The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a small but important part of U.S. currency history. This penny features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back. Introduced in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln cent has become one of the longest-running coin series in the United States. The 1968 Lincoln Cent is particularly valuable to collectors because of its different mintmarks, varieties, and historical significance.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent a unique piece for coin collectors. We’ll discuss its design, where it was minted, how many were made, and what factors affect its value.
Design and Features
The design of the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent was created by Victor David Brenner, who also designed the original Lincoln cent in 1909. The front (obverse) of the coin shows a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, while the back (reverse) displays the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial was added to the penny in 1959 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
Coin Details:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
The initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) can be seen on the front of the coin, below Lincoln’s shoulder.
Mints and Mintmarks
In 1968, the Lincoln Memorial Cent was minted in three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each location gives its coins unique features that collectors find interesting.
- Philadelphia Mint: Coins from this mint do not have a mintmark.
- Denver Mint: Coins from the Denver mint have a “D” mintmark.
- San Francisco Mint: Coins from San Francisco have an “S” mintmark, and this was the first time since 1955 that San Francisco coins were made for circulation. San Francisco also produced special proof coins, which are made with higher quality and have sharper details.
Mintage Numbers
The number of coins made (mintage) can tell collectors how rare or common a coin is. Here’s a breakdown of how many 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cents were made at each mint:
| Mint | Number Produced |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1,707,880,970 |
| Denver | 2,886,269,600 |
| San Francisco | 258,270,001 (proof & circulation) |
The coins made at the San Francisco mint, especially the proof coins, are rarer and more valuable to collectors.
Important Varieties
Some varieties of the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent are more valuable due to errors or special features. Below are some key varieties to look out for:
- 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent: Proof coins are made with a special minting process, resulting in a mirror-like finish and sharper details. The 1968-S proof is highly prized by collectors.
- Doubled Die Varieties: Some 1968 pennies have a doubled die error, where parts of the design, like the date or letters, appear doubled. These errors are rarer and more valuable.
- 1968-D RPM (Repunched Mintmark): This variety occurs when the “D” mintmark on coins from the Denver mint looks like it was struck more than once. These are also sought after by collectors.
Factors That Affect Value
The value of a 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent depends on several factors:
- Condition: Coins are graded from 1 to 70, with higher numbers meaning the coin is in better condition. Coins in Mint State (MS) are uncirculated and more valuable.
- Mintmark: Coins with the “S” mintmark, especially proof versions, tend to be more valuable because fewer were made.
- Rarity: Coins with errors, like doubled dies or repunched mintmarks, are rarer and can sell for much higher prices.
Value of 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cents
Here is an estimated value for the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent based on its condition and mintmark:
| Coin | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 (No Mintmark) | $0.01 | $0.05 | $0.10 | $5.00 |
| 1968-D | $0.01 | $0.05 | $0.10 | $5.00 |
| 1968-S | $0.01 | $0.05 | $0.20 | $6.00 |
| 1968-S Proof | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12.00+ |
Conclusion
The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a significant piece for coin collectors because of its history, variety of mintmarks, and proof versions. While most of these pennies may not be worth much, rare varieties and coins in excellent condition can be highly valuable. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned collector, the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent offers a great opportunity to explore U.S. coins.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent special?
The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is notable for the reintroduction of the San Francisco “S” mintmark in circulation coins, making it a popular item for collectors, especially with proof versions.
How can I tell if my 1968 penny is valuable?
To assess the value, check for mintmarks, potential errors like doubled dies or repunched mintmarks, and ensure the coin is in good condition, particularly uncirculated ones.
What is the value of a 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent?
A 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent in excellent condition can be worth $12 or more, especially if it has sharp details and a mirror-like finish.
