Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1968-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.02 in worn condition to over $2,500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their copper melt value, certain “Denver” pennies from this year carry significant premiums for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| High Grade (MS65 Red) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Auction Record (MS67+) | $2,500+ |
Identifying the 1968-D Lincoln Memorial Cent
If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of old change and spotted a 1968 penny with a small “D” underneath the date, you have a Denver Mint strike. During the late 1960s, the United States was transitioning its coinage, but the penny remained a staple of daily commerce.
To determine if yours is a winner, you can use a top coin identifier app to check the subtle details of the strike. The 1968-D is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin, making it heavier and more valuable in metal content than the modern zinc pennies minted after 1982.
Most people use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan their coins and see if the “D” mint mark is clear and well-defined, which is the first step in valuation. Generally, a circulated 1968-D is worth about 2 cents for its copper content, but the real money lies in “Mint State” (MS) coins that look like they just came off the press.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the 1968-D Penny Value by Grade
When professional collectors talk about value, they focus on “grading.” A coin that has been passed around in pockets will have scratches and dullness, whereas a coin kept in a collection will retain its original luster. For the 1968-D, the color of the copper—Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN)—is the biggest factor in price.
The highest prices are always reserved for “Red” coins, which still look shiny and orange-copper. You can find more specific data on 1968-D penny price trends for Red MS grades to see how much a pristine coin can fetch at auction. Even a small increase in grade from MS65 to MS67 can mean a jump from $20 to several hundred dollars.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Using CoinKnow helps hobbyists recognize these color differences. If your penny looks as bright as a new penny today, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
| Grade Designation | Description | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brown (BN) | Dull, chocolate color, circulated | $0.02 – $0.10 |
| Red-Brown (RB) | Moderate luster, slight oxidation | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Red (RD) | 95%+ original mint orange color | $5.00 – $2,500+ |
Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1968-D Penny
While a standard 1968-D penny is common, error coins are where the “hidden treasures” are found. Collectors are always on the hunt for “Double Die” strikes or “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM). In 1968, the Denver mint was known for occasionally having issues with the alignment of the dies.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
One notable error is the “D Over D” repunched mint mark, where you can see a second “D” slightly offset from the main one. Another rare find is an “off-center strike,” where the design is pushed to one side, leaving a blank crescent on the coin. These errors can turn a 2-cent coin into a $50 to $100 prize instantly.
To see what these errors look like in detail, you should check out the latest 1968 Lincoln cent error valuations and photos. Many of these errors are invisible to the naked eye, which is why a magnifying loupe or a high-resolution scan on CoinKnow is a must-have for any serious hunter.
Why the Mint Mark Matters
In 1968, pennies were minted in three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D). The 1968-D is by far the most common, with over 2.8 billion coins produced. Because the supply is so high, only the absolute best examples are considered “rare.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Denver Mint used a specific set of dies that often resulted in a “mushy” appearance on Lincoln’s hair or the pillars of the Memorial building. A 1968-D with a “Sharp Strike”—meaning every detail is crisp—is much more desirable to a collector.
If you find a 1968 penny without a mint mark, it was made in Philadelphia. If it has an “S,” it might be a Proof coin or a circulation strike, which carries its own unique value. However, the 1968-D remains the most likely coin you will find in your change today.
| Mint Facility | Mint Mark | Mintage Total |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 1,707,880,970 |
| Denver | D | 2,886,269,600 |
| San Francisco | S | 258,270,001 |
Tips for Selling Your 1968-D Lincoln Penny
If you believe you have a high-value 1968-D penny, the way you sell it matters as much as the coin itself. For standard circulated coins, it’s best to keep them in a “copper stack” as they are worth about twice their face value in metal alone. Selling them individually isn’t worth the postage.
For rare or high-grade coins, selling through an online auction platform or a local coin shop is the best route. Always take clear, high-resolution photos in natural light. Avoid cleaning your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth can permanentely damage the surface and reduce its value by 90% or more.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Before selling, use tools like CoinKnow to get a baseline price and compare your coin to recently sold listings on eBay. If the coin looks better than those selling for $50, it might be worth the $20-40 fee to have it professionally graded.
Summary of 1968-D Penny Collecting
The 1968-D Lincoln Penny is a fascinating piece of American history. While most are common, the hunt for high-grade “Red” specimens and rare mint errors keeps the hobby exciting. Whether you are a casual hunter or a dedicated numismatist, checking your change can literally pay off.
Remember to look for the “D” mint mark, check the color of the copper, and keep an eye out for any double-struck letters or numbers. You might just be holding a coin worth hundreds of times its face value.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 1968-D penny worth more than a modern penny?
A: Most 1968-D pennies are made of 95% copper, which currently has a melt value of about 2 cents. Modern pennies (since 1982) are mostly zinc and have less metal value. Additionally, high-grade 1968-D pennies are rare and highly sought after by set collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How can I tell if my 1968-D penny is a “Red” coin?
A: A “Red” coin looks like it was just minted today. It should have a bright, lustrous orange-copper glow. If the coin has turned brown or has dark spots, it is classified as “Red-Brown” or “Brown,” which significantly lowers the value for collectors.
Q: Are there any famous errors for the 1968-D penny?
A: Yes, the most common errors include Repunched Mint Marks (where the ‘D’ looks doubled) and clipped planchets. Die cracks and off-center strikes are also found occasionally and can increase the value of the penny to $20-$100 depending on the severity.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968-D penny?
A: The mint mark is located on the “obverse” (front) of the coin, directly below the date (1968). If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.