1968 Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1968 penny emerged during America’s coin shortage crisis. Over 4.8 billion coins flooded circulation from worn master hubs. This produced soft-struck pennies with missing details in Lincoln’s hair and beard.

Despite massive production numbers, finding high-grade specimens proves surprisingly challenging. Most examples show the telltale signs of poor strike quality.

Red uncirculated Philadelphia pennies reach $13.00 in MS grade while Denver specimens hit $8.98 in MS condition. Deep Cameo proofs command $16.38 in PR grade. The irony remains clear: abundant production created genuine scarcity in collector-quality grades.

 

1968 Penny Value By Variety

Understanding the value differences across 1968 penny varieties reveals how mintmarks, colors, and proof designations can transform a common cent into a collector’s treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

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 1968 Penny Worth Money

Looking at the top 10 most valuable 1968 pennies reveals some interesting patterns in collector preferences. San Francisco strikes claim the premium spots, with a 1968-S RD 67 leading at $3,995, followed by Philadelphia’s 1968 RD 67 at $2,880.

The proof market tells its own story clearly. For instance, a 1968-S DCAM 69 brings $2,400. Interestingly, this is notable because its numerical grade sits below some business strikes. Nevertheless, it commands this premium thanks to those coveted cameo and deep cameo finishes.

San Francisco’s reduced production numbers translate directly into higher prices across the board. Error coins like the 1968-S DDO FS-101 consistently punch above their weight, with examples in grades 66-68 regularly making the top value list. Sometimes a mint mistake proves more desirable than technical perfection.

Color matters too—Red specimens leave their Red-Brown counterparts far behind, even when everything else about the grade remains identical.

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

 

History Of The 1968 Penny

1909 was the first Lincoln cent release year. Minting coins featuring Lincoln’s bust on the obverse side was a way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Victor D. Brenner designed the coin featuring a beloved President on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse side.

Fifty years later, in honor of the 150th Lincoln’s birth date, the US Mint changed the reverse side of this coin. The assistant designer Gasparro created the redesign featuring the Memorial on the coin reverse. Interestingly, the design also contained a small Lincoln statue inside the building.

It was the first American coin that featured the same person on both sides. This design remained the same until 2008, but the penny composition changed over time. From 1909 to 1942, these cents were made of 95% copper and 5% tin or zinc.

During WWII, pennies’ composition was completely zinc-plated steel for only one year (1943). As of 1944 and until 1982, the production returned to copper. Finally, the cent’s composition changed one more time to 97.5% zinc with copper in 1982 and has remained unchanged.

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809 and worked as a lawyer before joining politics when he was only twenty-five. He became the 16th US President in 1860 and was elected once more in 1864.

This President did so many things during his presidency. For instance, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1963 and established agriculture, the banking system, and the secret service. His major achievements were successfully balancing politics during Civil War and preserving the Union.

His ability to see events clearly, adapt to them, and decide fast when necessary were extraordinary. These qualities made the foundation of a democratic society. Unfortunately, all those activities stopped after his assassination in Ford’s Theatre in Washington.

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

 

Is Your 1968 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to evaluate your 1968 Lincoln pennies and access detailed rarity rankings for informed collecting decisions.

 

Key Features Of The 1968 Penny

The 1968 Memorial cent design features Abraham Lincoln on both sides. His bust is on the obverse, and his statue positioned in the Memorial is on the coin’s reverse side.

The US Mint released this design for the first time in 1959 to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and kept it until 2008. All three US Mints produced this penny in 1968. 

The Obverse Of The 1968 Penny

The obverse of the 1968 penny features Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln facing right.

The year “1968” appears to the right of Lincoln’s bust, aligned with his chest, with the mint mark positioned below. “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left behind Lincoln’s neck, while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches across the upper rim.

Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” are subtly placed beneath Lincoln’s right shoulder, honoring the designer who created this enduring design in 1909.

The Reverse Of The 1968 Penny

The modern Lincoln penny’s reverse design appeared in 1959, and you can also see it in 1968. It is Frank Gasparro’s work featuring the Memorial in the central area, with a small President’s statue positioned inside.

The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is just above the Memorial, while the name UNITED STATES oF AMERICA is above it, lining the rim. Denomination ONE CENT is on the reverse side’s lower part. It also depicts the designer’s initials, FG, by the Memorial’s right corner.

Other Features Of The 1968 Penny

The 1968 Memorial reverse cent is round, with 1.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter and a plain edge. It weighs 0.109 ounces (3.11 g). The composition includes 95% copper with traces of other metals, giving the cent interesting color variations between red and brown. Its thickness is 0.059 inches (1.52 mm).

