Is Your 1968 Penny Rare? Key Facts & Values

Some coins turn into valuable assets over time, while others remain ordinary for many years. Their legacy and exceptional circumstances might make presumably regular numismatic creations outstanding. But can you predict which instances are to be like gold dust? We bet some of you cannot. 

Let us take the 1968 penny. It can be both common and precious, standard and rare. Its errors, special designation, and mint marks may significantly influence the value in both financial and cultural ways. In this material, we are to define the main factors that make pennies top-tier, check coin value, and learn how to get fine samples for your collection.

Overview of the 1968 Lincoln Penny

In the middle of the XX century, there was no quiet, hustle-less place. The United States, for example, had to deal with different international disputes like the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the space race, all of which can be considered determining and even fatal to some degree.

1968 was a significant year in numismatics, too, for the US Mint finally restored mint marks, which had been temporarily removed from 1965 to 1967 in an attempt to deter hoarding. The Lincoln cent was a vital component of daily transactions, with millions of coins produced across three different mint facilities during that year.

Now, let us get acquainted with the appearance of this coin. 

The appearance of this coin was a commemoration of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. It served as a tribute to the nation's 16th president whose benevolent endeavors managed to become momentous. 

Mint Marks and Their Impact on Value

The 1968 Lincoln penny was minted by three different facilities, namely Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Indeed, the 1968 penny worth can be influenced by the place (and circumstances dependent on the place) and mint marks left on the obverse.

1. 1968 Penny No Mint Mark – Philadelphia Mint

Mintage: 1,707,880,970 

This is the most common variant, which can be missed in circulation since they do not bear any indication of the Mint. They have little numismatic value when they are in circulation, but well-preserved uncirculated examples can be significantly more expensive.

2. 1968 D Penny – Denver Mint

Mintage: 2,886,269,600

This was the highest-mintage variety of 1968, recognized by the tiny "D" mint mark on the obverse beneath the date. Circulated 1968 D pennies are typically sold only for their face value or copper melt price. Uncirculated specimens of higher quality can be more desirable.

3. 1968 S Penny – San Francisco Mint

Mintage: 258,270,001 (regular issue) and 3,041,506 (proof coins)

Compared to its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts, the 1968 S variant is more uncommon (especially, if it is a 1968 proof penny). All in all, these varieties can fetch high prices, particularly in premium grades like MS/PR69 or MS/PR70.

Briefly about Designations 

Should you wish to uncover the true value of pennies, it is important to pay attention to those strange combinations of letters always attributed to a coin by a grading service like PCGS or NGC. They always go after the denomination to indicate the color, quality of strike, and finish.

To be more precise, Lincoln cents made of copper are graded based on their color, which affects/reflects the value. These include:

• BN (Brown) – An instance with the brown toning because of oxidation over time.

• RB (Red-Brown) – Red and brown color, often found in lightly circulated or older uncirculated coins.

• RD (Red) – A well-preserved coin with at least 95% of its original red luster.

Apart from that, proof coins can be distinguished on the basis of their surface reflectivity: 

• CAM (Cameo) – A frosted design with a reflective background.

• DCAM (Deep Cameo) – An intense frosted design with a deep mirror-like background.

The Main 1968 Penny Errors and Varieties 

One may not believe but there may exist an uncountable number of errors that may occur during the minting process. As for the pennies, collectors may find off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and die cracks or cuds. However, we are to focus on three less common imperfections that managed to draw the attention of dozens of coin enthusiasts and sparked heated debates. 

1968-D Lincoln Cent Obverse Misaligned Die

Approximate value: $5 to $50+

When the obverse die and reverse die are not correctly aligned before striking, there might appear an off-center error. The worth of the penny is determined by the degree of misalignment, with more significant shifts being favored even more.

1968-D/D Lincoln Cent RPM (Repunched Mint Mark)

Approximate value: $10 to $150+

The reason for this deviation lies in the fact that the Denver mint mark was punched into the die more than once, which led to a visible doubling or slight overlap. Stronger repunching, particularly in uncirculated form, is more uncommon and brings more money than expected.

1968-D Lincoln Cent DDR (Doubled Die Reverse)

Approximate value: $25 to $400+

Finally, there is an instance that most collectors strive to find but fail (though it surely exists). DDR (or doubled die reverse) means that inscriptions like "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and the Lincoln Memorial columns exhibit a visible doubling, for the reverse die has been struck multiple times at slightly different angles. The stronger the doubling, the higher the value.

1968 Penny Value by Grade

The condition of a 1968 Lincoln penny has a significant impact on its value. However, it is always about the combination of factors (e.g., the above-mentioned designations, mint marks, and errors). Coins in circulation (grades G-4 to AU-50) are typically valued between 3 and 10 cents for the amount of copper they contain, though their erroneous issues can be far more expensive.

So, how much is a 1968 penny worth? Although the most accurate way to determine the price of the coin is to refer to professional grading services like PCGS, ask for an appraisal, or employ digital tools like Coin ID Scanner*, we still provide a quick table of the official past purchases at auctions. 

*Coin ID Scanner is an innovative and easy-to-use app designed for collectors, investors, and numismatists. With just a quick scan, you can identify coins, check their value, and access detailed historical data in an instant.

Download Coin ID Scanner today and take your coin collecting to the next level!

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1968-1c-rd/2905 

2. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/penny