1964 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1964 penny, a coin so abundant that nearly 6.5 billion were minted, but so rich in collecting potential that it continues to surprise even seasoned collectors decades later. While standard mint state examples typically range from $8.98 to $9.64, specialized varieties like the legendary SMS Special Strike commands an average value of $7,725, with exceptional specimens reaching auction prices as high as $19,200.

Whether examining pocket change or pursuing high-grade specimens, every 1964 penny deserves careful consideration, as the next numismatic discovery might be hiding among the billions still in circulation.

 

1964 Penny Value By Variety

The following table displays current market values for 1964 pennies across various mint marks and preservation levels, with pricing spanning from copper melt value for circulated pieces for exceptional SMS specimens and substantial premiums for high-grade circulation strikes and 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 1964 Penny Worth Money

These auction results tell an incredible story about the hidden treasure potential lurking in America’s most common coin denomination. The chart reveals that 1964 pennies can transform from everyday pocket change into museum-quality numismatic specimens worth more than most people’s monthly rent.

The SMS (Special Mint Set) pennies absolutely dominate the premium market with jaw-dropping prices – a 1964 SMS SP RD 67 commanded an astounding $19,200, while an SP RD 65 brought $11,400 at auction.

Besides, a standard 1964 Red MS67 achieved $6,000, proving that even billion-mintage varieties can deliver serious collector returns when copper brilliance remains intact.

The proof specimens and Denver examples fill out the roster with consistent four-figure performances, including a 1964-D Red-Brown MS64 at $2,040 and a perfect 1964 PR RD 70 at $2,585.

The copper color hierarchy dominates these results with mathematical precision – Red examples consistently outperform Brown specimens by ratios of 10-to-1 or higher.

This reflects the extraordinary challenge of preserving original copper luster for over 60 years without oxidation, environmental damage, or handling wear that would diminish the pristine red appearance collectors prize above all else.

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

 

History of the 1964 Penny

The 1964 Lincoln penny emerged during a pivotal moment in American monetary history, representing one of the most prolific coinage years in U.S. history. With a mintage exceeding 6.4 billion coins, this production surge reflected America’s booming post-war economy and growing demand for circulating currency under the Johnson administration.

Production occurred across multiple facilities, with Philadelphia and Denver serving as the primary mints. Uniquely, the 1964-D Lincoln cent became the only U.S. coin to carry a mintmark that year, creating an interesting collecting dynamic. The reverse featured Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design, while maintaining Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait on the obverse.

What makes 1964 historically significant extends beyond mere numbers. Nearly a billion pennies were actually struck the following year using 1964 dies, demonstrating the unprecedented demand for small denomination currency.

This massive production established the 1964 penny as a cornerstone of American numismatics—common enough for widespread collecting accessibility, yet harboring rare varieties like the legendary SMS specimens that command thousands of dollars. The year represents the final chapter before America’s currency landscape would undergo dramatic compositional changes in subsequent decades.

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

 

Is Your 1964 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly assess the specific rarity ranking of any 1964 penny variety in your collection for accurate market positioning.

 

Key Features of the 1964 Penny

The 1964 penny showcases the classic Lincoln penny design elements that had defined American one-cent coins for decades.

The Obverse Of The 1964 Penny

Look at the obverse (or “heads” side) of a 1964 penny, and the chances are it will look very familiar. It carries the same image of President Lincoln that’s been appearing on cents for over 100 years.

Above Lincoln’s portrait are inscribed the words “In God We Trust”. “Liberty” is inscribed to its left, while the date is on the right. Coins minted in Denver have a mint mark on the obverse too – a small “D” situated just below the date.

The Reverse of The 1964 Penny

The 1964 penny has the image of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on its reverse. If you look closely, you can see the statue of Lincoln in the middle of the portico. That makes this one of the few coins to have an image of the same person on both sides.

The largest text is reserved for the denomination. This is written in full as “ONE CENT” and curves along the lower coin edge.

