1968 Penny Value: Rare Lincoln Cents Worth Money

“I thought it was just a penny.” That’s what Michael, a retired Navy veteran from Ohio, told us when he walked into a local coin show holding a handful of old change. Nestled among the nickels and dimes was a red-toned, almost flawless 1968 Lincoln penny. That single coin, a deep red mint-state Denver strike, later fetched over $2,000 at auction. Continue reading to learn more about 1968 Penny Value.

Michael’s story isn’t rare. Since the introduction of the Memorial reverse in 1959, collectors have chased copper Lincoln cents—especially coins from turbulent minting years like 1968, when worn dies and high demand created a perfect storm for both everyday coins and rare errors.

In this guide, we’ll show you which 1968 pennies are worth big money, how to identify key varieties, and why some cents from this year fetch thousands—while others are barely worth face value.

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Why 1968 Cents Matter: A Year of Transition

The year 1968 marked the return of mint marks to U.S. coins after a two-year hiatus. This followed the Coinage Act of 1965, which temporarily removed mint marks to discourage hoarding. When the marks came back, production resumed in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—each with distinct quality quirks:

• 1968-P (No Mint Mark): ~1.7 billion minted; most show mushy details due to worn master dies.
• 1968-D: 2.8+ billion; many exist in high grades but fewer survive with vibrant red luster.
• 1968-S: Lower mintage (~261 million); more prone to spotting and planchet flaws.

How Much is a 1968 Penny Worth?

While many circulated 1968 pennies are worth between 3 to 10 cents due to their copper content, some rare examples in top condition or with unique errors can command hundreds or even thousands.

Mint-State Regular Issues (MS60+)

Rare Errors & Valuable Varieties

Several standout varieties from 1968 have made headlines:

1. 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – FS-101

• Proof coin with extreme doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
• Often commands $500–$3,000+ depending on condition.
• Tip: Look under 10x magnification—LIBERTY will look “shadowed.”

2. 1968-D on Silver Dime Planchet

• A known off-metal error: a cent struck on a dime’s 90% silver planchet.
• Extremely rare; one example sold for $11,000 at auction.

3. 1968 Penny w/Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) – FS-501

• Look for a secondary “D” or “S” slightly offset under the primary.
• Value ranges from $20 to $150+ depending on condition and visibility.

What Makes a 1968 Penny Valuable?

The most valuable 1968 Lincoln cents tend to have four traits:

1. Mint State (MS-66 and above, or Proof-67+)
2. Red Color Designation (RD)—not brown (BN) or red-brown (RB)
3. Strong Strike with sharp Lincoln features and memorial lines
4. Certified Grading from PCGS or NGC

Color is particularly critical. A red 1968-D in MS67 RD might bring in over $700, while the same coin in red-brown may struggle to exceed $50.

Tools to Spot Winners (And Avoid Duds)

Before sending your coin away for grading, ask:

• Does it have full luster and no carbon spots?
• Are the fields clear of abrasions or bag marks?
• Is it a known variety? (Use magnification to spot doubling or mint mark quirks.)
  
  

Related articles:

Top 10 Penny Errors To Look For

Top 100 Pennies Worth Money

2009 Penny Error List – The Complete Collector’s Guide

Where to Find & Buy Rare 1968 Pennies

Whether you're a newcomer or a lifelong numismatist, sourcing high-grade or rare Lincoln cents is increasingly competitive. That’s where trusted dealers make a difference.

Bullion Shark offers carefully curated copper and error coins, including rare Lincoln Memorial varieties. Our team of numismatists can help you:

• Identify undervalued coins worth slabbing
• Build complete Memorial sets with verified strikes
• Access hard-to-find proof errors from 1968 and beyond

With deep market insight and collector-first sourcing, Bullion Shark is your partner in building a Lincoln cent portfolio that stands out—whether you’re just starting or looking for that next elusive MS-67 Red.

Shop wheat pennies now >

Is Your 1968 Penny Worth Money?

The next time you rifle through your change jar or browse an estate sale, take a closer look at those copper cents. A 1968 Lincoln penny might not look flashy—but under the right circumstances, it could be hiding thousands of dollars in value.

Want to be sure? Use a loupe, weigh it, and get expert advice. Sometimes, all it takes is one overlooked coin to change your entire collection.

*This information is for educational purposes only. Bullion Shark is not responsible for any factual errors that may be contained in this post. This information is not intended for investment purposes. Please consult an investment advisor before investing.

Bullion Shark Coin Dealer is the leading Rare Coin Dealer for certified and graded Rare Coins. Authorized Coin Dealer (US Mint, PCGS, CAC, NGC & more), Top Most Influential Company In Numismatics by CoinWorld. Bullion Sharks offers exclusive labels through NGC, PCGS, and CAC, including the Magnum Opus Masterpiece label, the Thomas J. Uram and T.D. Rogers signature series, and the Paul Nugget Founders Signature Series. All of our Rare Coins are guaranteed authentic and are certified graded by PCGS, NGC or CAC. We have a 14 day money back guarantee return policy and work hard to provide complete customer satisfaction in every transaction. Bullion Shark Coin Dealer specializes in Morgan Dollars, Classic Rare Coins, Silver Eagles, Gold Eagles, Ancient coins, Silver Certificates, $2 Bills, and more. Our inventory updates daily, check back and sign up for our newletter. We will do our best to help you find what you are looking for.