just minted, don't put it in a jar with other coins. The sound will create tiny scratches called bag marks that can drop a coin's potential grade from an MS-67 to an MS-63.

How to Collect and Preserve Items?

• Handle Coins with Care

Hold coins only by the edges. Finger oils ruin copper surfaces. Use cotton gloves for uncirculated pieces. Never stack or drop them, as scratches immediately kill the grade.

• Use Apps for Quick Results

What is the 1964 penny no mint mark value? How to easily check the minting details of the nickel 1964? To find all this data, ask other questions, and store collections digitally, use a reliable Coin ID Scanner app with the built-in AI assistant. Upload or take a photo to confirm the coin and see realistic market prices.

• Store Coins in a Controlled Environment

Moisture, especially on copper coins, can lead to corrosion or tarnishing. Thus, keep your collection away from heat, sunlight, and humidity. Store them strictly in airtight capsules or PVC-free plastic flips.

• Never Clean Coins

Never clean your coins. Polishing strips the original mint luster and destroys the penny 1964 D value (as well as any other copper cent). Collectors only buy original, uncleaned surfaces.

• Learn Grading Standards

Learn the 1-70 Sheldon scale to identify premium coins and comprehend how tiny differences in condition can affect 1964 Lincoln penny value and perception.

FAQ

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