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

 

1968 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Mintage and survival data for the 1968 cent reveal striking patterns that challenge conventional assumptions about scarcity. The Denver Mint led production with 2.88 billion coins, followed by Philadelphia with 1.7 billion and San Francisco with 258 million.

Yet survival rates remain remarkably consistent across all three mints. Philadelphia and San Francisco coins both show a 10% survival rate, while Denver’s massive output resulted in a nearly identical 9.996% rate. This consistency suggests that production volume alone doesn’t determine long-term availability.

The Proof series presents the most intriguing dynamics. Denver’s 3.04 million Proof coins achieved a 25.5% survival rate—significantly higher than business strikes. This disparity demonstrates how collector handling and preservation practices can dramatically impact survival, often outweighing initial production advantages.

While data for CAM and Proof S variants remains limited, available statistics reveal a crucial pattern: collector interest and storage practices matter more than original mintage figures.

These findings underscore an important numismatic principle—perceived rarity often differs from actual availability, shaped more by preservation habits than production numbers.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1968 Penny Value

Unlocking your 1968 penny’s true worth is easier than you think. First, determine if it’s from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S)—the S variety is particularly scarce.

Examine Lincoln’s cheekbone and jaw for wear, as these high points fade first with circulation. Color matters too: brilliant red uncirculated cents outvalue brown or red-brown examples. Common circulated pieces hover around 2-5 cents, while gem red uncirculated coins can exceed $10-$20. Error hunters should watch for doubled dies and off-center strikes.

For a fast, reliable grade assessment, simply use our CoinValueChecker App to check the grade directly.

 

1968 Penny Value Guides

1968 Penny Varieties:

• 1968 No Mint Mark– Philadelphia Mint regular strike penny
• 1968-D– Denver Mint regular strike penny
• 1968-S– San Francisco Mint regular strike penny
• 1968-S PR– San Francisco Proof regular finish
• 1968-S CAM– San Francisco Proof with cameo contrast
• 1968-S DCAM– San Francisco Proof with deep cameo contrast

The 1968 Lincoln cent marked a pivotal moment in American numismatics. Mintmarks returned after their three-year absence during the coin shortage crisis.

Philadelphia and Denver focused on massive business strike production to meet circulation demands. Meanwhile, San Francisco balanced both regular strikes and collector-quality proofs.

The proof varieties showcase the era’s advanced minting techniques, with cameo and deep cameo specimens displaying stunning frosted designs against mirror-like backgrounds.

This dual production approach at San Francisco created a unique collecting opportunity. It offered both accessible business strikes and premium proof specimens that captured the Memorial design’s architectural beauty with unprecedented clarity and contrast.

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

 

1968 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Philadelphia’s 1968 No Mint Mark penny occupies a unique position in numismatic history, representing the mint’s primary output as mintmarks returned following the coin shortage crisis.

This variety presents collectors with an intriguing paradox. While Philadelphia produced the most abundant 1968 issue, finding high-grade specimens remains surprisingly challenging. The difficulty stems from worn master hubs used during massive production runs, which compromised strike quality even on freshly minted coins.

Color designation also impacts value for these cents. Red (RD) specimens retaining original copper luster command the highest premiums, with a record MS67+ example selling for $2,880 in 2018.

Reddish Brown (RB) variants showcase an attractive patina between mint red and natural brown, appealing to collectors who appreciate toned coins.

Even fully oxidized Brown (BN) specimens maintain strong collector interest. An MS68 BN example fetched $154 at auction, demonstrating that patient collectors can profit from naturally aged copper.

These values reflect an important market reality: condition and eye appeal often matter more than color designation alone.

Auction record chart shows steady market appreciation.

Market activity indicates that collector participation continues to increase, with peaks occurring in several months in 2025.

 

1968-D Penny Value

The 1968-D penny showcases Denver Mint’s remarkable production during the mintmark restoration year, with its “D” designation marking the end of the three-year mintmark hiatus that defined mid-1960s coinage.

Despite nearly 2.9 billion coins produced, finding examples with exceptional preservation proves surprisingly challenging due to the worn master hubs used during the national coin shortage recovery period.

According to auction records, Red (RD) specimens with original copper brilliance command the highest premiums, with top MS67 examples achieving $2,300 at major auctions.

The Reddish Brown (RB) variant has a naturally aged pattern. Based on historical auction records, high-grade examples typically sell for $253 to $280. This attractive transitional color appeals to many collectors.

