1968 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1968 Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $14,375. That record was set by a Grade 67 Proof example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2004. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what collectors are paying today.

 

1968 Penny Value By Variety

Mintmarks, color designations, and proof finishes can turn a common 1968 cent into a coin worth hundreds — or thousands.

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

The top spot belongs to a 1968-S RD graded MS67, which brought $3,995. Philadelphia’s finest — a 1968 RD MS67 — follows at $2,880. Every coin in this top tier carries a slab from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), the two grading services collectors trust most.

Proofs tell a different story. A 1968-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) PR69 sold for $2,400 — impressive considering some business strikes in higher numerical grades sell for less. Error coins also punch way above their weight here, with the 1968-S DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) FS-101 consistently showing up in grades of 66–68.

Color is everything on copper. Red (RD) coins leave Red-Brown (RB) examples in the dust, even at the same numerical grade. Original copper luster gets harder to find with every passing decade. Sometimes a mint mistake ends up being worth more than technical perfection.

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

 

History Of The 1968 Penny

The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Victor D. Brenner designed the obverse portrait and the original wheat-stalk reverse — the design collectors still call the “Wheat Penny.”

In 1959, for Lincoln’s 150th birthday, assistant engraver Frank Gasparro replaced the wheat stalks with the Lincoln Memorial. A tiny Lincoln statue sits inside the columns. It was the first U.S. coin to show the same person on both sides.

The composition started as 95% copper with 5% tin or zinc. In 1943, the Mint switched to zinc-plated steel for one year to save copper for the war effort. From 1944 through 1982, production went back to copper, then shifted to 97.5% zinc with a copper plating — still the formula used today.

Why Did Mint Marks Disappear From 1965 to 1967?

Here’s the backstory that makes 1968 special. The Coinage Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-81), signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, banned mint marks on U.S. coins. It was an emergency move — a nationwide coin shortage caused by rising silver prices and hoarding had gotten out of hand.

Congress reversed course with Public Law 90-29, enacted on June 24, 1967, bringing mint marks back. On January 4, 1968, U.S. Mint Director Eva Adams held an official ceremony at the Denver Mint to celebrate the return. That three-year blackout was over. The 1968 penny is the first year you can once again tell Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco coins apart by the small letter below the date.

One more thing worth knowing: 1968 is the last year the Mint used those beat-up old master hubs that gave coins soft, mushy strikes. In 1969, completely reworked hubs brought back sharp hair and beard detail on Lincoln. So 1968 is the final chapter of an era defined by weak strikes.

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809 and worked as a lawyer before entering politics at age 25. He became the 16th U.S. President in 1860 and won re-election in 1864. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and established foundational institutions including the Department of Agriculture and the Secret Service. He was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. in 1865, but his legacy endures on every penny struck since 1909.

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

 

Is Your 1968 Penny Rare?

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

 

 

Key Features Of The 1968 Penny

Lincoln appears on both sides of this coin — his portrait up front, his statue inside the Memorial on the back. The Mint introduced this design in 1959 and kept it through 2008. All three active mints struck pennies in 1968.

The coin is 95% copper and 5% zinc, giving each 1968 penny a copper melt value of approximately 2.3 cents — more than double face value at current copper prices. That melt value puts a floor under even the most beat-up examples.

The Obverse Of The 1968 Penny

You’ll see Victor David Brenner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. The date “1968” sits to the right of Lincoln’s bust, with the mint mark just below it.

“LIBERTY” runs along the left behind Lincoln’s neck. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches across the top rim. Look closely beneath Lincoln’s right shoulder — Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” are tucked in there, honoring the designer who created this portrait back in 1909.

The Reverse Of The 1968 Penny

Flip it over and you’ll find Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial, with a tiny Lincoln statue visible between the columns. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears just above the Memorial. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” lines the upper rim.

“ONE CENT” fills the lower portion. Look at the lower right corner of the Memorial for Gasparro’s initials “FG.” This entire reverse design stayed on the penny through 2008 — nearly 50 years.

