How Much is a 1964-D Lincoln Penny Worth? Price Guide

The 1964-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.01 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most of these Denver-minted pennies found in pocket change are only worth their copper melt value, certain rare varieties and high-quality specimens can fetch a surprising premium from coin collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Condition)	$0.02 – $0.05
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$0.15 – $1.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS65 Red)	$10.00 – $25.00
Superb Gem (MS67 Red)	$150.00+

Understanding the History of the 1964-D Lincoln Penny

The year 1964 was a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. It marked the final year that the United States Mint produced silver circulating coinage, and it was a year of massive production for the Lincoln Penny. If you have just uncovered an old jar of coins, you likely have several 1964-D pennies. To quickly check if your specific coin has hidden value, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to scan the details.

The “D” mint mark beneath the date indicates that this coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In 1964, the Denver Mint produced an astounding 3,799,071,500 pennies. Because billions were made, the common 1964-D cent is not rare. However, the 1960s were a time when many people saved coins because of the rising price of copper and silver.

For the everyday American, the most important thing to know is that 1964-D pennies are made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. Today, the copper content alone is worth about 2 cents, which is double the face value. While selling them for scrap is technically illegal, it ensures that your penny will always be worth at least a small premium over one cent. For more precise market data, checking the current 1964-D Lincoln Penny auction prices can help you see what collectors are actually paying.

Identifying Mint State and Grading Your 1964-D Cent

When assessing the 1964-D Lincoln Penny value, the single most important factor is the “grade” or condition. Most pennies found in change are “circulated,” meaning they show wear on Lincoln’s hair, jawline, and the letters of the coin. These are generally worth their weight in copper. However, if you find a penny that looks like it just came from the bank—with a bright, shiny orange-red luster—it might be “Uncirculated.”

The professional grading scale goes from 1 to 70. A coin graded MS67 (Mint State 67) is nearly perfect and can be worth hundreds of dollars. Because it is difficult for a beginner to tell the difference between an MS63 and an MS65, using an app like CoinKnow can provide a baseline estimate of your coin’s grade based on photos.

Color also plays a massive role in the value of copper coins. Experts categorize Lincoln Memorial pennies as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). A “Red” 1964-D penny, which retains its original mint color, is the most desirable among serious collectors. High-quality “Red” specimens often exceed the typical average 1964 Lincoln penny value found in standard price guides.

Designation	Visual Description	Market Appeal
Brown (BN)	Dull, chocolate brown color	Low
Red-Brown (RB)	Mixture of copper red and brown	Moderate
Red (RD)	95%+ original mint luster	High

Rare 1964-D Penny Errors and Varieties to Look For

While most 1964-D pennies are common, collectors hunt for “errors”—mistakes made by the Mint during production. These errors can turn a one-cent coin into a hundred-dollar treasure. One of the most famous things to look for is the “Doubled Die.” Although 1964 is not as famous for doubling as 1955 or 1972, minor doubling on the date or letters can still add value.

Another interesting variety is the Repunched Mint Mark (RPM). This happens when the “D” was stamped into the die twice, with the second stamp slightly offset. You will need a magnifying glass or a digital microscope to see this. If you are unsure if what you are seeing is an error, CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin images with a database of known error types.

Die cracks and “cuds” are also common in 1964 because the minting machines were working overtime to meet demand. A “cud” is a raised blob of metal on the coin’s surface caused by a piece of the die breaking off. These are highly collectible and can significantly increase the 1964-D Lincoln penny value for niche enthusiasts.

Error Type	What to Look For	Estimated Premium
Repunched Mint Mark	Shadow or “ghost” ‘D’ under the main letter	$5 – $20
Die Break (Cud)	Raised lump of metal near the rim	$10 – $50
Off-Center Strike	Design is partially missing/shifted	$20 – $100+

Is the 1964-D Silver Penny Real or a Myth?

