1967 Lincoln Penny Value No Mint Mark: History and Prices
The 1967 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.01 in worn condition to over $5,000 for rare high-grade specimens. While most of these coins you find in your pocket change are only worth their face value, certain strike qualities and errors make this common date highly collectible for everyday Americans.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.01 – $0.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63) | $0.10 – $1.50 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65 Red) | $10 – $25 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+ Red) | $200 – $5,000+ |
Understanding the 1967 Lincoln Penny With No Mint Mark
If you have looked at your 1967 penny and noticed there is no small letter “D” or “S” under the date, don’t worry—your coin isn’t a mistake. From 1965 to 1967, the United States Mint removed all mint marks from coins to discourage collectors from “hoarding” new issues during a national coin shortage. This means every single penny struck in 1967 looks exactly the same, whether it was made in Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. Using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the specifics of your find instantly.
Because over 3 billion of these pennies were struck, they are incredibly common in everyday circulation. Most people who find one in their piggy bank will simply see a brown, worn coin that is worth exactly one cent. However, the 1967 Lincoln Penny value no mint mark increases significantly when the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition, meaning it never spent time in a cash register or someone’s pocket.
To determine if your coin is a hidden treasure, you should look for the original copper luster. Collectors prioritize “Red” (RD) coins over “Red-Brown” (RB) or “Brown” (BN) ones. If you aren’t sure about the color or grade, CoinKnow is an excellent tool for beginners to compare their coins against high-resolution images of graded specimens.
The Grading Scale and Its Impact on Price
The value of a 1967 penny is almost entirely dependent on its Sheldon Scale grade, which runs from 1 to 70. Most coins found in change are “Circulated” and carry no premium. However, if you find a roll of original 1967 pennies that look brand new, you might have something worth more than a cent. A coin graded MS65 is considered “Gem Quality,” and the 1967 penny price data for Red specimens suggests that even these can fetch a few dollars.
The real money is found in the “Superb Gem” category. A 1967 penny graded MS67 or higher is extremely rare because the 1960s were not known for high-quality minting techniques. Many pennies from this era suffered from “bag marks”—tiny nicks caused by coins hitting each other—and “die deterioration,” which makes the details look blurry.
| Pro Grade (Red Only) | Market Price Range |
|---|---|
| MS63 RD | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| MS65 RD | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| MS66 RD | $50.00 – $120.00 |
| MS67 RD | $450.00 – $900.00 |
| MS67+ RD | $2,000 – $5,500+ |
Special Mint Sets (SMS) vs. Business Strikes
In 1967, the Mint did not produce traditional “Proof Sets.” Instead, they offered “Special Mint Sets” (SMS). These coins were struck with higher pressure on specially polished dies, giving them a much sharper detail and a more reflective surface than a standard penny. SMS 1967 pennies were not intended for circulation, but many have been broken out of their plastic cases and spent over the decades.
If you find a 1967 penny that looks exceptionally shiny or “mirrored,” it might be an SMS strike. These are valued differently than business strikes. A typical SMS 1967 penny is worth between $1 and $5, but if the coin has a “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect—where the portrait of Lincoln is frosty and the background is mirror-like—the price can jump to hundreds of dollars.
The most accurate way to distinguish between a very shiny regular penny and an SMS penny is to look at the edges and the sharpness of the rim. Using the CoinKnow photo recognition feature can often help identify these subtle differences that the naked eye might miss.
Valuable 1967 Penny Errors to Look For
For many casual hunters, the 1967 Lincoln Penny value no mint mark comes from errors. Since billions were made, mistakes were bound to happen. Common errors include “clipped planchets,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of it, or “off-center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side.
One of the more sought-after errors is the Doubled Die. While 1967 isn’t as famous as 1955 or 1972 for doubling, minor doubling on the obverse (Lincoln’s side) or reverse (the Memorial building) can still add $20 to $50 to the coin’s value. Look closely at the lettering in “LIBERTY” or the date; if the letters look thickened or show a distinct second line, you might have a winner.
Another valuable error is the “Repunched Date” or dramatic die cracks. While these often require a magnifying glass or a jewelry loupe to see, they are exactly what collectors are searching for. For a detailed breakdown of these anomalies, check out this comprehensive 1967 penny value guide which lists current auction records for major errors.
| Error Type | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| 10% Off-Center | $5 – $15 |
| 50% Off-Center (With Date) | $50 – $100 |
| Minor Doubled Die Obverse | $15 – $40 |
| Die Break (Cud) | $20 – $150 |
How Color Affects the Value of Your 1967 Penny
In the world of Lincoln Cents, the color of the copper is everything. Copper reacts with oxygen over time, turning from a bright orange-red to a dull brown. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC assign one of three color designations: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN).
A “Red” 1967 penny must retain at least 95% of its original mint color. These are the most valuable because they are the hardest to find after 50+ years. Most 1967 pennies found today are “Brown,” meaning they have lost all their original luster. A Brown 1967 penny, even in high grade, will rarely exceed $5 or $10.
If you discover a penny that is still bright orange and red, handle it only by the edges! The oils from your fingers can cause permanent damage and lower the grade. Many collectors use CoinKnow to log their red pennies and track how their value might fluctuate based on recent auction sales.
Where to Sell Your 1967 Lincoln Penny
If you believe you have a high-value 1967 penny or a rare error, you have several options for selling. For common coins that are just in nice condition, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are usually the best bet. When selling on eBay, be sure to take clear, high-resolution photos of both the front and back of the coin.
For rare, high-grade coins worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers are the preferred route. These coins must be professionally graded and “slabbed” in plastic holders before they will reach their full market potential.
Before spending money on grading fees, which can cost $30 to $50 per coin, make sure the coin’s potential value justifies the expense. Comparing your coin to verified sales on CoinKnow can save you from spending money on a coin that might only be worth a few cents.
FAQ
Q: Why is there no mint mark on my 1967 penny?
A: In an effort to stop coin hoarding during the mid-1960s coin shortage, the US Mint removed all mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) from 1965 to 1967. All pennies from these years look identical regardless of where they were minted.
Q: Is a 1967 penny made of real copper?
A: Yes, the 1967 Lincoln Penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. These coins are often saved today for their metal content, as the copper in each penny is actually worth about 2 to 3 cents at current metal prices.
Q: What is the most expensive 1967 penny ever sold?
A: The record price for a 1967 business strike penny was over $5,000 for a specimen graded MS67+ Red. Such coins are nearly perfect with no visible scratches even under a microscope.
Q: Are there any 1967 “Steel” pennies?
A: No, the only official US steel pennies were made in 1943. If you find a silver-colored 1967 penny, it is likely either plated by someone after it left the mint or it was struck on a leftover dime planchet, which would be a very valuable error.
