1964-D Lincoln Penny Value Guide: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 1964-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.02 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. While most of the pennies you find in your pocket change are only worth their copper melt value, certain rare errors and pristine specimens can be incredibly valuable to collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value Range
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.02 – $0.15
Uncirculated (Brown – BN)	$0.25 – $2.00
Uncirculated (Red – RD)	$5.00 – $1,500+
Major Errors (DDR/Repunched)	$15 – $100+

Understanding the 1964-D Lincoln Memorial Cent

If you have just discovered a handful of old coins in a jar or down the back of your sofa, you might be wondering if you have hit the jackpot. The 1964-D Lincoln Penny is one of the most common coins in American history, but it holds a special place in numismatics because it was the last year of the high-production era before the coin shortage of the mid-60s. Using a top coin identifier app can help you quickly determine if your coin has the specific “D” mint mark.

The “D” on this penny indicates that it was minted in Denver. Interestingly, 1964 saw a massive mintage of over 3.7 billion pennies at the Denver facility alone.

Because production numbers were so high, most of these coins are still in circulation today. To find massive value, you need to look for coins that never entered circulation.

The CoinKnow app is an excellent resource for new hobbyists to check these details instantly. Identifying the luster and surface quality is the first step in realizing the true potential of your find.

The Impact of the Denver Mint Mark on Value

The Denver Mint was working overtime in 1964 to combat a national coin shortage. Because so many were made, a standard 1964-D penny that shows signs of scratches, dullness, or “bag marks” is generally worth its weight in copper—roughly two cents.

However, collectors are always on the hunt for “Roll Original” coins. These are pennies that have remained in their original paper wrappers for decades.

A coin that looks as shiny as the day it was minted is a different story entirely. You can check current 1964-D penny value trends to see how much “Red” (RD) versions are selling for at modern auctions.

Generally, the market divides these coins into three color categories: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD). Red coins are the most prized because they retain their original mint luster.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristic	Market Premuim
Brown (BN)	Less than 5% original red luster	Low
Red-Brown (RB)	5% to 95% original red luster	Moderate
Red (RD)	More than 95% original red luster	High

1964-D Lincoln Penny Grading and Condition

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A single microscopic scratch can mean the difference between a $1 coin and a $1,000 coin. Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70.

Most 1964-D pennies found today are in the “Extra Fine” to “About Uncirculated” range. These have seen some use but still have clear details on Lincoln’s hair and the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial.

If you believe your coin is in “Mint State” (MS65 or higher), it is worth getting it inspected. The highest auction prices for 1964-D MS-RD pennies often reach several hundred dollars for MS67 grades.

For many everyday Americans, using a magnifying glass or the CoinKnow app can reveal hidden wear that isn’t visible to the naked eye. Look closely at the high points of the coin: Lincoln’s cheekbone and the tips of the wheat stalks (though 1964 is a Memorial reverse, the principle of wear on high points remains).

Any sign of “graying” or dullness on these high spots indicates the coin has been circulated, which significantly caps its market value.

Valuable 1964-D Error Varieties to Watch For

Errors are where the real money is often hidden for the casual observer. Because the Denver mint was under immense pressure in 1964, several mistakes slipped through the cracks.

The most common error for this year is the Repunched Mint Mark (RPM). This happens when the “D” was punched into the die twice, resulting in a slight shadow or doubling of the letter.

Another highly sought-after variety is the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR). Look specifically at the lettering of “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

If the letters appear thicker or show distinct “shelving,” you might have an error coin. These can sell for $20 to $100 depending on the severity of the mistake. Collectors using CoinKnow can often compare their coin image to known error databases to confirm these findings.

Error Type	What to Look For	Estimated Value
Repunched Mint Mark	Double ‘D’ shape	$5 – $15
Doubled Die Reverse	Doubling on ‘United States’	$20 – $100
Die Cracks	Raised lines on surface	$2 – $10

Composition and the Value of Copper

One reason why even a “boring” 1964-D penny is worth more than its face value is its metal content. Unlike modern pennies made after 1982, which are mostly zinc with a thin copper plating, the 1964 penny is 95% copper.

As of current market rates, the copper in a single 1964-D penny is worth roughly 2 to 3 cents. While it is currently illegal to melt down US pennies for their metal, many people hoard these “pre-1982” cents as a hedge against inflation.

This means that even if your coin is scratched, stained, or bent, it is still technically worth double its face value just for the metal it contains.

If you have a large jar of these, you have a small treasure of bullion metal. Always check your 1964 pennies before spending them at the grocery store!

How to Sell Your 1964-D Penny

Once you have identified a potentially valuable 1964-D penny using tools like CoinKnow, your next step is determining the best way to sell it. For average circulated coins, selling to a local coin shop is the easiest route, though they may only buy them in bulk.

For high-grade “Red” pennies or confirmed errors, online auctions like eBay or GreatCollections are better options. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos in natural light.

Properly identifying your coin’s grade is the key to getting a fair price. If your coin looks perfect, consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS67 RD 1964-D penny can fetch an impressive sum that far exceeds its humble beginnings in a pocket.

Don’t clean your coins! Cleaning a penny with chemicals or cloths can permanently damage the surface and strip away its numismatic value. Leave the patina exactly as you found it.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1964-D penny?

A: The mint mark “D” is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date “1964.” If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Why are some 1964-D pennies worth thousands of dollars?

A: Only pennies in nearly perfect condition (MS67 grade or higher) with a “Full Red” color earn these high prices. These are extremely rare because most 1964 pennies were used in daily commerce and became worn or brown over time.

Q: Is my 1964-D penny made of silver?

A: No, 1964 pennies are 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. However, if you find a penny that looks silver-colored, it might be an error where a cent was struck on a dime planchet, or it could simply be plated for a school science experiment.

Q: How can I tell if my 1964-D penny is an error coin?

A: Look for anomalies like doubling of letters, a double-stamped “D,” or parts of the design that appear to be missing. Using a high-magnification lens or a coin identification app is the best way to spot these subtle details.