The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is more than just a penny; it’s a fascinating part of U.S. currency history. With President Abraham Lincoln on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other, this coin tells a story that goes back over a century. Introduced in 1909 to mark Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln cent has become one of the longest-running coin series in the U.S. The 1968 version is especially interesting to collectors because of its unique mintmarks, varieties, and historical significance. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent special, including its design, mint locations, production numbers, and factors that influence 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 back in 1909.
Coin Details
- Front (Obverse): Shows a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
- Back (Reverse): Displays the Lincoln Memorial, added to the penny in 1959 for Lincoln’s 150th birthday.
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc.
- Weight: 3.11 grams.
- Diameter: 19.05 mm.
- Edge: Plain.
You can find Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” under Lincoln’s shoulder on the front of the coin.
Mints and Mintmarks
In 1968, the Lincoln Memorial Cent was produced in three different mints, each giving the coins unique features that collectors appreciate:
Mint Locations
- Philadelphia Mint: Coins from here have no mintmark.
- Denver Mint: Coins have a “D” mintmark.
- San Francisco Mint: Coins have an “S” mintmark. This was the first time since 1955 that coins from San Francisco were made for circulation. They also produced special proof coins, which have better quality and clearer details.
Mintage Numbers
Mintage refers to the number of coins made, which helps collectors understand how rare or common a coin is. Here’s how many 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cents were produced at each mint:
| Mint | Number Produced |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1,707,880,970 |
| Denver | 2,886,269,600 |
| San Francisco | 258,270,001 (proof & circulation) |
Coins from the San Francisco mint, especially the proof coins, are rarer and therefore more valuable to collectors.
Important Varieties
Some varieties of the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent are more sought after due to special features or errors. Here are a few to look out for:
Key Varieties
- 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent: This version has a special minting process that gives it a shiny, mirror-like finish and sharper details. It is highly valued by collectors.
- Doubled Die Varieties: Some pennies have a doubled die error, where parts of the design, like the date or letters, appear doubled. These errors are rarer and can be worth more.
- 1968-D RPM (Repunched Mintmark): This variety occurs when the “D” mintmark on Denver coins looks like it was struck more than once. Collectors find these appealing as well.
Factors That Affect Value
The value of a 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent depends on several important factors:
Key Value Factors
- Condition: Coins are graded from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating 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’s 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 an important piece for coin collectors due to its history, different mintmarks, and proof versions. While most of these pennies might not be worth much, rare varieties and coins in excellent condition can fetch high prices. Whether you’re new to coin collecting or a seasoned expert, the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the fascinating world of U.S. coins. With its unique designs and historical significance, this penny can be both a fun hobby and a valuable investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent?
The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a penny featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back. It was part of a series introduced in 1909 to honor Lincoln’s 100th birthday.
2. Why is the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent valuable?
Its value comes from its historical significance, various mintmarks, and unique varieties. Some coins, especially those in excellent condition or with special features, can be worth over $12.
3. How many 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cents were made?
In 1968, about 1.7 billion coins were minted in Philadelphia, nearly 2.9 billion in Denver, and over 258 million in San Francisco, including proof versions.