1963 Penny Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Congress changed penny composition forever in 1962—but 1963 marked the first full year of the new era. That September, Congress authorized the removal of tin from pennies, technically changing them from bronze to brass. The 1963 pennies became the first full production run with 95% copper and 5% zinc composition.

Over 2.5 billion pieces rolled off mint presses, flooding circulation with these transitional coins. Most worn examples remain nearly worthless—$0.09 for Denver mint pieces, $0.23 for Philadelphia issues. Mint state specimens command dramatically more at $9.81-$17.52. Grade quality, mint location, and special designations separate everyday pocket change from valuable collectibles.

 

1963 Penny Value By Variety

Here’s what 1963 Penny are actually selling for based on condition and mint mark, from regular circulation coins to rare proof varieties. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1963 Penny Worth Money

The most valuable 1963 pennies reveal significant value variations within a single year’s production, with the 1963 DCAM PR-70 leading at $40,250. This extraordinary premium demonstrates how Deep Cameo proof coins with perfect preservation can achieve exceptional market performance.

High-grade Red specimens show the Denver Mint premium, as the 1963-D RD MS-67 reaches $2,820 compared to the Philadelphia 1963 RD MS-67 at $2,350.

Proof coin values follow cameo designation patterns. The 1963 DCAM PR-69 achieves $870, while the 1963 CAM PR-69 reaches $132, showing the Deep Cameo premium. Regular proof specimens like the 1963 PR RD 67 and 1963 PR RD 69 trade at $156 and $99 respectively.

The top 10 ranking includes six Red business strikes and four proof varieties, with proof coins occupying positions based on both grade and cameo characteristics rather than pure market value hierarchy.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of The 1963 Penny

The penny minted in 1963 was part of a tradition that stretched back to 1909. That year marked a century since the birth of the former US president, Abraham Lincoln.

To mark the occasion, the US Mint produced a new design for the penny, or 1 cent coin. It was the first penny ever to feature Lincoln. And it was also the first time a real person had ever been depicted on a US coin. The portrait of Lincoln that appears on the 1963 penny is just the same as those first versions. The design on the reverse, though, is different.

The first Lincoln pennies had a simple image of two ears of wheat. But after 50 years, it was decided it was time for a change. The new design instead showed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. The image includes the statue of Lincoln in the portico, making it one of the few coins to portray the same person on both sides.

This design that was still being used in 1963. Indeed, it continued to appear on all Lincoln pennies until 2008, when it was replaced with the Union shield. The 1963 penny differed in other respects from earlier pennies too. Although they weighed the same – 3.11 grams – their composition was slightly different.

The majority of early pennies were made of bronze – 95 per cent copper, with the remainder a mixture of tin and zinc. But later, the tin was removed from the equation. The pennies struck in 1963 were made of 95 per cent copper and 5 per cent zinc, making them brass not bronze.

The modification was intended to make the coins easier to manufacture, without affecting their durability. Congress approved the change in September 1962.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1963 Penny Rare?

To accurately determine your specific 1963 penny’s rarity and current market value, use our CoinValueChecker App, which provides detailed assessments based on mint marks, condition, and variety classifications.

 

Key Features of The 1963 Penny

The 1963 Lincoln penny carries distinctive design elements and composition changes that set it apart from both earlier wheat cents and modern zinc pennies, making proper identification crucial for collectors seeking valuable varieties.

The Obverse Of The 1963 Penny

The obverse – the “heads” side – of the 1963 penny will look very familiar to any American. It shows the same image of President Abraham Lincoln that appears on cents today. And it’s been that way for well over a hundred years.

Lincoln’s portrait was the creation of an artist by the name of Victor David Brenner. It’s generally believed that Brenner worked from a photograph of Lincoln which had been taken at the studio of one Matthew Brady.

After some initial controversy over the prominence of his signature, Brenner’s initials were eventually placed discretely on the coin in 1918. Look closely at the cut-off of Lincoln’s bust on the 1963 penny, and you’ll see “VDB” tucked away discreetly there.

The familiar motto “In God We Trust” is inscribed above the portrait. “Liberty” appears on the left as the coin is viewed, and the date is on the right.

If your 1963 penny was minted in Denver, it will also have a mint mark. The small “D” appears on the obverse too, just below the date.

The Reverse Of The 1963 Penny

The 1963 penny has the image of Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial on its reverse. It was first used in 1959, marking 150 years since Lincoln’s birth.

The denomination is inscribed boldly below the image, following the curve of the lower coin edge. The country name is in smaller letters at the top of the coin, again curving to follow the edge of the coin.

The Latin motto “E pluribus unum” appears below the country name, inscribed over two horizontal lines. The words are a reference to the creation of the USA from individual states. They translate to English as “From the many, one”.

Other Features Of The 1963 Penny

The copper content of 1963 pennies is the same as for most earlier Lincoln pennies, at 95 per cent. But where the remainder had previously been a mixture of tin and zinc, the tin was removed in 1962. The idea was to make the coin easier to manufacture.

