That 1964 penny sitting in your change jar might be worth more than one cent—or it could be worth thousands. With over 6.4 billion pennies minted in 1964 between Philadelphia and Denver facilities, most are common pocket change. However, specific mint marks, pristine conditions, and rare errors transform ordinary Lincoln cents into valuable collectibles. Understanding which varieties command premium prices helps you identify potential treasures hiding in plain sight.

Standard 1964 Penny Values by Mint Mark

The Philadelphia Mint produced 2.65 billion pennies in 1964 without any mint mark, making them the most common version. In circulated condition showing typical wear from everyday transactions, these coins carry minimal collector value—usually less than ten cents. The copper content alone isn’t enough to justify hoarding worn examples.

Uncirculated specimens tell a different story. A 1964 penny graded Mint State 60 (MS-60), showing no wear but potentially lacking luster with minor contact marks, typically sells for approximately one dollar. As condition improves, value increases substantially. An MS-65 example with original red-brown color, strong strike, and minimal bag marks commands around fifteen dollars at coin shops and online auctions.

The 1964-D penny from Denver, produced in quantities exceeding 3.79 billion, follows similar pricing patterns but generally achieves slightly higher values in uncirculated grades. Collectors prize Denver mint coins from this year due to specific error varieties associated with the “D” mint mark. A basic circulated 1964-D remains worth face value, while gem uncirculated examples in MS-65 or better condition can reach twenty to thirty dollars depending on eye appeal and market demand.

1964 Penny Value Chart:

The Legendary 1964 SMS Penny

Special Mint Set pennies represent the holy grail for 1964 Lincoln cent collectors. These weren’t regular production coins but experimental pieces created by the United States Mint using special finishing techniques. The exact number produced remains uncertain—possibly only dozens exist—making them exceptionally rare.

Identifying a genuine SMS penny requires examining specific characteristics. The planchets received extra preparation before striking, resulting in a distinctive satin-like finish rather than the typical brilliant luster of regular uncirculated coins. The devices appear sharper with more defined edges, particularly noticeable on Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial building on the reverse. The rim edges exhibit square, crisp definition instead of the slightly rounded profile found on business strikes.

A 1964 SMS penny certified MS-68 by Professional Coin Grading Service sold for approximately twenty-seven thousand five hundred dollars according to recent auction records. Even lower-grade SMS specimens command five-figure prices. Heritage Auctions documented an MS-67 example bringing eighteen thousand dollars in 2022, while an MS-66 reached twelve thousand dollars at a Stack’s Bowers sale.

The controversy surrounding these coins adds intrigue to their story. The Mint officially claims no Special Mint Sets were produced in 1964, making their existence somewhat mysterious. Numismatic experts believe they were experimental pieces created as the Mint explored alternatives to traditional proof coin production, which was suspended from 1965 to 1967 due to coin shortages.

Repunched Mint Mark Errors Worth Finding

Repunched mint marks represent the most accessible valuable error variety for 1964-D pennies. These occurred when the Mint employee stamping the “D” onto working dies struck the punch multiple times, with slight misalignment between impacts. The result shows visible doubling or tripling of the mint mark when examined under magnification.

Several distinct RPM varieties exist for 1964-D pennies, cataloged by professional attributers. The most dramatic examples display the “D” with a clear secondary image shifted noticeably north, south, east, or west of the primary impression. Some show rotational doubling where the second strike appears tilted at a slight angle.

Values for repunched mint mark varieties range from forty-five dollars for common varieties in MS-63 condition to several hundred dollars for rare classifications in gem grades. A 1964-D RPM-001 (the most prominent variety) graded MS-65 Red by PCGS sold for two hundred seventy-five dollars at a 2023 Heritage Auctions event. Circulated examples with visible repunching still command fifteen to twenty-five dollars from specialists.

Finding these errors requires careful inspection. Use a 5x to 10x magnifying loupe to examine the “D” mint mark for signs of doubling. Look for extra thickness, notching along the edges, or clear secondary impressions. Comparing suspected examples against confirmed RPM images in reference guides like Wexler’s RPM files helps verification.

Doubled Die Varieties That Command Premiums

Doubled die errors occur during hub die creation rather than during individual coin striking. When the master hub impresses the working die multiple times with slight misalignment between strikes, the resulting die produces coins showing doubling on various design elements. These errors affect entire production runs until the flawed die wears out or gets replaced.

The 1964 doubled die obverse varieties primarily show doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Unlike repunched mint marks affecting only the mint mark, doubled dies impact the entire design side. The doubling appears as separation or notching on letters and numbers, creating a shadow effect visible without magnification on prominent examples.

A significant 1964 DDO variety shows strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date, particularly noticeable on the “1” and “9.” Coins certified with this attribution in MS-64 condition have sold for three hundred fifty to five hundred dollars depending on red color retention. Lesser doubled die varieties with minor doubling on secondary design elements bring fifty to one hundred fifty dollars in uncirculated grades.

Authenticating doubled die coins requires distinguishing them from common strike doubling or mechanical doubling. True hub doubling shows rounded, shelf-like separations with distinct secondary images. Mechanical doubling from die bounce during striking creates flat, shelf-less notching. Submitting suspected major varieties to PCGS or NGC for authentication and attribution protects against misidentification.

Rare Edge Errors and Off-Center Strikes

Dramatic striking errors, though rare for 1964 pennies, create some of the most visually distinctive collectibles. Off-center strikes occur when the blank planchet feeds improperly into the press, resulting in partial design impressions. The value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible.

