The 1960-D/D Small over Large Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.10 in circulated condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a fascinating transition in the minting process and a rare “re-punching” error that caught the public’s eye.

Condition / Grade	1960-D Small Date Value	1960-D Large Date Value	1960-D Small/Large Variety
Average Circulated	Face Value / $0.02	Face Value / $0.01	$5 – $15
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$1.50	$0.50	$50 – $100
Gem Mint (MS-65 RD)	$15 – $25	$10 – $15	$250 – $600+

Why the 1960-D Lincoln Penny Variety Matters

If you have a jar of old change, you might be sitting on a minor treasure. In 1960, the Denver Mint changed the date style on the Lincoln cent mid-year because the “Small Date” dies were breaking too quickly. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the common Large Date and the more desirable varieties.

When the mint switched the dies, a very famous error occurred: the “D over D” Small over Large Date. Essentially, a Small Date hub was impressed over a Large Date hub, creating a doubled effect.

For the average person, these look like regular pennies, but for a numismatist, the placement of the “0” and the “6” is everything. If you find one while pocket change searching, downloading CoinKnow can provide an instant second opinion on the variety you’ve discovered. Identifying these nuances is the first step toward understanding the actual market price.

Identifying the 1960-D Small vs. Large Date Penny

To understand the 1960-D/D Small over Large Date Penny value, you must first learn how to tell the two primary types apart. The Small Date is characterized by a “6” with a shorter tail and a “0” that is more oval and slender. In contrast, the Large Date features a taller “6” with a tail that nearly touches the loop, and a rounder, thicker “0.”

The real prize, however, is the D/D variety where you can see evidence of both designs overlapping. This is often visible as a “doubling” effect on the date, particularly inside the digits. You may notice thick edges or a ghost-like secondary image of the numbers.

Finding these in “Red” (RD) condition significantly spikes the price. For instance, the current price for a 1960-D Large Date in MS-RD shows that even common versions have a premium when they look brand new. Most of these coins found in circulation today will be “Brown” (BN), meaning they have lost their original mint luster.

Factors That Influence 1960-D Penny Prices

Value isn’t just about the date size; it’s about the condition. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A penny that has been in someone’s pocket for decades might only be worth a few cents, while one found in an original mint roll could be worth hundreds.

Collectors look for “Red” designations. When a copper penny is first minted, it has a bright orange-red glow. Over time, oxygen turns it brown. A “Red” (RD) coin is much more valuable than a “Red-Brown” (RB) or “Brown” (BN) coin. If you aren’t sure how to grade your find, CoinKnow offers tools to help you compare your coin’s appearance to known high-grade examples.

Condition Grade	Visual Characteristics	Estimated Rarity
Circulated (F-VF)	Significant wear, brown color	Very Common
About Uncirculated (AU)	Light wear on the high points	Common
Mint State (MS-63+)	No wear, original luster remains	Scarce (Variety)

The 1960-D D-Over-D (Repunched Mint Mark)

Beyond the date size, the 1960-D is famous for having multiple “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM) varieties. This happened when the person responsible for punching the “D” symbol into the die hit it twice because the first strike was slightly off-center.

When you have a 1960-D Small over Large Date paired with a repunched mint mark, you have a powerhouse coin for collectors. You will see a clear secondary “D” or a “shadow” of a D next to the main mint mark. This is why many people who find “old pennies” should look closer—you might find a highly detailed 1960 penny value report that lists these specific RPM errors as high-value items.

Because there are dozens of different RPM varieties for 1960-D, careful study with a magnifying glass or a digital microscope is often necessary. Using the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution identification features can help you zoom in on these tiny details that the naked eye might miss.

Market Value for 1960 Lincoln Pennies Today

The market for 1960 Lincoln pennies is generally stable. While the billions of “Large Date” pennies are essentially worth face value unless they are in perfect condition, the Small Date and the D/D varieties continue to appreciate.

Most Small Date 1960-D pennies in average condition sell for about 5 to 20 cents. However, the Small/Large Date variety in a high grade like MS-66 can fetch thousands of dollars at specialized auctions like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.

Variety Type	Condition	Market Price (Avg)
1960-D/D Small/Large Cent	MS-64 Red	$150.00
1960-P Small Date (Proof)	PR-67	$40.00
1960-D Large Date	Circulated	$0.01

If you happen to find a roll of 1960 pennies, don’t just spend them. Check the dates carefully. While the odds of finding a Gem Mint D/D variety are low, it is one of the more common “rare” errors still floating around in older collections and estate sales.

How to Sell Your 1960-D Small/Large Date Penny

Once you’ve identified your coin using your preferred tools and the info above, the next step is selling it. For coins worth less than $10, selling on eBay or a local coin shop is often your best bet. If you believe you have a coin worth hundreds, you should consider professional grading.

Services like PCGS or NGC will “slab” your coin, providing a guaranteed grade and authenticity. This makes the coin much easier to sell for a high price. Before you spend the money on grading (which can cost $20-$50 per coin), use CoinKnow to estimate if your coin is high enough quality to justify the cost.

Always remember that “eye appeal” matters. A coin with ugly spotting or scratches hidden in the design will sell for less than a clean, vibrant coin. Keeping your coins in protective flips once you find them is the best way to preserve their value for years to come.

FAQ

Q: How can I quickly tell if my 1960-D penny is a Small Date?

A: Look at the number “6.” In the Small Date variety, the top of the “6” is much shorter and doesn’t reach the height of the “1” or “9.” On the Large Date, the “6” is nearly the same height as the other numbers.

Q: Is a 1960-D penny silver?

A: No, 1960-D Lincoln pennies are made of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc. They have a reddish-brown color unless they have been plated by someone after they left the mint.

Q: Is the 1960-D Small/Large Date rare?

A: It is considered a “scarce” variety but not “ultra-rare.” Thousands are known to exist, but finding one in “uncirculated” Red condition is quite difficult and valuable.

Q: What is a “repunched mint mark” (RPM)?

A: An RPM occurs when the letter “D” (for Denver) was punched into the coin die more than once, leading to a visible doubling of the letter on the final coin.

Q: Can I find these in my pocket change?

A: While possible, it is unlikely today because most 1960 pennies have been removed from circulation by collectors or people hoarding copper. You are more likely to find them in “unsearched” bags or rolls at estate sales.