The change didn’t affect the coin’s weight, which remained 3.11 grams. And its dimensions remained the same too, with a diameter of 19 millimeters.

Because of the high copper content, the color of 1963 pennies varies widely. Those that have had minimal handling or exposure to the air retain the red tone of new copper.  But if they’ve been handled more often, that red will dull to brown.

The color grading of a bronze or brass coin is therefore important to its value. Coins that are red over at least 95 per cent of their total surface area are classed as “red”. These are usually the most desirable to collectors.

At the other end of the spectrum are coins that are brown over the same proportion of their total surface area. Those are categorized as “brown”, while anything in between is “red and brown”.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1963 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1963 penny mintage and survival patterns reveal insights into collector preservation behaviors across different striking categories.

While business strike mintage figures for No Mint Mark and D varieties remain undocumented, the proof series shows comprehensive documentation with 3,075,645 specimens struck at Philadelphia Mint.

Survival rates demonstrate a clear inverse relationship with visual appeal—standard Proof coins maintain the highest survival rate at 30.89% with 950,000 surviving examples, while Cameo variants show 15.44% survival representing 475,000 specimens.

Most dramatically, Deep Cameo examples exhibit just 7.32% survival with only 225,000 specimens preserved, highlighting their exceptional rarity among collectors.

This survival distribution creates a pyramid effect where the most visually striking varieties become increasingly scarce over time. The survival chart positions proof varieties as significant preservation challenges, with DCAM specimens representing less than one-quarter of standard proof survival rates.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1963 Penny Value

Determining your 1963 penny’s value requires examining three key factors: mint mark (D for Denver or none for Philadelphia), condition grade, and color designation (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown). Most circulated pieces are worth about 2 cents for copper content, while uncirculated examples grade MS-63 to MS-65 can fetch $2.60 to $8.

For accurate assessments based on mint marks, condition, and variety classifications, use the CoinValueChecker App. Rare proof specimens and high-grade coins can command significantly higher prices.

 

1963 Penny Value Guides

The 1963 penny collection encompasses five distinct categories that represent different minting processes and preservation states, each commanding varying premium levels in today’s market.

The Red (RD) designation identifies coins retaining their original copper brilliance, while proof varieties showcase enhanced visual appeal through cameo and deep cameo contrast effects that create stunning mirror-like fields against frosted devices.

Here are main types of 1963 penny:

Regular Business Strikes:

• 1963 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1963-D (Denver)

Special Strikes:

• 1963 Proof: Mirror-like finish, struck at Philadelphia with red surfaces
• 1963 CAM: Cameo contrast with frosted devices against mirror fields
• 1963 DCAM: Deep Cameo with maximum contrast, the ultimate proof quality

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1963 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1963 No Mint Mark penny represents one of the Philadelphia Mint’s largest Lincoln cent striking, with approximately 754 million specimens created without mintmark identification.

This variety exhibits exceptional scarcity in high grades, with certifying probably no more than a dozen examples in MS67 condition and likely no MS68 or higher specimens existing. The coin appears across three distinct color classifications: Red (RD) maintaining over 95% original copper luster, Red-Brown (RB) showing mixed oxidation patterns, and Brown (BN) displaying complete copper patination.

Color designation dramatically impacts auction values at equivalent grades.

While Brown (BN) specimens at MS64 sell for $57 and Red-Brown (RB) examples reach $110 at MS67, Red (RD) coins command exponentially higher premiums—with MS67 RD specimens achieving $6,613. This represents a 16-fold premium over RB counterparts, illustrating the market’s intense preference for original copper luster.

The auction history below reveals the true trajectory of this remarkable variety’s market appreciation over the past decade.

Current market activity demonstrates sustained collector demand.

 

1963-D Penny Value

The 1963-D penny stands out as Denver Mint’s most challenging Lincoln cent collectible, despite originating from the massive 1.77 billion coin mintage that represents the largest single-year penny production in U.S. history.

This variety exhibits extraordinary scarcity in high grades, with collectors often searching through thousands of specimens to find gem-quality examples. The coin appears in three distinct color classifications: Red-Brown (RB) showing mixed copper oxidation, plus Red (RD) maintaining original luster and Brown (BN) displaying complete patination.

While Brown (BN) specimens peak at $57 for MS66 grade and Red-Brown (RB) examples reach $66 in similar conditions, Red (RD) specimens command a little higher. Auction data indicates MS66 Red pieces trade around $80, whereas MS67 examples can command up to $7,499, highlighting the sharp disparity in values across color designations.

The auction record tells this variety’s remarkable appreciation trajectory across major numismatic platforms over recent years.

This specific variety has caught the attention of serious numismatists, creating interesting market movements.

