The 1960 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from 2 cents in circulated condition to over $10,000 for rare proof varieties in pristine condition. While most are common, the “Small Date” and “Large Date” variations make this specific year a thrilling treasure hunt for casual collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Coin Variety	Circulated Value	Uncirculated (MS65)	Record Price
1960 Small Date (Philly)	$0.15 – $0.50	$5 – $10	$4,370
1960 Large Date (Philly)	$0.02	$1 – $3	$6,000+
1960-D Small Date	$0.10 – $0.25	$3 – $8	$750

Identifying 1960 Small Date vs Large Date Pennies

If you find a handful of wheat-less pennies in your jars, check the dates immediately. The 1960 Lincoln Penny is famous because the Philadelphia and Denver mints changed the size of the date digits mid-production. To tell them apart, look closely at the “0” in 1960. On the Small Date variety, the inside of the “0” is oval-shaped, and the top of the “1” is level with the top of the “9.” On the Large Date variety, the “0” is rounder, and the “1” sits lower than the top of the “9.”

Getting an accurate identification is step one. Using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of squinting through a magnifying glass. These digital tools analyze the font size and placement to tell you exactly which variety you are holding within seconds.

If you are unsure, the CoinKnow app is another excellent resource. It uses high-resolution image recognition to distinguish these subtle differences, which is critical because the price difference between a Philadelphia Small Date and Large Date can be significant in higher grades. Many beginners overlook these details, but collectors are willing to pay a premium for the scarcer Small Date varieties found in pocket change or old rolls.

Understanding 1960 Philadelphia Lincoln Cent Values

The Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) produced over 580 million pennies in 1960. Most of these are Large Dates, which are generally worth only their face value or their copper weight (about 2-3 cents). However, if you find a Small Date version, it’s worth much more because it was produced in significantly lower numbers—roughly only 2 million were struck before the dies were replaced.

For those looking for high-end investment pieces, the 1960 Large Date Lincoln Penny price data shows that while common coins are cheap, “Mint State” (MS) coins that look brand new can command triple digits. A 1960 Small Date in MS67 Red condition can easily fetch over $500, as very few have survived without scratches or tarnish.

Even if your coin is “circulated” (it has been used and shows wear), a Small Date Philly penny is still a collector’s item. Average Americans often find these in “unsearchable” bags of pennies. If you have a specimen that looks like it just came from the bank, its value skyrockets. The CoinKnow app can help you determine the “Red,” “Red-Brown,” or “Brown” color designation, which dictates the final market price.

Grade (Philly Small Date)	Estimated Market Value
Good (G4)	$0.15
Extremely Fine (XF40)	$2.50
Mint State (MS63)	$15.00
Superb Gem (MS67)	$500+

The Rare 1960 Denver Mint Small Date Value

The Denver Mint (look for the small “D” under the date) followed a similar pattern. They produced over 1.5 billion pennies in 1960, the vast majority being the Large Date variety. Like its Philadelphia cousin, the 1960-D Small Date is less common, though not quite as rare as the Philly version. Because 1960-D Small Dates were hoarded by collectors at the time, many survived in “Brilliant Uncirculated” condition.

For a detailed look at how the “D” mint mark impacts price, checking the 1960 penny value and rarity guide will reveal that high-grade Denver coins are very affordable for new collectors. You can pick up a beautiful, shiny 1960-D Small Date for less than $5 in many hobby shops.

However, keep an eye out for “D/D” varieties—rebranded mint marks where the “D” was struck twice. These “RPM” (re-punched mint mark) errors are highly sought after. Use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on the mint mark area; if you see a slight shadow or a second “D” offset from the first, you might have a coin worth $50 to $100 even in used condition.

The Most Valuable 1960 Proof Lincoln Pennies

Each year, the Mint produces “Proof” coins specifically for collectors. These have mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details. In 1960, the Mint produced Proof sets containing both the Small Date and Large Date. The Proof Small Date is the “holy grail” for 1960 Lincoln Cent enthusiasts.

Because Proof coins are handled with extreme care, their value is determined almost entirely by “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast. A 1960 Small Date Proof with Deep Cameo contrast looks like a black-and-white photograph and can sell for thousands of dollars.

Proof Variety	PR67 Value	PR69 DCAM Value
1960 Small Date Proof	$40	$4,000+
1960 Large Date Proof	$15	$650

When looking at Proofs, remember that skin oils can ruin the surface. If you find one in an old plastic case, don’t open it! The value of these coins relies entirely on their flawless finish. If the coin has a matte appearance on Lincoln’s portrait compared to the shiny background, it is a “Cameo” and is worth a significant premium over the standard proof.

Common Errors and Doubled Dies in 1960 Pennies

Beyond the date sizes, 1960 was a year of many “striking” mistakes. Collectors look for Doubled Die Obverses (DDO), where the lettering or the date appears to be “doubled.” In 1960, there are known Small Date/Large Date overstrikes. This is where a Small Date was struck over a Large Date (or vice versa), creating a distorted look on the digits.

Another common error is the “BIE” penny. This is a small die crack that develops between the letters “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY,” making it look like there is an “I” in the middle. While these “BIE” errors only add a few dollars ($5–$10) to the value, they are a fun way for everyday Americans to start a “specialized” collection without spending much money.

Always check the reverse of the coin (the side with the Lincoln Memorial) for “die clashes.” This happens when the two dies hit each other without a coin in between, leaving a faint ghost-like image of the Memorial on the front, or Lincoln’s outline on the back. These oddities are unique and always carry a premium among specialized error collectors.

Tips for Selling Your 1960 Lincoln Penny

If you’ve identified a 1960 Small Date and think it’s in great condition, your next step is to protect it. Place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. Never clean your coins! Cleaning a penny with vinegar, salt, or polish will strip away its original luster and can reduce its value by 90% in the eyes of a professional collector.

When it comes to selling, you have several options. For common Small Date pennies worth $1–$20, eBay or local coin shops are your best bet. If you believe you have a high-grade MS67 or a Deep Cameo Proof worth hundreds or thousands, you should consider having the coin “graded” by a service like PCGS or NGC.

Grading can be expensive ($20–$50 per coin), so only send in coins that are truly exceptional. Before you spend money on professional grading, use a high-quality app to get a realistic estimate. Knowing the difference between a $5 coin and a $500 coin will help you make the best decision for your wallet.

FAQ

Q: Why is the 1960 Small Date more valuable than the Large Date?

A: The Small Date is more valuable because it was the first design used in 1960, but the Mint found that the numbers were so small they caused the dies to break easily. They changed to the Large Date quickly, making the Small Date significantly rarer, especially for the Philadelphia Mint.

Q: How can I tell the difference between “Red” and “Brown” pennies?

A: A “Red” (RD) penny retains 95% or more of its original copper orange glow. A “Red-Brown” (RB) penny has about 50-95% of that color, while a “Brown” (BN) penny has oxidized completely to a chocolate color. Collectors pay the highest prices for “Red” coins.

Q: I found a 1960-D penny with a very wide date; is it an error?

A: Most likely, you have found a standard Large Date. However, Denver was known for re-punched mint marks. If the “D” looks thick or doubled, it might be a known error worth a few extra dollars.

Q: Are 1960 pennies made of copper?

A: Yes. All 1960 pennies are composed of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc. This means they are worth about 2 to 3 cents just for their metal content, regardless of their condition or variety.