1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.10 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most pennies found in change are common, this specific variety sparked a massive collecting craze in the 1960s and remains a favorite for treasure hunters looking to strike it rich with pocket change.

Condition	Estimated Value (Small Date)
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.10 – $0.50
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$5.00 – $15.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65 Red)	$25.00 – $50.00
Superb Gem (MS67+ Red)	$500.00+

History of the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Variety

In early 1960, the Philadelphia and Denver Mints began producing Lincoln cents using a hub that featured a relatively small date. However, mint officials soon noticed a problem: the interior of the “0” in the date was so small that it caused the dies to chip and break prematurely. To solve this technical issue, the mint redesigned the hub mid-year, creating what is now known as the “Large Date” variety. This change happened very quickly in Philadelphia, making the Philadelphia Small Date much rarer than its successor.

If you are unsure whether you have a rare variety or a common one, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the details of the date. In 1960, news of this “emergency” design change reached the public, causing a national frenzy. People began hoarding rolls and bags of 1960 pennies, hoping to find the Small Date version.

Because of this historic hoarding, many 1960 Small Date pennies survived in Mint State (uncirculated) condition. However, finding one in your pocket today is still a thrill. When scanning your collection, the CoinKnow app can provide instant recognition of these distinct varieties, helping you separate the common copper from the numismatic gems.

How to Identify a 1960 Small Date vs Large Date

Identification is the most critical step in determining the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny value. The differences are subtle but once you know what to look for, they become obvious. In the Small Date variety, the top of the “1” is level with the top of the “9,” and the tail of the “6” is noticeably shorter. Furthermore, the inside of the “0” is oval and much smaller than the circular opening on the Large Date.

On the Large Date version, the “1” sits lower than the “9,” and the “6” has a much longer, sweeping tail. Because the 1960 Large Date price guide generally shows lower values for common grades, misidentifying your coin can lead to a big disappointment. The CoinKnow app is particularly useful here, as it allows you to compare high-resolution images of both varieties side-by-side.

Feature	Small Date Characteristics	Large Date Characteristics
The “1”	Level with the “9”	Lower than the “9”
The “6”	Short tail	Long, curved tail
The “0”	Small, narrow opening	Large, round opening

Value of the 1960 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Small Date

The 1960 Small Date penny struck in Philadelphia is the “Holy Grail” of this specific year. Only about 2 million were minted before the design was replaced, which is a tiny fraction of the total mintage. Because most were saved in uncirculated rolls, finding a “Red” (original copper color) specimen is necessary to reach the highest price tiers. In average condition, these coins are worth about $2, but in pristine condition, the price skyrockets.

For those curious about the market trends, checking the detailed 1960 penny value charts is essential. Collectors pay a premium for “Red” coins over “Brown” or “Red-Brown” ones. If your coin still looks like it just came from the bank, it could be worth hundreds of dollars at auction.

Grade (Philly Small Date)	Approximate Market Value
AU58 (About Uncirculated)	$3.50
MS63 Red	$15.00
MS65 Red	$45.00
MS67 Red	$350.00

Price Comparison for the 1960-D Small Date Penny

The Denver Mint (indicated by a small “D” under the date) also produced Small Date pennies, but they are far more common than the Philadelphia version. Approximately 1.5 billion pennies were struck in Denver in 1960, and a significant portion of the early production used the Small Date hub. Consequently, a circulated 1960-D Small Date is generally only worth its copper melt value (about 2 cents) or a small premium to a beginning collector.

However, high-grade 1960-D Small Dates still hold value for registry set collectors. If you have a roll of Denver cents, consider using CoinKnow to examine each one for quality. A coin with zero scratches and full original luster can still fetch a respectable price, even if it isn’t as rare as the Philly variety.

Grade (Denver Small Date)	Approximate Market Value
Circulated	$0.10
MS64 Red	$5.00
MS66 Red	$18.00
MS67 Red	$90.00

The 1960 Small Date Proof Penny and Errors

In addition to regular business strikes, the mint also produced Proof sets for collectors in 1960. These coins were struck with specially polished dies and blanks to create a mirror-like finish. Both Small Date and Large Date varieties exist for Proof coins as well. A 1960 Small Date Proof Lincoln Penny is highly sought after, especially if it features “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” contrast, where the portrait of Lincoln looks frosted against a shiny background.

Errors also exist for this year, such into “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) coins. Some 1960 pennies show clear doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY.” These error coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the doubling. Checking your coins with a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera app is the best way to spot these valuable mistakes.

Maintaining Value: Color and Preservation

When it comes to Lincoln Cents from 1960, the color of the coin is everything. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC assign a color designation: RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), or BN (Brown). A “Red” coin retains 95% or more of its original mint luster. Because copper reacts with oxygen and moisture, most pennies turn brown over time.

A 1960 Small Date in “Red” condition is worth significantly more than a “Brown” one. To preserve the value of your finds, never clean your coins. Cleaning causes micro-scratches that ruin the numismatic value. Instead, store them in PVC-free coin flips or tubes. If you think you’ve found a high-value Red specimen, getting it professionally graded is often worth the investment.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between a 1960 Small Date and Large Date quickly?

A: Look at the “6” in the date. In the Small Date, the tail of the 6 is short and does not reach the top level of the other numbers. In the Large Date, the tail is long and curved, reaching higher up. Also, the “1” in the Small Date is level with the top of the “9,” while in the Large Date, it sits lower.

Q: Is a 1960 Large Date penny worth anything?

A: Most 1960 Large Date pennies are very common and only worth a few cents in circulated condition. However, uncirculated “Red” versions or those with significant errors can still be worth $5 to $20.

Q: Why is the Philadelphia Small Date worth so much more than the Denver one?

A: It comes down to mintage numbers. The Philadelphia Mint produced only about 2 million Small Date pennies before switching to the Large Date hub. In contrast, the Denver Mint produced many millions more, making the Denver version far easier for collectors to find.

Q: Should I get my 1960 Small Date penny graded?

A: Only if it appears to be in “Mint State” (uncirculated) condition with full red luster. If the coin is Brown or has visible wear from being in a pocket, the cost of grading will likely exceed the value of the coin. Use CoinKnow to estimate the grade before spending money on professional services.