1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent Value Guide

The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a staple of the long-running series that transitioned from the Wheat Ears design in 1959 to honor Lincoln's 150th birthday. While common, these coins are collected as part of the broader Memorial series that represents a significant era in United States Mint history.

What affects the value of 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• The degree of environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy staining, significantly impacts the $0.10-$0.12 valuation.
• Heavy circulation wear on the high points of Lincoln's hair and the Memorial pillars reduces collector premium.
• The specific minting location (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco) can influence interest for set builders.
• Overall eye appeal, despite damage, determines where the coin falls within its narrow price range.

How to Identify 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Look for the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, which replaced the earlier Wheat Ears motif.
• Verify the 1968 date on the obverse, located to the right of Abraham Lincoln's bust.
• Check for the presence of a mint mark (D or S) below the date, or the absence of one for Philadelphia.
• Confirm the composition is primarily copper, as used in all standard 1968 issues.

History of 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent

The Lincoln Cent series began in 1909. In 1959, the cent's reverse design was updated from the Wheat Ears design to the Lincoln Memorial, a change made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 1968 issue is a standard coin from this Memorial series, minted across various US Mints.