1968 Lincoln Penny Value No Mint Mark: History & Prices

The 1968 Lincoln Penny with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $0.01 in circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most of these copper coins found in pocket change carry only face value, certain rare varieties and pristine uncirculated specimens can be quite a payday for lucky collectors.

Identifying the 1968 Lincoln Penny No Mint Mark

If you have just discovered a handful of old cents while cleaning out a drawer, the first thing you will notice is the date. In 1968, the United States Mint produced over 1.7 billion pennies at the Philadelphia facility. Interestingly, these coins do not feature a small letter beneath the date.

To help you identify your coins instantly, you might want to use a free coin identifier app which can scan the coin’s surface and confirm its origin. In the world of numismatics, the absence of a mark specifically indicates it was struck in Philadelphia.

During this era, it was standard practice for the Philadelphia Mint to omit mint marks on Lincoln Cents. If you see a small ‘D’ or ‘S’, that indicates Denver or San Francisco respectively. For everyday Americans, the “no mint mark” variety is the most common version you will encounter today. Using CoinKnow can quickly verify if your 1968 penny is the Philadelphia variety or one of the rarer S-mint proof versions often found in old sets.

Factors Determining 1968 Penny Value

The primary factor driving the value of a 1968 penny is its physical condition, also known as its “grade.” Grade ranges from “Poor” (hardly readable) to “Mint State” (looks like it just came off the press). Because the Mint produced so many of these, only coins in exceptional condition carry a premium.

Color also plays a massive role in the market price of copper coins. Collectors categorize these cents as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A “Red” coin retains its original copper luster from the day it was minted and is the most desirable. You can find detailed 1968 Lincoln Penny price data for Red specimens to see how much of a premium the color can add to the final sale price.

If your coin is dark brown and shows significant smoothing on Lincoln’s cheek or the wheat stalks (or Memorial building, as 1968 features the Lincoln Memorial reverse), it is likely worth only its weight in copper—roughly 2 to 3 cents. However, professional grading via CoinKnow insights can help you determine if a coin is worth the cost of professional certification.

Are 1968 Pennies Made of Real Copper?

Yes, 1968 Lincoln Pennies are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. This is a significant point for many casual “coin roll hunters” or people who find these in jars. After 1982, the US Mint switched to zinc-core pennies with a thin copper plating to save money on production costs.

Because copper prices fluctuate, the raw metal value of a 1968 penny is often higher than its one-cent face value. Currently, the melt value of these pre-1982 pennies is about 2.5 to 3 cents. While it is technically illegal to melt US currency for profit, many people hoard these “copper pennies” as a hedge against inflation.

If you are looking for specific 1968 penny value and history, understanding the metal content is the first step. Heavily worn coins with no collector appeal are still valued by stackers for their copper content. Using CoinKnow, you can track the current spot price of copper and see how it affects the base value of your change.

Common 1968 Penny Errors to Look For

While standard 1968 Philadelphia pennies are common, error coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the striking process. For the 1968 issue, collectors often look for Doubled Dies, though none are as “famous” as the 1955 or 1972 versions.

A Doubled Die occurs when the hub presses the image into the die twice at slightly different angles. This results in parts of the date or lettering appearing “doubled.” You should also look for “Repunched Mint Marks,” though these will only apply to Denver or San Francisco coins, not the no-mint-mark Philadelphia coins.

Another exciting error is the “Off-Center Strike.” This happens when the coin blank (planchet) isn’t sitting correctly in the press. If your 1968 penny is missing part of the design and has a crescent-shaped blank area, it could be worth between $5 and $50 depending on how much of the date is still visible.

The 1968-S Proof Penny: A Shiny Exception

While this guide focuses on the “No Mint Mark” variety from Philadelphia, you may come across a 1968-S penny. These were minted in San Francisco. Most 1968-S pennies are “Proof” coins, which were specially made for collectors with mirrored backgrounds and frosted details.

Proof coins were sold in plastic sets by the Mint. However, over the years, many of these sets were broken open, and the coins entered general circulation. If you find a 1968 penny that looks exceptionally shiny or “reflective” even though it has a little wear, check the mint mark. If it has an “S”, it’s likely a circulated proof.

Even though these were made for collectors, a circulated 1968-S is usually only worth about 10 to 20 cents. However, a perfect Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimen can sell for hundreds at auction. Always keep an eye out for that high-contrast look where Lincoln’s portrait stands out sharply against a dark, mirror-like background.

How to Sell Your 1968 Lincoln Penny

If you believe you have a high-value 1968 penny or a rare error, your next step is selling. For coins worth only a few cents, selling individually isn’t practical due to shipping costs. Most casual collectors sell these in bulk as “rolls” on sites like eBay.

For high-grade coins (MS66 or higher), you should consider professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC. A certified “Red” MS67 1968 penny is much easier to sell to serious collectors than a loose raw coin. Certification provides a guarantee of authenticity and grade, which justifies the higher price tag.

You can also visit local coin shops. While dealers need to make a profit and might offer you less than “book value,” it’s a great way to get an expert opinion quickly. Always do your research first so you know exactly what you have in your hand before walking into a shop.

FAQs

Q: Why does my 1968 penny have no mint mark?

A: It was minted in Philadelphia. Historically, the Philadelphia Mint did not put mint marks on pennies. This is perfectly normal and does not make the coin rare by itself.

Q: Is a 1968 penny made of gold?

A: No. Some pennies might look gold-colored because they were plated for a science experiment or “gold-plated” as a novelty. Underneath, it is still a standard copper and zinc coin worth a few cents.

Q: What is the record price for a 1968 Lincoln Penny?

A: The record for a 1968 (No Mint Mark) penny is over $2,800 for a specimen graded MS67 Red. Such high grades are extremely rare because copper marks easily during the minting process.

Q: Should I clean my 1968 penny to make it more valuable?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates tiny scratches that ruin its numismatic value. Collectors prefer a coin with “original skin,” even if it’s dark or toned.