The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent holds a special place in U.S. coinage history. This year marks the return of mintmarks on U.S. coins after their absence during the transitional period of 1965–1967. Minted in three locations—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—the 1968 Lincoln Cent remains a widely collected coin, with notable variations, historical significance, and error coins contributing to its appeal among numismatists.
Historical Context
The Lincoln Memorial Cent series debuted in 1959, replacing the original Wheat Penny reverse design that had been in use since 1909. The new reverse design featured the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro, while the obverse continued Victor D. Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial Cent ran until 2008, making it one of the longest-running U.S. coin designs.
The 1968 cent is significant for being the first to reintroduce mintmarks since the Coinage Act of 1965 removed them to discourage hoarding during a coin shortage. Coins struck in Denver and San Francisco proudly displayed their respective “D” and “S” mintmarks. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Mint coins were struck without a mintmark, as was standard practice.
Key Specifications
- Designer (Obverse): Victor D. Brenner
- Designer (Reverse): Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
Mintages and Varieties
Three versions of the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent were produced, differing by their mint of origin:
- 1968 (No Mintmark): Struck in Philadelphia, with a mintage of 1,707,880,970 coins.
- 1968-D: Minted in Denver, with 2,886,269,600 coins produced, making it the most common variety.
- 1968-S: Struck in San Francisco, with a lower mintage of 258,270,001 coins. This version holds particular interest among collectors due to its relative scarcity compared to the other two.
In addition to the business strike coins, proof coins were minted in San Francisco in 1968. These coins, specifically struck for collectors, feature a sharp strike, mirror-like fields, and frosted devices.
Value and Grading
Most 1968 Lincoln Cents found in circulation are worth only their face value of one cent, but higher-grade examples and proof coins can fetch more.
- Circulated Coins: Typically worth $0.01 to $0.10.
- Uncirculated Coins (MS-60 to MS-65): Valued at $0.25 to $5, depending on grade and condition.
- Proof Coins (PR-65 or higher): Worth between $1 and $10, with cameo examples commanding a premium.
Coins with significant errors or varieties, such as doubled dies or repunched mintmarks, can be worth considerably more.
Notable Errors and Varieties
Collectors often seek out error coins or varieties, which can significantly increase a coin’s value. Some of the notable varieties for the 1968 Lincoln Cent include:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Coins with doubling on the obverse elements such as the date, “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Repunched Mintmarks (RPM): Found on Denver or San Francisco coins, these errors occur when the mintmark is punched more than once in slightly different positions.
- Off-Center Strikes: Coins struck off-center, with part of the design missing, are highly collectible.
Why Collect the 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent?
The 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cent offers collectors an opportunity to own a piece of coinage history. It marks the reintroduction of mintmarks, has a broad range of varieties, and remains affordable for collectors of all levels. Proof coins and coins with errors or high grades add intrigue and value to any collection.
FAQs
Are 1968 Lincoln Memorial Cents valuable?
Most are worth face value, but uncirculated coins, proof coins, and error coins can be worth $1 to $10 or more.
What are the rare varieties of the 1968 Lincoln Cent?
Notable varieties include doubled die obverse (DDO) and repunched mintmarks (RPM) on Denver and San Francisco coins.
Why are proof coins from 1968 special?
Proof coins from San Francisco are struck with extra care, resulting in mirror-like finishes and sharper details, making them highly collectible.