Other Features Of The 1968 Penny

The 1968 penny is round, measuring 19.05 mm (about 0.75 inches) in diameter, with a plain (smooth) edge. It weighs 3.11 grams (0.109 ounces) and is 1.52 mm (0.059 inches) thick. Its 95% copper composition produces color variations between bright red and brown as the coin ages.

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

 

1968 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Denver cranked out 2.88 billion coins. Philadelphia made 1.7 billion. San Francisco trailed far behind with just 258 million business strikes plus 3.04 million proofs. Despite that huge production gap, survival rates are surprisingly similar — roughly 10% across all three mints.

Proofs survived at about 25%, roughly 2.5 times the rate of business strikes. That makes sense — collectors tucked them into holders instead of spending them. How a coin gets treated matters more than how many were made.

Here’s a practical tip: most high-grade 1968 cents come from 1968 Mint Sets, which the U.S. Mint sold with examples from all three facilities. You can still find these sets on the secondary market for under $15. That’s the cheapest way to grab uncirculated examples from every mint in one shot.

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

 

1968 Penny Grading

Grading places a coin on the 70-point Sheldon Scale — from Poor-1 (totally worn flat) to Mint State-70 (flawless). Anything MS60 or above means the coin never circulated. Most 1968 pennies you’ll find in pocket change grade Fine to Very Fine (grades 12–35) and are worth only their copper melt value of about 2.3 cents.

The tricky part with 1968 pennies is spotting subtle wear on Lincoln’s cheekbone and the Memorial’s columns. Tiny differences there can make or break a coin’s grade. Professional graders will dock several points for contact marks you can only see under magnification.

The gap between MS64 and MS67 is enormous in dollar terms. A 1968 Philadelphia MS67+RD sold for $3,360 at Heritage Auctions in November 2023. An MS64 RD from the same mint? About $14. Color designation matters just as much on copper:

RD (Red) means the coin retains at least 95% of its original bright copper luster — the rarest and most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% of original red remains, showing partial oxidation. BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red survives — automatically assigned to any circulated coin. An MS67 RD can be worth 10 to 20 times more than an MS67 BN of the same date and mint.

One important warning: the standard PCGS grading fee is approximately $17–$50, and the NGC fee is similar. For most 1968 cents below MS66 RD, the grading cost exceeds the coin’s market value — so only submit coins that show exceptional color and eye appeal.

For instant verification of your coin’s condition, try our Coin Identifier and Value App to check grade with professional precision.

 

1968 Penny Value Guides By Variety

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, standard mirror finish
• 1968-S CAM – San Francisco Proof with cameo contrast (frosted devices, mirror fields)
• 1968-S DCAM – San Francisco Proof with deep cameo contrast (heavy frost on jet-black mirror fields)

The 1968 Lincoln cent is the year mint marks came back after a three-year absence. Philadelphia and Denver focused on massive business strike runs, while San Francisco split its effort between regular strikes and collector-quality proofs.

Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs show frosted designs against mirror-like fields — a look that only happens on the earliest strikes from fresh dies. Once the die wears down, the frost fades and you’re left with a standard proof finish.

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

 

1968 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Think the most common variety is easy to find in high grade? Think again. Those worn-out master hubs Philadelphia used in 1968 meant even freshly minted coins often came out soft and mushy.

According to CoinWeek’s research using PCGS population data (as of March 2025), PCGS tops out at MS67+RD with just four pieces certified. NGC has graded one example at MS68RD — a coin that sold for $1,293.75 at GreatCollections in August 2023. The first PCGS MS67+RD showed up at Stack’s Bowers in August 2018, where it brought $2,880 as the sole finest known at the time.

Red (RD) coins with original luster bring the biggest premiums. The most recent PCGS MS67+RD sold for $3,360 at Heritage Auctions on November 6, 2023. Red-Brown (RB) examples offer a nice middle ground for budget-conscious collectors. Even fully Brown (BN) coins can surprise you — an MS68 BN sold for $154 at auction, proving condition rarity applies across all color designations.

