1964 Lincoln Penny Value Guide

The 1964 Lincoln Penny is a significant piece of American numismatics, representing the final year of high-production copper cents before the mid-60s coin shortage. It features Victor David Brenner's classic obverse profile and the Lincoln Memorial reverse design introduced in 1959 to celebrate Lincoln's sesquicentennial.

What affects the value of 1964 Lincoln Penny?

• The presence of original red luster significantly increases value compared to brown, circulated examples.
• Mint state grades (MS-65 and higher) command premiums over the standard $0.02 to $0.05 range.
• The copper content itself provides a base bullion value higher than the one-cent face value.
• Rare striking errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can drastically elevate the price.

How to Identify 1964 Lincoln Penny?

• Verify the 1964 date located on the right side of the obverse field.
• Confirm the presence of the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, which replaced the earlier wheat stalks.
• Check for the 'L' in LIBERTY positioned near the left edge of the coin's rim.
• Look for a 'D' mint mark below the date for Denver strikes or no mint mark for Philadelphia issues.

History of 1964 Lincoln Penny

The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first widely circulated American coin to feature the likeness of a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The reverse initially featured two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname "wheat penny." In 1959, to celebrate Lincoln's sesquicentennial, the reverse design was changed to depict the Lincoln Memorial, which is the design seen on this 1964 penny.