Brown (BN) examples, though fully oxidized, can still surprise with exceptional specimens reaching $546 for remarkable MS62 preservation, proving Denver’s quality control created some truly outstanding survivors.

The auction record chart shows steady appreciation with occasional dramatic spikes across different platforms.

Market activity demonstrates consistent baseline interest with notable seasonal peaks and recent strengthening trends.

 

1968-S Penny Value

Among all 1968 penny varieties, the San Francisco mint’s regular strikes represent the rarest find. While Philadelphia and Denver churned out billions of coins, San Francisco produced just 258 million pieces.

This limited output, combined with collectors’ attraction to the “S” mintmark, makes high-grade business strikes particularly elusive. The scarcity becomes evident in auction results, where preservation quality drives dramatic price variations.

Red (RD) specimens retaining original copper luster command exceptional premiums. A MS66+ example sold for $5,000 in 2021, highlighting the market’s appetite for pristine San Francisco cents.

Red-Brown (RB) coins with partial oxidation offer more accessible options while maintaining substantial value. MS67 RB examples typically realize $499, featuring the color transitions many collectors actively seek.

Even fully oxidized Brown (BN) pieces remain desirable. MS65 BN specimens reaching $225 prove that San Francisco cents retain strong numismatic appeal regardless of natural toning. This consistent demand across all color designations underscores the enduring value of the mint’s smallest 1968 production run.

The market clearly values scarcity over appearance, with San Francisco cents commanding premiums that reflect their relative rarity rather than just their preservation state.

Auction records show the coin’s steady appreciation driven by collector recognition.

Market activity shows the distinctive San Francisco collecting pattern—consistent elevated interest with dramatic seasonal surges reflecting this variety’s recognized scarcity.

 

1968-S Proof Penny Value

The 1968-S PR penny represents San Francisco Mint’s return to proof production after a three-year hiatus during the Special Mint Set era. This marked the restoration of traditional collector-quality strikes with mirror-like surfaces and frosted devices.

Struck using specially crafted dies and polished planchets, these coins showcase the Lincoln Memorial’s architectural details with unprecedented clarity. The meticulous production process created specimens that set new standards for proof quality.

Red (RD) specimens retaining original copper luster dominate auction results, achieving impressive prices at major sales. Their pristine surfaces and sharp strikes exemplify the mint’s commitment to excellence.

This series successfully reestablished San Francisco’s reputation for premium collector coinage following the experimental mid-1960s period. The 1968-S proofs remain benchmarks of American minting excellence.

The auction chart reveals varied platform performance. Some platforms demonstrate strong collector appeal across multiple market segments.

Market activity displays the characteristic proof collecting rhythm—steady baseline engagement with notable seasonal peaks reflecting renewed interest in this foundational series.

 

1968-S CAM Penny Value

The 1968-S CAM penny stands out for its striking contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. This cameo effect occurs when specially prepared dies create a two-tone appearance that collectors find irresistible. While regular proofs from that year remain common, true cameo specimens are considerably scarcer.

Auction records reveal the premium these coins command. A PR69 CAM example can fetch $450 or more, while exceptional PR67 specimens have reached $2,760 at major auctions. The difference lies in the contrast quality—deep, consistent frosting across Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial columns elevates value significantly.

Interestingly, these cameo proofs represent less than 15% of the total proof mintage, making them a genuine find for collectors seeking superior eye appeal over standard proofs.

The auction record chart shows steady performance with occasional notable peaks demonstrating consistent collector recognition.

Market activity displays sustained engagement with dramatic seasonal spikes reflecting the specialized appeal of this premium proof finish.

 

1968-S DCAM Penny Value

The 1968-S DCAM penny represents the pinnacle of proof coin artistry. Deep Cameo specimens exhibit exceptional contrast—Lincoln’s portrait appears heavily frosted against jet-black mirror fields, creating a dramatic visual impact that regular proofs cannot match.

This superior quality commands significant premiums. A PR69 DCAM example achieved $3,795 at auction in 2002, while current market values for this grade hover around $2,400.

The scarcity drives these prices—Deep Cameo specimens represent only a fraction of the total proof mintage. Most coins lost their cameo effect after initial strikes as dies wore down.

What makes these coins particularly desirable is their technical perfection combined with aesthetic appeal. The stark white-on-black contrast requires fresh dies and precise striking pressure. Even one grade lower at PR68 DCAM, values drop to around $750, demonstrating how condition sensitivity affects these premium proofs.

The auction record chart shows wild price fluctuations, with breakthrough results achieved during different market cycles.

Market activity exhibits a classic pattern for proof coin collecting—a steady increase in market participation during periods of rediscovery among collectors.