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

Nearly 2.9 billion struck — and good luck finding a gem. That’s the story of the 1968-D. Denver’s “D” mint mark was back after the three-year hiatus, but sheer volume didn’t translate to quality survivors.

CoinWeek reports that NGC has certified 28 examples at MS67RD, two at MS67+RD, and two at MS68RD. PCGS has certified 35 at MS67RD and just one at MS67+RD — that single coin brought $4,617.50 at a GreatCollections auction in December 2018, doubling the previous record set in 2008. Neither of the two NGC MS68RD Denver examples has appeared at public auction, so their true market value remains a mystery.

Red (RD) specimens lead the pack. High-grade MS67 examples have hit $2,300 at major auctions. Red-Brown (RB) coins with natural patina typically sell for $253–$280 in top grades. Brown (BN) examples can still shock you — an MS62 BN brought $546 at Heritage Auctions in July 2010, which I think shows just how much collectors value originality over color.

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

Only 258 million business strikes. That’s it. While Philadelphia and Denver were pumping out billions, San Francisco produced a fraction — making this the key date for condition-focused collectors.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1968-S RD in MS67 condition is scarce, with fewer than 100 examples known across all certified examples. An NGC census entry confirms just 23 examples graded MS67 Red — with none finer. A MS66+ RD example sold for $5,000 on eBay in October 2021, which PCGS lists as the current auction record for the issue.

Red-Brown (RB) coins offer a more accessible entry point. MS67 RB examples typically sell for $499. Even fully Brown (BN) pieces hold value, with MS65 BN specimens reaching $225. That kind of demand across all color designations tells you San Francisco pennies carry a real premium.

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

Did you know the 1968-S proof was San Francisco’s first proof penny in four years? The Special Mint Set era (1965–1967) had put proof production on hold. Proof coins are struck with polished dies on polished planchets, producing mirror-like fields and razor-sharp detail that business strikes can’t match.

Red (RD) proof specimens with original luster dominate the auction results. The survival rate for proofs runs about 25% — roughly 2.5 times higher than business strikes — because collectors stored them in protective holders instead of spending them. High grades are more accessible than for business strikes, but the finest examples still bring strong money.

These proofs re-established San Francisco’s reputation for premium collector coinage after the experimental mid-1960s Special Mint Set period.

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

Here’s a quick way to spot extra value in your proof set: look for frost on Lincoln’s portrait. “CAM” stands for Cameo — PCGS or NGC assigns this designation when the raised design elements appear heavily frosted against the reflective mirror fields. You only get this two-tone effect on the earliest strikes from fresh dies, before the frost wears off.

True cameo specimens make up less than 15% of the total proof mintage. That scarcity shows up at auction. A PR69 CAM can fetch $450 or more. An exceptional PR67 reached $2,760 at Heritage Auctions in January 2007.

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

A PR69 DCAM sold for $3,795. A PR68 DCAM? About $750. One grade difference, and you lose over $3,000. That’s how condition-sensitive these coins are.

“DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo — Lincoln’s portrait shows heavy white frost against jet-black mirror fields, creating a dramatic contrast that regular proofs can’t touch. A PR69 DCAM example achieved $3,795 at Heritage Auctions in November 2002. Current market values for this grade hover around $2,400. Deep Cameo specimens represent only a tiny fraction of the total proof mintage, since most coins lose their cameo effect after the first few strikes as dies wear down. I consider these the most visually stunning coins in the entire 1968 series.

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

Errors are where the real money hides in the 1968 penny series. Minting mistakes during the coin shortage recovery created some genuinely scarce coins.

But first, a warning every beginner needs to hear: an estimated 60–70% of “doubled” 1968 cents are actually worthless Machine Doubling. That’s a mechanical bounce during striking that leaves a flat, shelf-like shadow — not a true doubled impression. Also, the popular “L on Rim” and “Floating Roof” varieties are normal late die state characteristics, not errors, and carry zero premium. Always check under 10x magnification. You’re looking for rounded, raised separation between letters — not flat shelves.