 

1963 Proof Penny Value

Representing the finest in Philadelphia Mint collector craftsmanship, the 1963 Proof penny was struck using specially prepared burnished planchets and polished dies to create specimens exclusively for collectors. With over 3 million proof pennies produced, these coins were never intended for circulation and were carefully preserved from the moment of creation.

The Red designation signifies exceptional preservation of original copper luster, distinguishing these specimens from their Cameo and Deep Cameo counterparts that feature contrasting mirror fields and frosted devices. Unlike regular business strikes, proof coins undergo multiple striking processes at reduced speeds, resulting in razor-sharp details and pristine surfaces that showcase the Lincoln Memorial design in its finest form.

The auction record reveals how collectors have consistently valued this cameo variety’s distinctive visual characteristics across different market conditions.

Let’s examine the current market activity for 1963 Proof penny to understand collector interest trends.

 

1963 CAM Penny Value

The 1963 CAM penny stands apart within the 3.075 million proof mintage through its distinctive Lincoln Memorial presentation, where the building’s architectural details achieve pronounced textural definition against polished background surfaces.

These Cameo specimens typically command $5 to $200 for highest-grade examples, reflecting their intermediate status between standard proof finishes and Deep Cameo varieties. The frosted Lincoln portrait maintains sharp relief definition, while the Memorial’s columns and steps display the characteristic matte-like surface texture that distinguishes true Cameo designation.

This 1963 variety captures a specific moment in proof die lifecycle, representing approximately the first 100 strikes before the frosting effect begins to diminish, creating a finite window of Cameo-quality production within the year’s extensive proof run.

The auction records reveal how this penny have performed in actual marketplace transactions across the grade spectrum.

Here’s the market activity trends for 1963 CAM Penny to help you gauge current collector demand.

 

1963 DCAM Penny Value

The 1963 DCAM penny represents the apex of that year’s proof production, achieved only during the initial die strikes when frosting reached maximum intensity. While standard proof examples trade modestly, PR70 DCAM specimens have commanded extraordinary premiums, with one notable example selling for $40,250 at Heritage Auctions.

The Deep Cameo designation requires Lincoln’s portrait to exhibit heavy frosting that creates stark definition against mirror-black fields, while the Memorial’s architectural elements display deep textural contrast.

This effect deteriorated quickly as dies wore through continued striking, making genuine DCAM examples exceptionally scarce within the 3.075 million proof mintage. The 1963 DCAM captures the precise intersection of optimal die condition and striking parameters that defined premium proof quality standards.

The auction records demonstrate this deep cameo variety’s exceptional performance in the collecting marketplace.

Current market activity reflects collectors’ profound appreciation for this coin’s beauty.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1963 Penny Error List

The 1963 penny series produced several fascinating error varieties that command significant premiums among collectors today.

These errors include the 1963-D DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse) featuring strong doubling on the date’s “3,” and the 1963 DDR FS-801 (Doubled Die Reverse) showing pronounced doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.

Each error appears across multiple color designations—Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) for business strikes, Red (RD) and Cameo (CAM) varieties for proof specimens, creating a diverse range of collectible error coins.

1. 1963-D DDO FS-101 Errors

The 1963-D DDO FS-101 displays strong spread south on the “IN GOD WE TRUST”, creating a distinctive doubled appearance that’s easily identifiable to collectors.

This doubled die obverse error appears across Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) designations.From the grade-price chart below, the price of MS 66 (RD) can reach $920, much higher than lower grades.

Although relatively common among doubled die varieties, it represents a wide doubled die with clear visibility, making it popular among both beginning and advanced error collectors.

2. 1963 DDR FS-801 Errors

The 1963 DDR FS-801 features dramatic doubling on the reverse inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the error most clearly visible on proof coins due to their superior striking quality.

This doubled die reverse error appears in both Red (RD) regular strikes and Cameo (CAM) proof varieties, creating stunning visual contrast effects. Values range from $120 in PR65 grades to $390 in PR68 conditions, with the proof specimens typically commanding higher premiums due to their enhanced visibility of the doubling effect.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1963 Penny?

Now that you know the value of your 1963 Penny, do you know where to sell it for the best price? Don’t worry, there’s a list of the top selling platforms, including their fees, pros, and cons to help you choose the right option.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1963 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1963 Penny

1. What makes a 1963 penny worth money?

Most 1963 pennies are only worth their face value. But if they’re red, in excellent condition, or have a rare error, they can be worth more. Coins with re-punched mint-marks can be worth a few dollars, as can those with doubling on the date.

The very finest examples, those with few or no scratches or other flaws, can be worth thousands. But if you’re thinking of buying one of those, make sure it’s been certified by a reputable coin grading agency like the PCGS or NGC.

2. What is a 1963-D penny?

The numbers refer to the year the penny was minted. The “D” is the mint mark signifying it was struck at the Mint facility in Denver. Both the date and the mint mark – if there is one – can be found on the obverse of the coin. That’s the side featuring Lincoln’s portrait. The date is on the right-hand side. If there’s a “D”, it will be below the date.