Penny from 1964: What’s Common Yet Collectible

Nowadays, the concept of physical money is continuously fading away, yet coins referring to particular events, figures, or eras successfully draw the attention of those who preserve the culture or simply adore the past. In 1964, there was released one prominent coin that did not grow in value or obtain exceptional financial significance over time but expanded its areas of presence and became an iconic symbol of the US.

Every piece of information mentioned above is definitely devoted to 1 Cent USA 1964, but what was it like? What was the historical background in 1964? What does the coin look like today, and how should one check coin value properly? 

The Story Behind 1 Cent USA 1964

The history of each country in the XX century was extremely condensed and overwhelming due to numerous scientific breakthroughs, political upheavals, and major shifts in the economy. The US witnessed a significant period of changes that altered the country’s foundations once and for all. But what about 1 cent 1964 D? 

1964 was a fruitful year, though. The coin was created by Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian sculptor, and it contains one of the most famous portraits of all time, i.e., the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. Initially released in 1909, the iteration of the 1964D penny was meant to mark Lincoln's 100th birthday and delicately yet vigorously represent Lincoln's everlasting legacy,

Inflation seems like a constant challenge, and the American economy of 1964 was not immune to it as well. In fact, the last years before major modifications in coin composition were brought about by rising copper prices contained in this  95%-copper penny. Hence, it was inevitable to switch to the use of zinc in the end.

Design Features of One Cent 1964

Numismatics may have the potential to amaze anyone or keep it traditional with slight to no changes per year. Penny 1964 D, the central part of this article, cannot be attributed to these two groups, as it comprises a traditional appearance and powerful background behind it. Here is the table representing some of the key characteristics of this type of coin. 

Despite the fact that it is a widely circulated coin, the intricate design features of the 1964 penny still captivate those who appreciate both history and what has been established long before.

What About Minting Information? 

Pennies produced in 1964 were considered one of the most widely used coins of that period with more than 6 billion instances minted in Philadelphia and Denver accordingly. The Philadelphia Mint, for example, produced about 2.6 billion pennies, none of which have a mint mark (each representative of this group is usually called “1964 no mint penny”). A tiny "D" mint mark, located beneath the year on the obverse, identifies 3.8 billion pennies manufactured by the Denver Mint.

In the 1960s, there was a growing demand for small change due to some economic modulations, this is why it was inevitable to produce greater volumes of coins. And, in order to deter hoarding, the US Mint implemented a temporary policy that presupposed total elimination of mint marks for a few years, yet 1964-dated were not affected. 

1964 D Penny How Much is It Worth

As for the 1 cent 1964 US value, this commonly depends on the type of coin and its quality, for sure. In most cases, one cent 1964 D valor is not really high, since these belong to the group of widely circulated units of currency rather than rare ones. So, how much does each penny cost? 

Nevertheless, if you wish to estimate the value of your coin more accurately, it is highly recommended that you employ additional tools like the Coin ID Scanner app that may provide instant details regarding the coin's worth, its origin, possible errors, and even interesting facts, too. It is a necessary assistant for numismatists of all backgrounds and levels of proficiency. By the way, you can even identify modern coins with this app, e.g., Hawaii 2008 quarters. So, why wait?  

Instance of the 1964 D Penny Error List to Look For 

It is an open secret that 1964 Lincoln cent errors are the most sought-after options since they represent the most unique and exclusive units of currency minted that year. Should you wonder which coins to search for, here is a quick 1964 D penny error list for the convenience of your future collecting. 

1. Double Die Obverse

A doubling effect on the coin's obverse side is not a rare thing, in fact. As a rule, it usually appears on the words "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the year "1964", which makes these items worth up to $150, depending on how severe and obvious it is.

2. Repunched Mint Mark

When the "D" appears to be stamped twice with one slightly noticeable silhouette offset from the other, the 1964 misprint penny is also considered valuable due to its rare and unexpected nature. The price, though, is not exceptionally high (only $5 to $25 per item). 

3. Die Cracks and Die Breaks

When the die that strikes the coin fractures or splits, there appear die cracks (which is obvious), causing elevated lines or blobs on the penny's surface. These are definitely common, but when apparent, they can significantly boost the worth of the coin (up to $30).

4. BIE Error

1964 penny errors are rather widespread, yet this error is distinguished by a tiny die break between the letters "B" and "E" in "LIBERTY," which gives a rare impression that there is an extra letter, i.e., I. As a result, one may see "BIE" in the center of "LIBERTY".

Pennies minted in 1964 cannot be attributed as “the most sought-after coins in the world”. Nevertheless, these refer to a precious group of numismatic creations that can be attractive items for collectors and average enthusiasts, too. So, always pay attention to the coins of different types and compile your collections with wise aspirations only. 

Source: 

1. https://www.rct.uk/collection/445565/u-s-a-one-cent-1964 

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1964-d-1c-rd/2893