The 1968-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.02 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. Most of these copper coins found in pocket change today are valued primarily for their metal content, but certain rare errors and pristine specimens can fetch significantly higher prices at auction.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.02 – $0.05
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS-65 Red)	$10.00 – $25.00
Superb Gem (MS-67+ Red)	$150.00+

Understanding the Basics of the 1968-D Lincoln Memorial Cent

If you’ve recently looked through a jar of old coins and found a penny with a “D” under the year 1968, you are holding a piece of American history from the Denver Mint. In 1968, the United States Mint produced billions of these coins to keep up with the demands of a growing economy.

Because so many were made, finding one isn’t difficult. However, identifying a high-value version requires a bit of detective work. If you aren’t sure how to tell if your coin is a common “pocket change” variety or a rare collector’s item, using a top coin identifier app can help you instantly recognize the nuances of your find.

The CoinKnow app is particularly useful for beginners who want to distinguish between the various mint marks and copper compositions. During this era, pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. This gives the 1968-D penny an intrinsic “melt value” that is actually higher than its face value of one cent. As copper prices fluctuate, even common circulated pennies are sought after by “hoarders” for their raw metal value.

What Determines the 1968-D Lincoln Penny Market Value?

The primary factor in determining the price of a 1968-D penny is its physical condition, also known as its “grade.” Most coins you find in circulation are graded as “Fine” or “Very Fine,” meaning they have visible wear on Lincoln’s hair and the pillars of the Memorial building.

Collectors are most interested in “Mint State” (MS) coins—those that never entered circulation and still have their original luster. For those researching specific auction data, current 1968-D penny market prices for Red specimens show that the “Red” (RD) color designation is vital.

A penny can be classified as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). Red pennies are the most valuable because they retain the bright, fiery copper color they had the moment they were struck. Over time, oxygen turns copper brown, so finding a red 1968-D penny after 50 years is quite rare.

Grade Designation	Color Description	Value Multiplier
Brown (BN)	Chocolate brown, no original luster.	Base Value
Red-Brown (RB)	Mixture of brown and 5-90% orange-red.	Moderate Increase
Red (RD)	90% or more original bright copper red.	Highest Value

Rare Errors and Varieties of the 1968-D Penny

While most 1968-D pennies are worth two or three cents, error coins can be worth hundreds of dollars. Errors occur during the minting process when something goes wrong with the machinery. These are the “lottery tickets” of the coin-collecting world.

One common error to look for is the “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM). This happens when the “D” was punched into the die twice, creating a shadowed or doubled look on the letter. To see these tiny details, many hobbyists use the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution magnifying features.

Another highly sought-after error is the “Double Die” strike. While the 1968-D doesn’t have a major “King of Errors” like the 1955 or 1972 doubled dies, minor doubling on the date or the lettering can still attract niche buyers. For a deeper look at specific oddities, you can check this detailed guide to 1968 Lincoln cent errors to see if your coin matches any known rare varieties.

Grading Your 1968-D Penny: From Circulated to Mint State

If you want to sell your coin for more than a few cents, you need to understand the 70-point grading scale. Professional services like PCGS or NGC grade coins from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). For a 1968-D penny, the “break-even” point for professional grading is usually around MS-66 or MS-67.

At the MS-67 level, the coin must be nearly flawless, with no visible scratches even under a magnifying glass. The strike must be sharp, showing every detail of Lincoln’s beard and the fine lines of the Lincoln Memorial.

Most everyday Americans will find coins in the “VF” (Very Fine) or “XF” (Extra Fine) range. In these grades, Lincoln’s cheek and the tops of his hair will show slight flatness. While these aren’t worth a fortune, they are excellent pieces for starting a collection or teaching children about the value of saving.

Sheldon Grade	Visual Appearance	Avg. 1968-D Price
VF-20	Moderate wear; all details clear.	$0.02
EF-40	Light wear on high points only.	$0.10
MS-63	No wear; some distracting marks.	$2.00
MS-66	Beautiful luster; very few marks.	$35.00

How to Store and Protect Your 1968-D Lincoln Cent

If you’ve identified a 1968-D penny that appears to be in “Red” condition or has a potential error, protection is your next priority. Copper is a highly reactive metal. Fingerprints, moisture, and even the air in your home can cause the coin to tarnish or develop “zinc rot” (black spots).

Never clean your coins. This is the golden rule of coin collecting. Even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that will instantly destroy the coin’s premium value. Instead, handle the coin by the edges and place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder.

Using tools like the CoinKnow app allows you to catalog your collection digitally. By taking high-quality photos and storing them in an app, you can track the value of your 1968-D penny over time without having to handle the physical coin frequently, thus preserving its condition for future generations.

Where to Sell Your 1968-D Lincoln Penny

Finding a buyer for a common circulated 1968-D penny is difficult because the shipping costs often exceed the coin’s value. However, if you have a high-grade or error specimen, you have several options. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for mid-range coins.

For high-value coins (MS-67 and above), major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are the best route. These platforms reach serious collectors who are willing to pay a premium for a “Registry Set” coin.

Before selling, ensure you have a realistic expectation of the price. Check “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to see what people are actually paying. Most 1968-D pennies won’t make you rich, but the thrill of the hunt is what makes coin roll hunting such a beloved American pastime.

FAQ

Q: Does the 1968-D penny contain real silver?

A: No, the 1968-D Lincoln Penny is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. The US Mint has never produced a circulation Lincoln penny made of silver. If you find a silver-colored 1968 penny, it is likely either plated by a third party or, in very rare cases, struck on a dime planchet (an error).

Q: Why is my 1968-D penny worth more than one cent?

A: Your penny is worth more than one cent primarily because of its copper content. As of current metal markets, the copper in a pre-1982 penny is worth roughly 2 to 3 cents. Additionally, coins in “Uncirculated” condition or those with “Mint Errors” carry a premium to collectors.

Q: How many 1968-D pennies were minted?

A: The Denver Mint produced 2,886,269,600 (over 2.8 billion) Lincoln pennies in 1968. Because of this massive production volume, the coin is considered very common unless it is in an exceptionally high grade or features a rare minting error.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968-D penny?

A: The “D” mint mark is located on the “heads” (obverse) side of the coin, directly underneath the year 1968. If there is no letter under the date, it means the coin was minted in Philadelphia.