One of the most frequent questions from casual collectors is: “Did the Mint make a 1964-D silver penny?” The short answer is no—but there’s a catch. In 1964, the Mint was making silver quarters and dimes. Occasionally, a penny blank (planchet) would accidentally get mixed into a machine meant for silver dimes. If a 1964 penny was struck on a silver dime planchet, it would be smaller, silver in color, and worth thousands of dollars.

However, be extremely cautious. Many 1964 pennies found today that appear “silver” are actually just plated in zinc or chrome by someone in their garage as a science experiment or for novelty. A genuine 1964 silver error penny will weigh less than a standard penny and will not have the copper edge.

Before getting too excited about a “silver” penny, weigh it on a digital scale. A standard 1964-D copper penny weighs 3.11 grams. If it weighs significantly less or more, you might have a rare strike-on-wrong-metal error. Using CoinKnow to cross-reference the weight and diameter with historical error records is a great way to verify your find.

The “Special Strike” 1964 Pennies (SMS)

While the 1964-D coin is from Denver, there is a legendary “Special Mint Set” (SMS) 1964 penny that is worth a fortune. These are technically not 1964-D coins, but they are often discussed in the same breath. These coins have a satin-like finish and sharp strikes that look better than business strikes but different from proofs.

Only about 20 to 50 of these sets are believed to exist. They were likely struck as prototypes for the 1965-1967 Special Mint Sets. If you happen to find a 1964 penny with incredibly sharp edges and a smooth, non-reflective satin appearance, it could be one of these rare SMS coins worth upwards of $5,000 to $15,000.

Finding one of these in a random coin jar is nearly impossible, as they usually surfaced from the estates of former Mint employees. However, it’s always worth checking your 1964 pennies carefully. The difference between a common coin and a retirement-funding rarity often comes down to the tiniest details in the hair of Abraham Lincoln or the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial.

Where to Sell Your 1964-D Lincoln Penny

If you’ve determined that your 1964-D cent is in exceptional condition or features a rare error, your next step is selling it. For common copper pennies, your best bet is selling them in “bulk” to other collectors who want the copper value. Many people sell these by the roll (50 coins) on sites like eBay or at local coin shows.

For high-grade coins (MS65 and above), consider having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. Grading costs about $20-$40 per coin, so only do this if you are confident the coin is worth more than the cost of the service. Once graded, these coins can be sold through major auction houses or specialized coin dealers.

If you just want a quick sale for a few dollars, local coin shops are a good resource, though they usually won’t buy common 1964-D pennies unless you have hundreds of them. Always remember to handle your coins by the edges. Even the natural oils from your fingers can damage the “Red” luster of an uncirculated penny, instantly dropping its value from $20 down to $2.

Selling Channel	Best For	Pros/Cons
eBay	Individual Error Coins	High reach, but high fees
Local Coin Shop	Bulk Copper Pennies	Fast cash, lower prices
Heritage Auctions	Certified Rare Grades (MS67+)	Best price, long wait time

FAQ

Q: Why is the 1964-D penny so common?

A: In 1964, the US Mint was trying to combat a coin shortage. They produced billions of pennies and even continued to use the “1964” date into 1965 to discourage people from hoarding coins based on their date.

Q: Does a 1964-D penny have silver in it?

A: No. Standard 1964-D pennies are 95% copper and 5% zinc. Only an extremely rare “off-metal error” would be struck on a silver planchet.

Q: How can I tell if my 1964 penny is a “Red” coin?

A: A “Red” coin looks like it was minted yesterday. It has a bright, glowing orange-copper color. If the coin has turned brown or has dark spots, it is classified as “Brown” or “Red-Brown.”

Q: Is there a 1964-D “S” over-mintmark?

A: No, there are no confirmed 1964-D/S over-mintmarks. However, there are several “Repunched Mint Marks” where the “D” looks doubled or slightly shifted.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1964-D Lincoln Penny?

A: While common ones are worth a cent, a 1964-D penny in nearly perfect MS67+ RD condition has sold for over $4,000 at auction. However, these are extremely rare and must be certified by a grading company.