A 1964 penny struck five to ten percent off-center with full date visibility typically brings twenty-five to seventy-five dollars. As the off-center percentage increases, value climbs—a fifty percent off-center example with clear date can reach two hundred to four hundred dollars. Completely off-center strikes missing the date entirely generally sell for less despite their dramatic appearance, usually one hundred to two hundred dollars, since the date cannot be confirmed without special authentication.

The mysterious “L on edge” error has generated significant collector interest despite ongoing debates about its authenticity. Some 1964-D pennies purportedly show an “L” from “LIBERTY” impressed into the coin’s edge. Sellers on online marketplaces list these for hundreds or thousands of dollars. However, numismatic experts express skepticism, noting that genuine edge lettering or design elements would require specialized collar dies not used for Lincoln cents. Many authenticated examples show post-mint damage or environmental effects rather than true mint errors.

Clips, die breaks, and struck-through errors occasionally appear on 1964 pennies. A curved clip—where the planchet cutting machine removes a crescent-shaped section from the edge—brings fifty to one hundred fifty dollars depending on size. Die cracks and breaks creating raised lines or “cuds” (raised blank areas where design elements are missing) range from fifteen to one hundred dollars based on prominence and location.

Grading Matters: Understanding Condition Impact

The dramatic value differences between circulated and uncirculated 1964 pennies emphasize why condition assessment matters. A coin’s grade reflects its preservation state, ranging from heavily worn to pristine mint condition. Third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC authenticate, grade, and encapsulate coins in protective holders, providing market confidence.

For 1964 pennies, the line between common and valuable often falls at the MS-63 threshold. Coins grading Good through About Uncirculated show various wear levels on high points like Lincoln’s cheek and jaw, commanding minimal premiums. Once a coin reaches Mint State—showing no wear from circulation—values begin climbing. MS-60 and MS-61 grades indicate uncirculated coins with numerous bag marks or poor eye appeal. MS-63 represents the entry point for attractive, marketable uncirculated specimens.

MS-65 gems display strong luster, sharp strikes, and minimal contact marks visible only under magnification. These represent the practical ceiling for most 1964 penny varieties, balancing quality with affordability. Superb gem grades MS-67 and above require exceptional eye appeal with virtually flawless surfaces, making them exponentially rarer. A typical 1964-D penny increases from one dollar in MS-60 to potentially one hundred dollars or more in MS-67, despite being the same basic coin type.

Color designation significantly affects value for copper pennies. “RD” (Red) indicates full original mint red color covering ninety-five percent or more of surfaces. “RB” (Red-Brown) shows mixed coloring with oxidation beginning. “BN” (Brown) describes coins with predominantly brown toning. A 1964-D MS-65 Red might sell for twenty-five dollars while the same grade in Brown brings only twelve dollars due to collector preference for original red luster.

Where to Sell Valuable 1964 Pennies

Once you identify a potentially valuable 1964 penny, choosing the right sales channel maximizes returns. Local coin shops offer immediate payment and convenience but typically pay wholesale prices—fifty to seventy percent of retail value. This works well for common uncirculated examples worth ten to fifty dollars where quick transactions outweigh holding for optimal prices.

Online auction platforms like eBay expose your coin to worldwide collectors, potentially achieving full retail value or beyond for exceptional specimens. Successful eBay sales require quality photographs showing both sides clearly, honest descriptions noting any issues, and reasonable starting prices to generate bidding competition. Transaction fees typically run twelve to fifteen percent between eBay and PayPal charges. Completing twenty-five to fifty sales builds seller reputation, increasing buyer confidence for expensive listings.

Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Legend Rare Coin Auctions handle significant rarities worth several hundred dollars or more. They provide professional photography, detailed cataloging, and access to serious collectors willing to pay premium prices. Consignment fees range from ten to twenty percent depending on value, with lower percentages for expensive coins. The auction process takes time—typically three to six months from consignment to payment—but achieves strong results for rare varieties like SMS pennies or major doubled dies.

Before selling valuable errors or high-grade examples, consider third-party certification. PCGS and NGC charge twenty to forty dollars per coin for standard service, adding authentication, grading, and protective encapsulation. Certified coins typically sell for thirty to fifty percent more than raw examples of comparable quality, easily justifying the service fee while providing buyers confidence they’re purchasing genuine items accurately graded.

Building Your 1964 Penny Search Strategy

Start your search by examining any 1964 pennies in your possession or that you receive in change. Keep a 10x magnifying loupe handy for checking mint marks and design elements. Focus first on 1964-D pennies, scrutinizing the “D” for signs of repunching. Even circulated examples with visible RPMs carry premiums worth the time spent examining them.

When checking rolls from banks, prioritize uncirculated or lightly circulated specimens showing original luster. These offer the best potential for upgraded values even without errors. Set aside any 1964 pennies grading Extremely Fine or better for closer examination and potential submission to grading services if quantities justify the expense.

Compare any suspected errors against confirmed examples in online databases like Variety Vista, Wexler Doubled Dies, or CONECA error coin references. These resources provide detailed images and descriptions helping distinguish genuine varieties from common damage or post-mint alterations. Join online collector forums where experienced numismatists offer opinions on potential discoveries before investing in professional authentication.

Estate sales, garage sales, and old coin collections purchased from non-collectors occasionally yield 1964 pennies in original mint sets or stored in ways preserving uncirculated condition. These sources sometimes produce gem-quality examples or rare varieties overlooked by previous owners unaware of their value. A small investment in mixed lots can return significant profits when desirable dates and grades appear.

Building a reference collection of authenticated examples—even photographs or low-grade specimens—trains your eye to recognize genuine varieties quickly. The ability to rapidly assess coins improves efficiency when examining large quantities, helping you spot valuable pieces before others recognize them. This knowledge transforms casual coin checking into productive treasure hunting with realistic profit potential.