The 1968-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.01 in worn condition to over $150 or more in high-grade mint state. While most of these pennies found in your pocket change won’t make you rich, certain rare versions and high-quality preserved coins can hold surprising value for collectors and hobbyists.
History and Identification of the 1968-D Lincoln Cent
If you have stumbled upon a copper penny dated 1968 with a small “D” underneath the date, you are holding a piece of American history from the Denver Mint. During this era, the United States Mint was producing billions of coins to keep up with the demands of a growing economy.
Because so many were made, finding one in your spare change is quite common. To get an instant valuation of your pocket find, you can use a free coin identifier app which helps distinguish common circulation strikes from rare specimens.
The 1968-D penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. This “memorial” reverse design, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, was used from 1959 until 2008. If you are serious about hunting for treasures, using a tool like CoinHix can help you track your collection and stay updated on market changes.
Understanding the 1968-D Penny Value and Market Prices
Value is determined by several factors, mainly the condition (or “grade”) of the coin and its color. Copper coins are categorized as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). A lustrous Red 1968-D penny is the most desirable among collectors.
For a quick reference on what you might expect to receive for your coin, consult the 1968-D Lincoln Penny price guide based on recent auction sales. Most coins found in circulation only fetch a few cents because of their high survival rate.
However, if you find one that looks like it just came out of the mint, the price jumps significantly. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is often required to reach the top-tier prices. For a deeper dive into the specific grading tiers, you can research more 1968 copper penny worth details to see how your coin compares to museum-quality pieces.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.15 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 Red/Brown) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Ch. Uncirculated (MS65 Red) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67 Red) | $150.00+ |
Look for Rare Errors and Varieties in 1968-D Pennies
While standard 1968-D pennies are numerous, errors are the “holy grail” for many casual hunters. Error coins occur when something goes wrong during the striking process at the Denver Mint.
Common errors to look for include “Double Dies,” though the 1968-D doesn’t have a major recognized doubled die like the 1969-S or 1972. Instead, look for Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs), where the “D” looks like it was stamped twice, or “Off-Center” strikes where the image isn’t centered on the copper planchet.
Using the CoinHix app allows you to zoom in on high-resolution images to compare your coin’s mint mark with known error varieties. Finding an error coin can take a penny worth one cent and turn it into a coin worth $50, $100, or even more depending on the severity of the mistake.
Factors That Affect Your 1968 Lincoln Penny Worth
The most important factor is the “Red” color. Copper reacts with oxygen over time, turning from a bright orange-red to a dark chocolate brown. Serious collectors pay a massive premium for 1968-D pennies that have retained their original mint luster.
Scratches, “rim dings,” and fingerprints all lower the value of the coin. If you find a 1968-D penny that looks exceptionally shiny, avoid cleaning it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloths actually creates microscopic scratches that degrade the value significantly.
Instead, place the coin in a protective flip or holder. You can then use CoinHix to catalog the coin and get a better sense of its potential grade. Remember, rarity is key; while billions were made, only a fraction of a percent remain in pristine, “Red” condition today.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1968-D Pennies
Q: How can I tell if my 1968-D penny is a rare error?
A: Look for anomalies like doubling of the letters or numbers, or a mint mark that looks shifted or doubled. Most “doubling” found by beginners is actually “machine doubling,” which doesn’t add much value, but a true Doubled Die is worth a premium.
Q: Is a 1968-D penny made of solid copper?
A: It is 95% copper. Because of the rising price of copper, the raw metal in a 1968-D penny is actually worth about 2 to 3 cents, which is more than its face value! However, it is currently illegal to melt US pennies for their metal content.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968-D penny?
A: In extremely high grades like MS67RD, these coins have sold at major auctions for over $200. The record price usually involves a coin with perfect surfaces and exceptional “eye appeal” that has been certified by a professional grading service.
