1964 Lincoln Penny Values, Errors, and Rarities

The 1964 Lincoln penny is an interesting coin for collectors. It has a wide range of values based on its condition and any special features it may have. Some can be worth only a few dollars, while others can be worth thousands. In this article, we will explore the different values, errors, and rare types of the 1964 Lincoln penny. We will also look at its history and how to identify special features that can increase its value.

Understanding the Value of the 1964 Lincoln Penny

The value of a 1964 Lincoln penny depends largely on its condition. Coins in better condition generally sell for higher prices. As of November 2023, the melt value of a 1964 Lincoln penny is about 2.3 cents, based on the current price of copper. However, it’s important to note that Lincoln cents made after 1982, which are mostly zinc with a thin layer of copper, have a much lower melt value.

1964 Lincoln Penny Prices

Below is a table that shows the prices for different grades of 1964 Lincoln cents:

Grade	Price
MS-63 RD	$6
MS-64 RD	$10
MS-65 RD	$20
MS-66 RD	$27
MS-67 RD	$1,100

1964-D Lincoln Penny Prices

For the 1964-D Lincoln cents, the prices are similar, as shown in the table below:

Grade	Price
MS-63 RD	$6
MS-64 RD	$8
MS-65 RD	$20
MS-66 RD	$26
MS-67 RD	$650

1964 Proof Lincoln Penny Prices

Proof coins are specially made for collectors and usually have higher values. Here’s the price breakdown for 1964 Proof Lincoln cents:

Grade	Price
PR-64 RD	$8
PR-65 RD	$10
PR-66 RD	$10
PR-67 RD	$20
PR-68 RD	$26
PR-69 RD	$45
PR-70 RD	$2,350

History of the 1964 Lincoln Penny

In 1964, nearly 6.5 billion Lincoln cents were minted in three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the Denver Mint produced coins with a “D” mint mark, coins from the other two locations did not have mint marks. This makes it hard to tell where they were minted unless you look closely.

The Coin Shortage of 1965

In the early 1960s, there was a coin shortage in the United States. People started hoarding coins because the value of silver was rising. This led to fewer coins being in circulation, which made it harder for collectors to find good-quality 1960s coins. To help with this issue, the U.S. Mint stopped putting mint marks on coins from 1965 to 1967, except for the Lincoln cents minted in Denver.

Grading the 1964 Lincoln Penny

Coins are graded based on their condition and how much of their original color remains. The most common grading terms for Lincoln cents are:

• Red (RD): Almost all original color is still visible.
• Red-Brown (RB): Some original color remains.
• Brown (BN): Very little to no original color is left.

Red coins are the most desirable among collectors, while brown coins are generally worth less.

Most Valuable 1964 Lincoln Cents

Some 1964 Lincoln cents have been sold for very high prices at auctions. Here’s a list of some of the most valuable types:

Type	Auction Record Price	Finest Known
1964 Lincoln Cent	$7,931 for MS-67 RD	MS-67+ RD
1964-D Lincoln Cent	$4,025 for MS-67	MS-67+ RD
1964 Proof Lincoln Cent	$2,585 for PR-70	PR-70
1964 SMS Lincoln Cent	$15,600 for SP-67 RD	SP-68 RD

1964 Lincoln Cent Varieties and Errors

Errors and varieties can increase the value of a coin. A variety coin has a mistake in the die used to make the coin. One notable variety for the 1964 Lincoln cent is the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR). This coin has noticeable doubling in the inscription on the back.

Error coins happen due to mechanical problems during the minting process. They can be worth a lot, especially if they are very different from regular coins. Examples include off-center strikes, where the coin is not centered when it is stamped.

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