1962 Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1962 Lincoln Cent is a significant piece of the Lincoln Memorial series, which began in 1959 to replace the historic Wheat Ears design. Struck in a 95% copper bronze alloy, these coins are highly collectible for their role in the first decade of the Memorial reverse era.

What Is 1962 Lincoln Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1962 Lincoln Cent is $0 - $1 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original red (RD) luster significantly increases value over brown (BN) examples.
• High-grade specimens, particularly those in MS-65 or higher, command prices above the standard $0.50 range.
• Mint errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can greatly enhance the market value.
• Overall surface preservation and the lack of heavy contact marks or corrosion.

How to Identify 1962 Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the 1962 date on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse.
• Check for the absence of a mint mark for Philadelphia strikes or a 'D' for Denver-minted coins.
• Examine the coin for a sharp strike on the pillars of the Memorial and Lincoln's hair details.
• Confirm the material is bronze, as 1962 cents were minted before the transition to zinc-coated steel.

History of 1962 Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first widely circulated American coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The obverse design, featuring Lincoln, has remained largely consistent, while the reverse design has changed several times, notably from the 'Wheat Ears' design to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959, and then to various commemorative designs for the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth in 2009, before settling on the Union Shield design. The 1962 coin is part of the Lincoln Memorial series.