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The 1960 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $10,000 for rare proof varieties. While most are common pocket change, specific mint marks and the famous date size variations make certain 1960 pennies highly coveted by collectors and investors alike.
| Condition/Variety | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1960 Large Date (Circulated) | $0.02 – $0.10 |
| 1960 Small Date (Circulated) | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| 1960-D Large Date (Uncirculated) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| 1960-D Small Date (Uncirculated) | $3.00 – $25.00 |
| 1960 Proof Small Date | $25.00 – $500.00+ |
Why the 1960 Lincoln Penny Has Two Date Sizes
If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of old coins, you might have noticed that some 1960 pennies look slightly different from others. This isn’t your imagination; it’s one of the most famous “transition” years in U.S. Mint history. To determine which one you have, many enthusiasts use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the specific details of the digits.
Early in 1960, the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced pennies with a “Small Date.” However, the Mint soon realized that the smaller digits were causing the dies to break prematurely. To fix this, they modified the design mid-year to create the “Large Date.” Because the Small Date version was discontinued early, it is significantly rarer than the Large Date, especially for those minted in Philadelphia.
If you are unsure which variety you are holding, the CoinKnow app can provide instant identification. Generally, if the top of the “0” sits lower than the “6”, it’s a Large Date. If they are nearly level, you’ve found a Small Date.
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The Differences Between Small and Large Date Pennies
Identifying the 1960 Small vs. Large Date requires a keen eye or a magnifying glass. The primary difference lies in the numbers “1”, “9”, and “6”. In the Small Date variety, the “1” and the “6” have tops that sit at roughly the same height. The inside of the “0” is also more oval-shaped and narrow.
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In contrast, the Large Date features a “6” with a tail that extends much higher than the “1”. The “0” is more circular and “fat” compared to its earlier counterpart. Because these differences are subtle, checking the 1960 large date price data is essential before selling, as even small differences in eye appeal can change the price.
Collectors use the CoinKnow app to compare their coins against high-resolution reference images. Knowing exactly which one you have is the first step in understanding the 1960 Small/Large Date Lincoln Penny value.
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| Feature | Small Date Characteristics | Large Date Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| The Digit “6” | Short tail, level with the “1” | Long tail, extends above the “1” |
| The Digit “0” | Small, narrow, oval-shaped | Large, round, open center |
| Inner Loop of “9” | Points toward the middle of “6” | Points toward the bottom of “6” |
Value of the 1960 Philadelphia Mint Penny
The Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) produced both varieties, but the Small Date is the “Holy Grail” for this year. The 1960 Small Date from Philly is considerably rarer than the Denver counterpart. While a Large Date Philly penny in average condition is only worth its weight in copper (about 2 cents), a Small Date can easily fetch $2 to $5 even if it has been used in circulation.
When you move into “Mint State” (uncirculated) grades, the prices jump significantly. You can find detailed 1960 penny value and rarity info online to see how the color of the copper (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown) impacts the final sale price. A “Red” (RD) 1960 Small Date in MS67 grade can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
The CoinKnow digital library is a great resource for tracking these auction records. Most casual pickers will find “Brown” circulated coins, but always keep an eye out for that shiny, original copper luster which indicates a higher grade.
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1960-D Denver Mint Penny Value and Variations
The Denver Mint produced over 1.5 billion pennies in 1960. Because of this massive production, the Small Date variety from Denver is much more common than the Philadelphia version. You can still find 1960-D Small Dates in rolls or change quite frequently. Because they are common, they usually trade for a few cents to twenty-five cents in circulated condition.
However, Denver is famous for another reason: the “D over D” (RPM) Mint Mark. Some 1960-D pennies show a clear doubling of the “D” below the date. These error coins are highly sought after. If you have a Small Date 1960-D with a doubled mint mark, its value could climb into the $50 to $100 range depending on the severity of the mistake.
| Mint & Variety | Lower Grade (VF-EF) | Uncirculated (MS63+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 Philly Small Date | $2.50 | $25 – $200 |
| 1960 Philly Large Date | $0.05 | $1 – $5 |
| 1960-D Small Date | $0.15 | $3 – $15 |
| 1960-D Large Date | $0.02 | $0.50 – $4 |
1960 Proof Penny Values for Collectors
Proof coins are specially made for collectors. They feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details. In 1960, the U.S. Mint sold proof sets containing both the Small and Large Date pennies. The 1960 Proof Small Date is the “king” of the 1960 Lincoln series. These were only available in the early batches of proof sets.
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A standard 1960 Proof Small Date can range from $20 to $50. However, if the coin has a “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect—where the portrait of Lincoln looks frosted and white against a black mirror background—the value sky-rockets. A Deep Cameo 1960 Small Date in PR69 condition has been known to sell for over $10,000. Use the CoinKnow tool to check if your proof coin has that distinctive frosted contrast.
Factors That Influence 1960 Penny Prices
Beyond just the date size, several factors determine what a buyer will pay. First is the “Color Grade.” Copper coins are graded as RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), or BN (Brown). Red coins are the most valuable because they look like they just came off the press. Once a coin begins to oxidize and turn brown, the value drops.
Second is the presence of errors. In addition to the “D over D” mint mark, collectors look for “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) errors. If you see doubling in the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” or “LIBERTY,” you may have found a coin worth hundreds of dollars. Always check your 1960 pennies carefully under good lighting to spot these high-value mistakes.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell 1960 Small Date from Large Date without a microscope?
A: Look at the number “6” in the date. In the Small Date, the tail of the 6 is short and ends much lower. In the Large Date, the tail of the 6 is long and reaches up to be level with the top of the “1”. Also, the “0” in the Small Date is much smaller than the “1” next to it.
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Q: Is a 1960-D penny rare?
A: Not usually. With over 1.5 billion minted, the 1960-D Large Date is very common. However, the 1960-D Small Date is slightly less common, and certain error varieties like the Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) are considered rare and valuable.
Q: Are 1960 pennies made of real copper?
A: Yes. All Lincoln pennies minted between 1909 and early 1982 (except for 1943) are made of 95% copper. This means even the common ones are worth about 2 to 3 cents just for their metal content, though it is currently illegal to melt them down.
Q: What is the most expensive 1960 penny ever sold?
A: The record is held by a 1960 Small Date Proof penny graded PR69 Deep Cameo, which sold for over $18,000. For regular business strikes, high-grade Philadelphia Small Dates can reach several thousand dollars.