The top of the coin has the country name, also following the curve of the edge. Beneath it, written on the horizontal, is the Latin motto “E pluribus unum”. The words mean “From the many, one” and honor the creation of the USA from the individual states.

Other Features of the 1964 Penny

The 1964 penny has the same dimensions and composition as most of the earlier Lincoln pennies. It measures precisely 19 millimeters across and weighs 3.11 grams. And it’s made of 95 per cent copper and 5 per cent zinc.

The copper content means these coins can be different colors. When copper is new, it’s a warm red shade. As it’s handled and exposed to oxygen in the air, it dulls and turns brown.

Coin grading agencies take the color of copper coins into account when assessing and valuing them. Coins that are at least 95 per cent red across both faces are graded “red”. You may see the abbreviation “RD” in coin listings.

A coin that’s at least 95 per cent brown across its total surface is graded “brown”, abbreviated to “BN”. And anything in the middle counts as “red and brown” or “RB”.

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

 

1964 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1964 penny mintage and survival data reveals fascinating preservation patterns across different striking methods and collector appeal levels.

While circulation strike data remains unknown for both Philadelphia and Denver issues, the proof varieties tell a compelling acitons of collector behavior and market dynamics over six decades.

The nearly 4 million proof pennies originally struck show dramatically different survival rates based on their visual appeal characteristics. Regular proof coins achieved a respectable 31.6% survival rate with approximately 1.25 million examples preserved, while Cameo proofs maintained a 15.2% survival rate with 600,000 survivors.

The most striking pattern appears in Deep Cameo specimens, which despite superior visual contrast, show only a 6.3% survival rate with just 250,000 survivors.

These survival patterns suggest that many Deep Cameo proofs may have been lost, damaged, or remain unrecognized in collections, creating genuine scarcity despite substantial original production.

The mysterious SMS Special Strike specimens remain completely unknown in terms of both original mintage and current survival numbers, adding to their legendary status.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1964 Penny Value 

Valuing your 1964 penny goes beyond simple condition assessment. These 95% copper coins present unique grading complexities due to their metal composition and color variations. A worn piece might be worth only its 2.3-cent melt value, while pristine examples with full red luster can reach thousands of dollars.

The critical factors include Lincoln’s portrait sharpness, Memorial column definition, and surface color classification ranging from red to brown. Copper oxidation patterns add another layer of complexity that affects both grade and value significantly.

Use our  CoinValueChecker App to analyze these nuanced characteristics instantly. Upload a photo to receive professional grading with accurate market pricing, removing the uncertainty from copper penny valuation.

 

1964 Penny Value Guides

The 1964 Lincoln penny stands as one of America’s most fascinating coin series, offering collectors everything from accessible copper treasures to mind-blowing rarities worth more than luxury cars.

This year produced six distinct collecting categories that span the entire spectrum of numismatic possibility. Regular circulation strikes provide entry-level opportunities for copper enthusiasts, while proof varieties demonstrate the mint’s artistic capabilities during a turbulent economic period.

But here’s where things get interesting – the mysterious SMS specimens represent some of the most enigmatic coins in American numismatic history, with values that defy logic and origins that remain shrouded in controversy.

Whether you’re hunting pocket change or investing serious money, understanding these six categories can mean the difference between finding copper melt value and discovering life-changing wealth hidden in plain sight.

1964 Penny Types:

• 1964 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1964-D (Denver)
• 1964 Proof  (Philadelphia)
• 1964 CAM (Philadelphia)
• 1964 DCAM (Philadelphia)
• 1964 SMS Special Strike (Special Mint Set)

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

 

1964 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1964 no mint mark penny represents a unique dual-origin phenomenon where both Philadelphia and San Francisco produced identical coins without distinguishing marks. Philadelphia struck approximately 2.5 billion pennies, while San Francisco contributed an additional 196 million coins, creating the final year of 95% copper composition totaling over 2.6 billion specimens.

