1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent Value Guide

The 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a significant early entry in the Memorial reverse series, which replaced the Wheat design in 1959. It is highly sought after by variety collectors due to the distinct 'Small Date' and 'Large Date' hub changes made during production at the Philadelphia and Denver mints.

What Is 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the rarer 'Small Date' variety, especially in Philadelphia strikes.
• The amount of original red luster remaining on the copper surface.
• Overall strike sharpness, particularly on the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial.
• The absence of carbon spots or finger oils which commonly degrade 1960s copper coinage.

How to Identify 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Check the numeral '0' in the date; a Small Date variety has a rounder interior, while the Large Date is more oval.
• Examine the alignment of the '1' in the date; in Small Dates, the top of the 1 is level with the 9.
• Verify the metal composition is 95% copper, as the transition to copper-plated zinc did not occur until 1982.
• Look for the 'D' mint mark below the date to distinguish Denver strikes from Philadelphia issues.

History of 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The original reverse design, known as the 'Wheat Cent,' featured two stalks of wheat. In 1959, to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and the 50th anniversary of the coin's introduction, the reverse was redesigned to feature the Lincoln Memorial, which is the design seen on this 1960 coin. This design was used until 2008.