1. 1968-D/D RPM FS-501

This is one of the most visible repunched mint marks in the entire Lincoln cent series. “RPM” means the “D” was punched into the working die more than once at slightly different positions, leaving a shadow or offset “D” beneath the primary mark.

Collectors call this one “D/D West” — the secondary impression shifted to the west. PCGS-certified specimens have reached $228–$275 in high grades. Circulated examples of common RPM varieties typically sell for $10–$50, while strong uncirculated pieces can hit $150 or more. You’ll need at least a 10x loupe to spot it.

2. 1968-D DDR FS-801

Flip the coin over for this one. “DDR” means the reverse die got multiple hubbing impressions that didn’t line up perfectly, creating a visible “shadow” of the design. The Memorial’s columns, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “ONE CENT” all show pronounced doubling — often visible to the naked eye.

A 1968-D DDR MS65 Red sold for $285 in May 2023. This is one of the more affordable doubled die errors out there. You get dramatic visual impact without paying doubled die obverse prices. Business strikes are more widely collected than proof counterparts for this variety.

3. 1968-S DDO FS-101

This is the big one — the most coveted 1968 variety. “DDO” means the obverse die received multiple hubbing impressions at slightly different angles, doubling Lincoln’s portrait and the surrounding text. Check “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” first — the doubling there is often visible without magnification.

Since this error only shows up on proof strikes, the mirror-like fields amplify the doubling dramatically. A 1968-S Proof DDO in PR-68 Red grade has sold for around $517 at auction. Cameo examples are the real prizes — the doubled frosted design popping against a reflective background can push prices to $1,000 or more in high grades.

4. 1968-D Struck on a 90% Silver Dime Planchet

This is the single most valuable 1968 cent error — and one of the rarest transitional off-metal errors in the entire Lincoln series. During the minting transition period, leftover 90% silver dime planchets from pre-1965 production were still floating around in Denver Mint tote bins and hoppers. A stray silver blank got fed into the cent press, stamping a Lincoln cent design on the wrong metal entirely.

How to spot it: the coin looks silver and weighs approximately 2.50 grams — compared to the normal 3.11 grams of a copper cent. It’s also slightly smaller (17.9 mm versus the standard 19 mm). Always weigh first — an acid-damaged copper penny can look silver but will weigh significantly less than 2.50 grams and show rough, pitted surfaces. One confirmed example sold at auction for $11,000, making it the record-holder for the entire 1968 cent series. Professional authentication from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is mandatory before any purchase or sale of this error.

5. 1968-S Struck on a Clad Dime Planchet

San Francisco made a similar mistake — 1968-S Lincoln cents accidentally struck on copper-nickel clad dime planchets. Unlike the silver planchet error above, these are the new post-1965 clad composition. The coins look silvery, weigh approximately 2.27 grams (lighter than both the normal cent and the silver planchet error), and measure 17.91 mm in diameter.

Heritage Auctions has sold proof examples graded PR-65 by NGC. Business strike versions in MS-64 have appeared at Stack’s Bowers auctions. Values typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on strike type and condition, with proof examples often bringing higher premiums thanks to their mirror-like fields.

Also Read: 26 Rare Modern Lincoln Penny Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

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, the selling platform makes all the difference.

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

 

FAQ About The 1968 Penny Value

1. What Makes a 1968 Penny Rare?

Most aren’t rare at all — circulated examples are worth about 2.3 cents in copper melt value. What creates rarity is the combination of exceptional condition (MS67 RD or better), original red color, and a sharp strike. The Mint used worn master hubs all through 1968, so sharply struck coins are the exception. PCGS has certified only four 1968 Philadelphia cents at MS67+RD. Finding one in the wild is genuinely extraordinary.

