The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 in average circulated condition to over $1,500 in pristine mint state. If you have just stumbled upon a handful of 1960 pennies in a jar, you might be holding a subtle but significant piece of numismatic history that collectors pay a premium for.
How to Identify the 1960 Small Date vs Large Date Variety
Identifying the difference between a Small Date and a Large Date 1960 penny is the first step in determining its true market value. In 1960, the Philadelphia and Denver mints both used two different dies for the date. The “Small Date” was the original design used earlier in the year, but because the inner loops of the zeros were clogging with “die chips,” the Mint modified the design to a “Large Date.”
To tell them apart, look closely at the “9” and the “6” in the date. On the Small Date variety, the top of the “1” is level with the top of the “9,” and the inner tail of the “6” is much shorter. On the Large Date, the “1” sits lower than the “9.” If you are struggling to see these tiny details with the naked eye, using a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in and compare your coin against high-resolution reference images.
Many everyday Americans use CoinHix to quickly scan their pocket change for these subtle variations. By simply taking a photo, you can see if the “0” looks round and fat (Large Date) or oval and narrow (Small Date). This distinction is vital because the Small Date variety from the Philadelphia Mint is significantly scarcer than its Large Date counterpart.
Current Market Value and Price Comparison Table
When it comes to the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny value, condition is the ultimate factor. Coins that have been jingling in pockets for decades are usually “Brown” (BN) and carry a lower premium. However, coins that have original mint luster—often categorized as “Red” (RD)—can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
The Philadelphia (no mint mark) Small Date is the “Holy Grail” of 1960 pennies because the Denver (D) mint produced far more Small Date versions. While a Denver Small Date might only be worth a few dollars, a Philadelphia Small Date in high grade is a prized find. You can check the latest trends for the 1960 Small Date and Large Date market values to see how prices shift based on the “Red” color designation.
| Condition / Grade | 1960 (P) Small Date Value | 1960-D Small Date Value |
|---|---|---|
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $3.00 – $5.00 | $0.20 – $0.50 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $15.00 – $25.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65 Red) | $60.00 – $90.00 | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67 Red) | $500.00 – $1,500.00+ | $150.00 – $350.00 |
Why the Philadelphia Small Date is So Rare
The story of the 1960 penny is one of a “correction” at the U.S. Mint. In early 1960, the Philadelphia Mint produced roughly 2 million Small Date pennies before realizing the dies were breaking too quickly. They immediately switched to the Large Date design and produced billions more. Because the mintage of the Philadelphia Small Date was so low compared to the total output of Lincoln Cents that year, it became an instant collector’s item.
Collectors often use CoinHix to keep a digital inventory of these coins as they find them. Having a centralized place to track your 1960 Philadelphia Small Date ensures you don’t accidentally spend a coin that could be worth $50 or more. For a deeper breakdown of historical sales, you can view the 1960 Lincoln Penny worth and sales data which highlights how rare “Red” versions have performed in major heritage auctions.
Remember that while the Denver Mint also produced a Small Date, it is the Philadelphia version (the one without the “D” under the year) that is the true prize for casual searchers. The Denver Small Date mintage was much higher, though high-grade examples still hold decent value over their face worth.
Checking for Errors and Grading Quality
Beyond the date size, you should also look for errors and the “Red” color designation. Professional coin graders like PCGS and NGC classify copper coins as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). A 1960 Small Date penny that has managed to retain its original bright copper “Red” color is exponentially more valuable than one that has turned brown.
Keep an eye out for “Doubled Die” varieties as well. While the 1960-D is famous for having several Small Date over Large Date (and vice versa) varieties, the Philadelphia Small Date is mostly sought after for its pristine, non-error state. If you find a coin that looks “perfect,” it might be worth sending it in for professional grading.
Before spending money on grading fees, utilizing tools like the CoinHix digital grading assistant can give you a rough idea of your coin’s condition. This helps you decide if the coin is worth the $20-$30 investment to have it officially slabbed and authenticated.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1960 Pennies
Q: Is the 1960-D Small Date Penny worth a lot of money?
A: Generally, no. While it is more desirable than a common Large Date, the Denver Small Date was minted in huge quantities. Most circulated examples are worth only 10 to 50 cents, whereas uncirculated “Red” versions might sell for $10 to $20.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1960 penny?
A: The mint mark is located directly below the date. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Small Date is the one that carries the highest premium.
Q: How can I tell if my 1960 Small Date is “Red”?
A: A “Red” (RD) penny must retain at least 95% of its original mint orange-red luster. If the coin looks like a shiny new penny from the bank, it is likely Red. If it looks dull or dark like a regular chocolate-colored penny, it is classified as Brown (BN).
