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The 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $1,000 for high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in pocket change carry only a small premium, learning to identify specific mint marks and errors can reveal hidden treasures in your coin jar.
| Condition | 1960 (No Mint Mark) | 1960-D (Denver) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Circulated | $0.02 – $0.05 | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Gem Brilliant (MS65+) | $15 – $50+ | $10 – $35+ |
History of the 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny
In 1960, the United States Mint underwent a significant mid-year change that created one of the most famous modern varieties in the numismatic world. Early in the year, the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced pennies with a “Small Date” design. However, the Mint realized that the delicate digits of the Small Date were prone to breaking and clogging during the striking process. To solve this, they enlarged the digits, creating the 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny variety.
If you have a collection of old coins and aren’t sure where to start, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between these subtle design changes. While billions of these coins were struck, the transition period created a fun challenge for collectors. Today, the Large Date is considered the more common variety compared to its Small Date cousin, but it still holds significant interest for those trying to complete a full Lincoln Memorial Cent set.
Because the Philadelphia Mint produced significantly fewer Small Date pennies, the Large Date is what you will most likely find in old piggy banks or inherited collections. However, just because it is common doesn’t mean it lacks value. Pristine, uncirculated examples with original mint luster can still command impressive prices at auction. When you find one, using an app like CoinKnow can quickly tell you if your coin is a standard strike or a valuable error.
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How to Identify the 1960 Large Date Variety
Identifying the 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny is relatively straightforward once you know what to look for. The key differences lie in the shape and alignment of the numbers in the date. In the Large Date variety, the “0” is much wider and more circular. Additionally, the top of the “9” sits notably higher than the top of the “1.”
Another tell-tale sign is the top of the “6.” In the Small Date version, the neck of the 6 is short, and the top does not align with the top of the 1. In the Large Date version, the neck of the 6 is much longer, reaching up to the same level as the top of the 1. This “level-top” appearance is the fastest way to verify that you have a Large Date specimen.
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For beginners, these differences can be hard to see with the naked eye. We recommend using a 10x magnifying glass or the high-resolution zoom feature on CoinKnow to get a clear look. Once you’ve identified the variety, you can check the current market trends and the latest 1960 Large Date MS-RD price data to see how much your specific coin might be worth to a buyer.
| Feature | Small Date Characteristics | Large Date Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| The Number “6” | Short neck; top is below the “1” | Long neck; top level with the “1” |
| The Number “0” | Narrow and oval-shaped | Wide and round-shaped |
| The Number “9” | Top is lower than the “1” | Top is higher than the “1” |
Determining the Value of a 1960 Large Date Penny
Most 1960 Large Date Lincoln Pennies found in circulation today are worth their weight in copper—about 2 to 3 cents. However, collectors are willing to pay a premium for coins that remain in “Mint State” (MS). The grading scale for coins goes from 1 to 70, and for a 1960 penny, the difference between a grade of 65 and 67 can represent hundreds of dollars in value.
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Color also plays a massive role in the 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny value. Copper coins are categorized by their color: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A “Red” coin retains at least 95% of its original copper orange glow and is the most desirable. A “Brown” coin has oxidized over time and is worth much less.
If you believe you have a high-grade specimen, you should compare it against professional grading photos. You can find comprehensive 1960 Lincoln Penny value information online to help you decide if it is worth sending your coin to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. Remember that grading fees can be expensive, so always verify the coin’s potential with CoinKnow before spending money on professional certification.
| Grade (Red Color) | 1960 (Phila) Price | 1960-D (Denver) Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 RD | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| MS65 RD | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| MS66 RD | $45.00 | $30.00 |
| MS67 RD | $350.00 | $200.00 |
The Rare 1960-D Small Date over Large Date Error
While the standard 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny is common, error hunters should keep their eyes peeled for the “Small Date over Large Date” (SD/LD) variety. This happens when a die is struck with both the Small Date and Large Date hubs, resulting in a doubled effect where characteristics of both designs are visible on a single coin.
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Specifically, you will see a faint secondary image of the “0” and “6” offset slightly from the main digits. This is a recognized variety and can be worth a significant amount of money even in lower grades. An uncirculated 1960-D SD/LD penny can easily fetch $100 to $500 depending on the severity of the doubling and the overall condition of the coin.
Searching for these errors requires a sharp eye and good lighting. Many collectors enjoy “roll hunting”—buying $25 boxes of pennies from the bank and searching through them. If you find something that looks odd, CoinKnow can help you compare your find with known error patterns. It is always thrilling to find a rare variety in a batch of otherwise ordinary 1960 Large Date Lincoln Pennies.
Why Condition and Mint Luster Matter
For a 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny to be worth more than a few cents, it must have spent very little time in circulation. Coins are easily scratched or dinged when they rub against other coins in pockets or cash registers. For modern coins like the 1960 Lincoln Cent, collectors only pay high prices for “uncirculated” coins—those that look exactly like they did the day they left the mint.
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Mint luster is that “spinning fan” of light that appears on the surface of a new coin when you rotate it under a lamp. Once a coin is handled by oily fingers or washed, this luster disappears forever. If your 1960 Large Date penny looks dull or has a chocolate-brown color, it is likely only worth its face value or copper melt value.
However, if you find a roll of pennies that has been tucked away in a drawer since 1960, you might have some “Red” gems. These are the coins that collectors fight over at auctions. A 1960 Large Date in MS67 Red condition is a true rarity because copper is a reactive metal that degrades quickly. Preserving these coins in PVC-free flips or holders is essential to maintaining their long-term value.
| Color Designation | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| RD (Red) | At least 95% original copper red color. | Highest Value |
| RB (Red-Brown) | Between 5% and 95% red color. | Moderate Value |
| BN (Brown) | Less than 5% original red color remaining. | Lower/Melt Value |
FAQ
Q: Is the 1960 Large Date penny made of real copper?
A: Yes! Pennies struck in 1960 are made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Because copper prices have risen, the raw metal in these coins is actually worth about 2 to 3 cents, which is more than the face value of the coin.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1960 Lincoln Penny?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse), directly under the date. If you see a “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
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Q: Which is worth more: the Small Date or the Large Date?
A: Generally, the 1960 Small Date (especially the Philadelphia version) is rarer and worth more than the 1960 Large Date. However, a high-grade Large Date in perfect condition can still be worth hundreds of dollars.
Q: Can I find a 1960 Large Date penny in my change today?
A: It is possible, but becoming rarer. Most 1960 pennies have been pulled from circulation by collectors or people hoarding copper. However, they are not silver, so banks do not actively filter them out.
Q: How can I tell if my 1960-D penny is an error?
A: Most 1960-D pennies are normal. To find an error, you need to look for “doubling” on the letters or numbers, or evidence of the Small Date being struck over the Large Date. Using a magnifying tool or an app like CoinKnow is the best way to confirm an error.