This massive production creates an authentication puzzle—collectors cannot definitively separate Philadelphia from San Francisco origins, making each specimen a representation of this transitional period. Despite enormous quantities, the copper content drives dramatic value differences.

These pennies showcase three distinct copper preservation levels that dramatically impact value. Red (RD) examples displaying original copper brilliance command premium prices, with auction record showing MS67 specimens reaching $1,000.

Red-Brown (RB) pennies with partial oxidation bring moderate premiums, with the finest MS66+ example valued at $40 according auction record. Brown (BN) specimens showing complete copper darkening remain most affordable while still carrying numismatic interest for their copper content and historical importance.

Auction records below demonstrate how collectors have consistently recognized Red copper pennies as the ultimate expression of circulation strike quality and preservation excellence.

Market dynamics indicate that ongoing collector demand continues to drive activity for these exceptional copper specimens.

 

1964-D Penny Value

The 1964-D Denver penny achieved the most prolific single-year mintage in Lincoln cent history with 3.8 billion coins produced, yet paradoxically becomes increasingly scarce at higher preservation grades.

This massive production volume from Denver’s high-speed operations created distinctive striking characteristics that contribute to the coin’s condition rarity, making pristine examples exceptionally difficult to locate despite the enormous original output.

Denver’s mass production environment resulted in unique preservation challenges that directly impact current market values.

The 1964-D showcases all three copper color designations, each commanding different market premiums. Red (RD) examples showcase the finest striking quality available, with auction records documenting MS67 specimens achieving $4,025—a premium reflecting both the coin’s historical significance and Denver’s challenging preservation conditions during the unprecedented production run.

Red-Brown (RB) Denver pennies display partial copper retention but trade at significantly lower levels than their Red counterparts, Brown (BN) examples provide the most affordable entry points.

Performance data below showcases how Denver copper cents from this era have gained market recognition for their quality and preservation challenges.

Collector engagement demonstrates ongoing interest in these substantial Denver copper issues.

 

1964 Proof Penny Value

The 1964 proof Lincoln penny represents Philadelphia’s collector-focused production with a mintage of 3,950,762 specimens—nearly 4 million coins struck using specialized proof techniques.

These coins were produced during a pivotal moment when the U.S. Mint balanced traditional collector services with mass production demands, creating 95% copper proof cents.

Philadelphia’s proof production employed specially prepared dies and polished planchets to achieve mirror-like fields contrasting with frosted devices. This meticulous process highlighted every detail of Victor David Brenner’s Lincoln portrait design. The substantial mintage reflects strong collector demand during the mid-1960s economic expansion.

Value structure depends critically on surface preservation and contrast levels. The auction record stands at $2,585 for a PR70 RD specimen achieved in January 2017, demonstrating how contrast quality affects collector premiums.

Premium auction performance below reflects how collectors have consistently valued proof quality combined with exceptional copper preservation.

Market engagement shows the dedicated collector focus that maintains steady interests for these superior proof specimens.

 

1964 CAM Penny Value

Auction results below showcase how collectors have recognized Cameo proofs as premium examples of 1960s proof technology advancement.

Market activity reflects the collector appreciation for these enhanced contrast proof varieties.

 

1964 DCAM Penny Value

The 1964 Lincoln DCAM Proof occupies a revered position in numismatic hierarchy, earning recognition as “a fine representative of the legendary Lincoln Cent series” that has captivated collectors since 1909. 

The 1964 Deep Cameo proof Lincoln penny represents extraordinary rarity with only 184 Certified examples at PR69 DCAM grade and one specimen graded higher. These specimens achieved maximum contrast through optimal die preparation, creating dramatic separation between heavily frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields with near three-dimensional visual effects.

Beyond aesthetic achievement, these coins carry profound investment fundamentals: “the copper in a 1964 penny is worth approximately 2.3 cents” as of November 2023, establishing an intrinsic value floor that modern zinc cents cannot match. According to auction data,  one 1964 penny specimen stands at $504 for a PR69 DCAM example in August 2021.

