1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny Value Guide

The 1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny is a significant piece of numismatic history, marking a period when the U.S. Mint continued striking the 1964 date into 1965 to combat a national coin shortage. Designed by Victor David Brenner and Frank Gasparro, this copper-alloy cent remains a staple for collectors focusing on the Memorial reverse era that began in 1959.

What Is 1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny 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 original 'Red' (RD) luster significantly increases value compared to 'Brown' (BN) circulated examples.
• Mint state grades, particularly MS-65 or higher, command premiums over the standard $0.02 to $0.05 valuation.
• The specific mint location, with Philadelphia and Denver producing billions of units, making high-grade specimens the primary targets for value.
• The presence of rare minting errors or die varieties which can elevate the price above common bullion value.

How to Identify 1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny?

• Check the reverse for the Lincoln Memorial design, which replaced the earlier Wheat Ears motif in 1959.
• Verify the composition is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, giving it a distinct weight compared to later zinc-core pennies.
• Look for the 'D' mint mark below the date for Denver strikes or the absence of a mark for Philadelphia issues.
• Examine the obverse for the 1964 date, noting that some were actually produced in 1965 due to the era's coin shortage.

History of 1964 Lincoln Memorial Penny

Designed by Victor David Brenner and Frank Gasparro, the 1964 penny belongs to the Memorial reverse era which began in 1959 to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. 1964 was a notable year in numismatics due to a severe coin shortage in the United States, leading the Mint to continue using the 1964 date into 1965.