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

 

Rare 1968 Penny Error List

The 1968 penny error landscape offers collectors some of the most dramatic value opportunities in modern numismatics. Specifically, minting mistakes during the coin shortage recovery period created extraordinary rarities.

From doubled dies and repunched mintmarks to the legendary off-metal strikes, these production anomalies transformed ordinary cents into thousand-dollar treasures that continue to surface in circulation and estate collections.

1. 1968-D/D RPM FS-501

The 1968-D/D RPM FS-501 represents one of the most visible repunched mintmark errors in the Lincoln cent series, where the “D” mintmark was struck twice in slightly different positions creating a distinctive doubling effect.

This variety occurred when mint workers manually punched the mintmark and accidentally created a secondary impression, resulting in a clear shadow or offset “D” beneath the primary mintmark.

Examples in high grades have achieved impressive auction results, with PCGS-certified specimens reaching $228-$275 depending on condition and eye appeal.

2. 1968-D DDR FS-801

The 1968-D DDR FS-801 showcases dramatic doubled die reverse characteristics. The Lincoln Memorial’s columns and inscriptions display pronounced doubling that’s easily visible to the naked eye.

This error occurred when the reverse die was subjected to multiple hubbing impressions that weren’t properly aligned. This created the distinctive doubling effect on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE CENT.”

The variety represents one of the more affordable doubled die errors for collectors. It offers dramatic visual impact without the premium prices of obverse doubling.

3. 1968-S DDO FS-101

Lincoln’s portrait and surrounding text show dramatic doubled die characteristics on the 1968-S DDO FS-101. This proof error ranks among the era’s most coveted varieties.

The doubling effect appears across every color category—Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN). “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” display the most pronounced duplication.

Since this error only appears on proof strikes, the mirror-like surfaces dramatically amplify the doubling effect. Cameo specimens are market favorites — their frosted doubled designs pop against reflective backgrounds, commanding serious premium prices.

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

 

1968 Penny Market Trend

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1968 Penny?

Your 1968 penny discovery is just the beginning—turning numismatic knowledge into profit requires choosing the right marketplace. Whether you’re sitting on a thousand-dollar red specimen or a modest copper find, ultimately, the selling platform makes all the difference.

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

 

FAQ About The 1968 Penny

1. What Makes 1968 Penny Rare?

1968 was not a good year for pennies’ minting. Specifically, this was due to an old hub in the US Mint. As a result, it can be hard to find good-struck coins. However, unlike common and cheap regular pieces, some varieties and errors can be valuable.

2. Which 1968 Penny Are Exceptionally Expensive?

• The 1968 PR 67 penny (red) sold at $14,375 at Heritage Auctions in January 2004
• The 1968 S MS 66 penny (red) sold at $5,000 on eBay in October 2023
• The 1968 S PR 69 penny (DCAM) sold at $3,795 at Heritage Auctions in November 2002
• The 1968 MS 67 penny (red) sold at $2,880 at ANA US Coins Auction Philadelphia in August 2018
• The 1968 S PR 63 penny (CAM) sold at $2,760 at Heritage Auctions in January 2007
• The 1968 D MS 67 penny (red) sold at $2,300 at Baltimore Auction in November 2008
• The1968 D MS 62 penny (brown) sold at $546 at Heritage Auctions in July 2010
• The 1968 S MS 67 penny sold (red-brown) at $499 at Heritage Auctions in April 2013
• The 1968 D MS 63 penny (red-brown) sold at $253 Heritage Auctions in December 2004
• The 1968 S MS 65 penny (brown) sold at $225 on eBay in April 2018
• The 1968 MS 66 penny (red-brown) sold at $158 on eBay in December 2021
• The 1968 MS 68 penny (brown) sold at $154 on eBay in March 2019
• How much money can you get for the 1968 penny from Philadelphia?
• The 1968 penny without the mint mark in circulating condition is often worth only the copper melting value. On the other hand, uncirculated specimens can reach premium prices. This is particularly true at auctions. For instance, you can get one with the MS 67 grade for about $225.

3. What Is The Most Expensive Penny?

• The sale price of the 1943 D MS 64 bronze brown cent with the wrong planchet was $840,000 (in 2021)
• The sale price of the 1943 S MS 63 bronze brown cent was $504,000 in 2022
• The sale price of the steel 1944 S MS 66 cent was $408,000 in 2021
• The sale price of the 1999 MS 66 die error cent was $138,000 in 2006
• The sale price of the 1969 S MS 64 DDO cent was $126,500 in 2008