2. Which 1968 Pennies Are the Most Valuable?

• 1968-D struck on a 90% silver dime planchet — sold for $11,000 at auction (record holder)
• 1968 S PR 67 penny (Red) — sold for $14,375 at Heritage Auctions in January 2004
• 1968-S MS66+ RD — sold for $5,000 on eBay in October 2021
• 1968-D MS67+RD — sold for $4,617.50 at GreatCollections in December 2018
• 1968-S PR 69 DCAM — sold for $3,795 at Heritage Auctions in November 2002
• 1968 (P) MS67+RD — sold for $3,360 at Heritage Auctions in November 2023
• 1968 (P) MS67+RD — sold for $2,531.25 at GreatCollections in August 2019
• 1968-S PR 63 CAM — sold for $2,760 at Heritage Auctions in January 2007
• 1968-D MS67 RD — sold for $2,300 at a 2008 auction

3. How Much Is a Circulated 1968 Penny Worth?

About 2.3 cents — its copper melt value. All circulated coins get a BN (Brown) color designation automatically. Unless you spot a visible error, circulated 1968 pennies carry no premium above melt regardless of mint mark.

4. Is a 1968-S Penny Worth More Than a 1968-D or 1968 (No Mint Mark)?

Yes — significantly more in high grades. San Francisco produced only 258 million business-strike pennies in 1968, compared to 1.7 billion from Philadelphia and 2.88 billion from Denver. At the MS67 RD level, PCGS confirms fewer than 100 examples exist, and NGC shows just 23 certified at this grade with none finer. The auction record of $5,000 for a single 1968-S MS66+ RD reflects this genuine scarcity. In lower circulated grades, the premium shrinks considerably.

5. What Does the Grade MS67 Mean, and Why Does It Matter So Much for 1968 Pennies?

MS stands for Mint State (uncirculated). MS67 on the 70-point Sheldon Scale means the coin is nearly perfect — no wear, only the tiniest contact marks under magnification, and full luster. For 1968 pennies, MS67 is a “condition rarity cliff” driven by registry set competition. A 1968 Philadelphia MS64 RD is worth about $14. An MS67 RD jumps to hundreds. That huge gap exists because so few examples survived this clean.

6. How Do I Know If My 1968 Penny Has a Genuine Doubled Die Error?

Grab a 10x loupe and check “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. A genuine Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) shows a second, distinct raised impression — sometimes the serifs on letters appear split or doubled. Machine Doubling, which is worthless, looks flat and shelf-like rather than raised. An estimated 60–70% of “doubled” 1968 cents are Machine Doubling. Don’t pay a premium unless the coin is authenticated by PCGS or NGC.

7. What Is a 1968 Penny Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet?

The rarest and most valuable 1968 cent error. A leftover 90% silver dime planchet from pre-1965 production got fed into a cent press at the Denver Mint, stamping a Lincoln cent on silver metal. It weighs approximately 2.50 grams (versus the normal 3.11 grams for copper), looks silver-colored, and measures 17.9 mm in diameter. One example sold for $11,000 at auction. Never buy or sell this error raw — professional authentication is mandatory.

8. Should I Clean My 1968 Penny to Improve Its Appearance?

No. Never. Cleaning removes microscopic metal from the surface, destroys original luster, and creates hairline scratches visible under magnification. Graders spot cleaned coins instantly. A cleaned coin gets a “details” grade from PCGS or NGC, which permanently tanks its value and marketability. The natural brown toning on a circulated 1968 cent is expected and correct. Don’t clean, wipe, or dip any coin you think might have numismatic value.

9. Is It Worth Professionally Grading My 1968 Penny?

Only sometimes. PCGS fees start at approximately $17–$50 plus shipping. For most 1968 cents below MS66 RD, the grading cost exceeds the coin’s value. Submit if your coin appears to grade MS66 RD or higher, shows a confirmed error like a DDO or wrong planchet, or is a San Francisco business strike in exceptional condition. Otherwise, just keep it in a protective holder.

10. What Is the Easiest Way to Find High-Grade 1968 Pennies?

Buy a 1968 Mint Set. These official U.S. Mint products contain coins from all three facilities, and the packaging protected them from the bag marks that plague bank-roll finds. They’re still available on the secondary market for under $15 in many cases. Look for sets where the coins still show original red color through the cellophane-style packaging. We think they’re the best bargain in 1968 penny collecting.