For collectors seeking entry into Lincoln cent sophistication, few coins offer such compelling combination of accessibility, rarity, and historical gravitas.

Exceptional auction performance below demonstrates how collectors have consistently pursued Deep Cameo proofs as the ultimate expression of 1960s proof craftsmanship.

Market dynamics show the intense collector interests for these superior contrast specimens.

 

1964 SMS Special Strike Penny Value

The 1964 SMS Special Strike Lincoln penny represents one of numismatics’ greatest mysteries, with only 15-50 complete sets ever produced. These experimental coins feature distinctive satin finishes between circulation strikes and proofs, emerging from Philadelphia as prototypes for 1965-1967 Special Mint Sets. 

These coins display superior striking with heavy die polishing lines visible to the naked eye, creating surfaces neither proof-like nor business strike quality.

The 1964 SMS Special Strike specimens exist in all three copper color designations – Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) – though Brown examples are extremely rare among these experimental coins.

Red SMS specimens command extraordinary premiums, with a 2019 SP67 example achieving $15,600. Red-Brown examples reach $2,000 at MS63 grade in dealer transactions.

The 1964 SMS cent’s value derives from experimental rarity, historical mystery, and superior production quality. With static certified populations and mostly private transactions, these coins represent modern numismatics’ most significant rarities.

Record-breaking auction achievements below reflect how collectors have pursued these mysterious SMS pennies as the ultimate 1964 penny prize.

Market activity demonstrates the intense collector fascination for these enigmatic specimens.

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

 

Rare 1964 Penny Error List

Error coins from 1964 represent some of the most valuable finds in copper Lincoln penny collecting, with minting mistakes creating specimens worth hundreds to thousands of times their face value.

These errors occurred during the massive production demands when over 6 billion pennies were struck, leading to die stress, mechanical failures, and striking anomalies that transformed ordinary copper cents into numismatic treasures.

1. 1964 DDR (FS-801 And FS-802) Errors

The 1964 doubled die reverse varieties FS-801 and FS-802 display dramatic doubling in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and Lincoln Memorial inscriptions. These errors originated when Philadelphia Mint working dies misaligned during the second hub impression.

FS-801 exhibits more pronounced doubling than FS-802, with Lincoln Memorial columns showing clear doubled element separation. These Philadelphia Mint production errors during 1964’s massive 2.6 billion coin output created collectible specimens from manufacturing defects.

Market values follow copper preservation hierarchies—Red commands highest premiums due to original luster, Red-Brown offers mid-tier pricing with partial oxidation, while Brown provides affordable entry points into these significant doubled die varieties.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1964 Penny?

Your 1964 penny might be hiding thousands in copper value – check those mint marks, look for errors, and remember that what looks like pocket change could actually be your ticket to serious collector profits.

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

 

1964 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1964 Penny

1. Is The 1964 Penny Worth Anything?

Most 1964 pennies are worth only their face value. And even coins in uncirculated condition are likely to be worth only a few dollars.

But there are exceptions. Coins that are the finest quality examples of their type can be worth four figures. Interesting error coins can be valuable too. And if you have a 1964 penny with a satin finish, it could be worth many thousands of dollars.

2. How Do I Know If My 1964 Penny Is Rare?

The most valuable 1964 pennies are special strikes. Only a handful were produced, and they have a different finish to regular or proof pennies. Their appearance is described as “satin finish”, and it’s shinier than regular pennies but less glossy than proofs.

If your coin is a bright red color, it will be more valuable than brown or red and brown examples. The most valuable coins have no wear or scratches at all, or only the most trivial flaws.

Error coins can be valuable too. Errors can include coins struck on the wrong planchet or those with re-punched mint marks. If your coin looks unusual in some way, it could be valuable. But note that it can be difficult to distinguish some types of Mint error from later damage.