1969 Lincoln Penny Values, Errors, and Rarities

The 1969 Lincoln penny is a fascinating piece of American coin history. With nearly 5.7 billion of these coins minted, they are not rare, but some have unique features that make them valuable to collectors. This article will explain the different types of 1969 Lincoln pennies, their values, errors, and some special varieties that collectors look for.

Overview of 1969 Lincoln Pennies

In 1969, Lincoln cents were minted at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. This was a significant year because it was the first time in decades that new master hubs were used for minting these coins. The quality of the 1969 pennies was much better than those minted in 1968, which had worn-out master hubs.

Composition of Lincoln Pennies

From 1909 to 1982, Lincoln pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% zinc (or zinc and tin). As of October 2023, a 1969 Lincoln cent has a melt value of about 2.3 cents. However, pennies minted since 1982 are mostly zinc with a thin copper coating, making their melt value only 0.65 cents.

1969 Lincoln Penny Prices

The value of Lincoln cents largely depends on their condition, especially their “Mint State” ratings given by coin grading services. The two top grading services are PCGS and NGC.

Despite minting around 900 million more coins in 1969 compared to 1968, 1969 cents often sell for higher prices. Below are the values of 1969 Lincoln cents based on their grades.

Price Table for 1969 Lincoln Pennies

Type	Mintage	MS-63 RD	MS-64 RD	MS-65 RD	MS-66 RD	MS-67 RD
1969-P	1,136,910,000	$6	$12	$20	$44	$575
1969-D	4,002,832,200	$5	$8	$20	$40	$325
1969-S	544,375,000	$8	$15	$20	$34	$350
1969-S Proof	2,934,631	$6	$7	$8	$12	$20

Understanding Grading Terms

Lincoln cents are graded not only by their condition but also by how much of their original color remains. Here are the classifications:

• Red (RD): Coins with almost all of their original luster.
• Red-Brown (RB): Coins with some of their original luster.
• Brown (BN): Coins that have lost most of their original color.

Coins graded as RD are generally more valuable than those graded as RB or BN.

Most Valuable 1969 Lincoln Cents

Some 1969 Lincoln pennies are exceptionally valuable due to their rarity or specific features. Below is a summary of auction records for the highest-known grades.

Auction Records Table

Type	Auction Record Price	Finest Known
1969-P	$5,750 (MS-67 RD)	MS-67+ RD (4, PCGS); MS-66 RD (1, NGC)
1969-D	$7,475 (MS-67 RD)	MS-67+ RD (3, PCGS); MS-66 RD (3, NGC)
1969-S	$4,406 (MS-67 RD)	MS-67+ RD (4, PCGS); MS-65 RD (1, NGC)
1969-S Proof	$230 (PR-69)	PR-69 (94, PCGS); PF-69 (34, NGC)

Varieties and Errors of the 1969 Lincoln Penny

Some 1969 Lincoln cents have unique features due to mistakes during production. Here are two notable varieties:

1969-S DDO Lincoln Penny

The 1969-S DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) is one of the most famous varieties. Only 15 have been graded by PCGS, making it quite rare. Counterfeiters have produced fake versions, so it’s crucial to buy from reputable sources. The DDO is noticeable without a magnifying glass.

• Auction Record: $126,500 for MS-64 RD (2008, Heritage)

1969-D “No FG” Lincoln Penny

Another error is the 1969-D “No FG,” where the initials “FG” are missing from the Lincoln Memorial design. This error isn’t extremely rare, but it sells for much more than regular 1969-D pennies.

• Auction Record: $505 for MS-65 RD (2017, Heritage)

Conclusion

The 1969 Lincoln penny represents an important chapter in American coinage history. While millions were minted, certain varieties and errors make specific coins very valuable to collectors. Knowing the differences in grading, value, and the types of errors can help both novice and experienced collectors. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just learn more about Lincoln cents, understanding these details can enhance your appreciation for this fascinating hobby.

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