When examining a 1964 penny, collectors primarily look for specific features that can significantly impact its rarity and value, including its mint mark, potential errors or varieties, and overall condition.
What to Look for on a 1964 Penny?
To determine the potential value of a 1964 Lincoln cent, you should inspect several key areas:
1. Mint Mark
The mint mark indicates where the penny was produced and is crucial for assessing its rarity and value. In 1964, the U.S. Mint produced pennies at three facilities. The mint mark is typically found on the obverse (front) of the coin, below the date.
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | Pennies struck at the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark. These are the most common 1964 pennies. |
| Denver | 'D' | Located on the reverse (back) of the coin, below the date. While common, specific 1964-D Lincoln Penny Errors can make these coins highly valuable. |
| San Francisco | 'S' | Pennies with an 'S' mint mark were specifically produced for Special Mint Sets (SMS) and were not intended for general circulation. These are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and distinctive characteristics (see below). |
The presence or absence of a mint mark plays a vital role in determining the coin's rarity and subsequent value.
2. Errors and Varieties
Certain production anomalies or intentional variations can drastically increase a 1964 penny's worth. Key areas to check include:
-
1964-D Lincoln Penny Errors: While the reference specifically mentions errors on 'D' mint mark pennies, common errors across all mints include:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Look for visible doubling on the lettering (e.g., "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST") or the date. This occurs when the coin die is struck twice, slightly misaligned.
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPM): This happens when the mint mark was punched more than once onto the die, resulting in a visible overlap or distinct separation.
- Off-Center Strikes: If the coin planchet wasn't perfectly centered when struck, part of the design might be missing, and the blank edge will be wider on one side.
- Die Cracks/Breaks: Hairline cracks or raised lines on the coin's surface due to a damaged die.
-
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Pennies: These 'S' mint mark coins are unique. They were part of experimental sets produced in 1964 to potentially replace proof sets. Look for:
- Sharp Strikes: SMS pennies typically exhibit exceptionally sharp details due to stronger striking pressure.
- Distinct Finish: They often have a satin-like, semi-proof finish, distinct from regular business strike pennies.
- Absence of 'P' (Philadelphia) SMS: While 'S' mint mark SMS pennies exist, there are no 'P' mint mark SMS pennies from 1964.
3. Condition (Grading)
The physical condition of your 1964 penny significantly impacts its value. Collectors use a grading scale to assess wear, luster, and overall appearance.
- Uncirculated (Mint State - MS): Coins that show no signs of wear and retain their original mint luster are the most valuable.
- About Uncirculated (AU): Slight traces of wear on the highest points of the design.
- Extremely Fine (XF/EF): Light wear on the highest points, but all major details are clear.
- Fine (F) / Very Fine (VF): More significant wear, but major details are still discernible.
Always handle coins by their edges to avoid fingerprints and scratches, which can diminish their value. For precise grading, consider consulting a professional coin grading service.
4. Composition
While not a factor in rarity, it's worth noting that 1964 Lincoln cents are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighing 3.11 grams. This was the standard composition before the transition to copper-plated zinc cents in 1982.
By carefully examining these features, particularly the mint mark and any potential errors, you can identify whether your 1964 penny holds value beyond its face worth.
