The 1960 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $10,000 for rare proof varieties in pristine condition. Most examples you find in your pocket change will be worth their weight in copper, but identifying the “Small Date” variety can significantly increase the value of your find.
| Variety & Mint Mark | Average Value (Circulated) | Mint State (MS65) |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 Philadelphia Small Date | $2.00 – $5.00 | $20.00+ |
| 1960 Philadelphia Large Date | $0.05 – $0.10 | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| 1960-D Denver Small Date | $0.10 – $0.25 | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| 1960-D Denver Large Date | $0.05 – $0.10 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
Understanding the 1960 Lincoln Penny Varieties
If you have stumbled upon a 1960 Lincoln Penny, you might be holding a common coin or a hidden gem. During this specific year, the United States Mint changed the size of the date on the coin midway through production. This led to two distinct major varieties: the “Small Date” and the “Large Date.” At the time, the Small Date was considered a massive discovery, causing a frenzy among collectors that remains a legendary part of numismatic history today.
To determine which one you have, you can use the best coin identifier app to zoom in on the specific details of the digits. Generally, Philadelphia struck far fewer Small Date pennies than Large Date ones, making the Philly Small Date the “key” to the 1960 series. Denver, on the other hand, produced a massive amount of both, though the Small Date still carries a slight premium over the Large Date in high grades.
If you aren’t sure which one you are looking at, apps like CoinHix can help you differentiate between these subtle die variations. The differences are microscopic, but they mean the difference between a coin worth a few cents and one worth hundreds of dollars. Many casual hunters keep these coins in jars, unaware that the 1960 Small Date was the first major “variety” to capture the public’s imagination in the modern era of coin collecting.
How to Spot the Small Date vs. Large Date Difference
Identifying the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Value depends entirely on your ability to tell the digits apart. In the “Small Date” variety, the “0” in 1960 is smaller and more oval-shaped. The top of the “1” sits lower than the top of the “9,” and the tail of the “6” is much shorter. This variety was the original design used in early 1960, but the Mint found that the small digits caused the dies to break too easily, leading to a redesign.
The “Large Date” variety is much easier to find. On these coins, the “0” is wider and more circular. Crucially, the top of the “1” is level with the top of the “9,” and the tail of the “6” is longer and extends further toward the top of the coin. If you have a handful of pennies, comparing them side-by-side makes the difference much more obvious.
For those who want a digital second opinion, CoinHix provides high-resolution reference images that allow you to compare your coin’s date directly against known Small and Large Date specimens. Collectors often call this the “Level 1” test. If the numbers look chunky and uneven at the top, it’s likely a Large Date. If the numbers look crisp, small, and the “1” is clearly shorter than the “9,” you’ve likely found a Small Date.
| Feature | Small Date Characteristics | Large Date Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Digit “1” | Top is lower than the 9 | Top is level with the 9 |
| Digit “6” | Short tail | Long tail |
| Digit “0” | Oval and narrow | Round and wide |
1960 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Penny Value
The 1960 Philadelphia cent is the primary target for collectors. Because the “Small Date” was only produced for a short time before the dies were replaced, the mintage is relatively low—estimated at about 2 million out of a total mintage of over 588 million. In average condition, a Small Date Philadelphia penny is worth about $2, but in high-grade Red (RD) condition, it can skyrocket.
The Large Date Philadelphia penny is the most common version. Billions were made, and most are only worth their copper melt value, which is currently around 2 to 3 cents. However, if you find a Large Date in Mint State 67 or higher, it can still be a valuable find for registry set collectors. You can check the current 1960 Large Date price data to see how much a perfect specimen might fetch at auction.
Many people find these coins in old piggy banks or coin rolls. While a circulated Large Date Philly isn’t a retirement fund, finding a “Small Date” in your change is a great way to start a collection. Because these were hoarded in the 1960s, many “uncirculated” rolls still exist today, and searching through them is a favorite pastime for many hobbyists looking for that elusive MS67 grade.
1960-D Denver Mint Small and Large Date Values
The Denver Mint produced over 1.5 billion pennies in 1960, making them incredibly common. Unlike the Philadelphia Mint, Denver produced a large number of Small Date varieties before switching to the Large Date design. Because of this high mintage, a 1960-D Small Date is generally less valuable than its Philadelphia counterpart.
Even though the 1960-D Small Date is more common, it is still highly sought after in “Red” condition. Coins that have retained their original copper luster are graded as “RD” (Red), while those that have toned over time are graded as “RB” (Red-Brown) or “BN” (Brown). For a deeper look at your coin’s potential, viewing this 1960 penny value information can help you understand how color and luster impact the final price.
For everyday Americans, a 1960-D Small Date in your change is likely worth about 10 to 25 cents. It’s a fun find, but usually not a major windfall unless it is in “blazing” red condition with no scratches. Professional grading by a company like PCGS or NGC is typically only recommended if the coin looks absolutely perfect to the naked eye. To get a quick estimate of your coin’s quality, use a tool like CoinHix to see examples of what high-grade 1960 pennies look like.
| Grade | 1960-D Small Date | 1960-D Large Date |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 Red | $2 – $4 | $1 – $2 |
| MS65 Red | $10 – $15 | $3 – $6 |
| MS67 Red | $150+ | $50+ |
The 1960 Proof Small Date Treasure
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors and have a mirror-like finish. In 1960, the Mint produced proof sets containing both Small Date and Large Date pennies. The 1960 Small Date Proof is the “Holy Grail” for the year. Only about 200,000 proof sets were made with the Small Date penny before the Mint switched to the Large Date dies for the remaining mintage.
Today, a 1960 Small Date Proof penny can be worth anywhere from $20 to several thousand dollars depending on its grade. Collectors specifically look for “CAM” (Cameo) or “DCAM” (Deep Cameo) designations, where the portrait of Lincoln looks frosted and stands out against the shiny background. A PR69 Deep Cameo Small Date is a museum-quality piece that auctions for significant sums.
If you find a proof set in an old drawer or at an estate sale, check the penny immediately. If the “1” is lower than the “9,” you’ve hit a Small Date proof. These are much rarer than the standard business strikes and should be handled with extreme care—never touch the surface of a proof coin with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror finish.
Valuable Errors to Look For in 1960 Pennies
Beyond the Small and Large Date varieties, there are several significant errors that can make a 1960 penny worth a lot of money. One of the most famous is the 1960-D/D Small Date Over Large Date (or vice versa). This happens when the Mint tries to punch a new date style over an old one, resulting in a “doubled” look on the digits that shows characteristics of both sizes.
Another major error is the 1960-D “D over D” (RPM) error. This is where the Denver mint mark was punched into the die twice, slightly out of alignment. Depending on how visible the doubling is, these can sell for $10 to $50 to error collectors. There are dozens of minor RPM varieties for 1960, making it a favorite year for “cherry-pickers” looking through rolls.
Finally, keep an eye out for “Off-Center” strikes. If the coin was not properly aligned when the hammer die came down, part of the design might be missing. A 1960 penny that is 50% off-center with a full date visible is a highly collectible item. While these aren’t as common as the Small Date variety, they are certainly worth keeping if you find one in the wild.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1960 penny is a Small Date without a microscope?
A: The easiest way is the “Level 1” test. Look at the top of the date. If the number “1” is significantly shorter than the “9” next to it, it is a Small Date. On a Large Date, the top of the “1” is perfectly level with the top of the “9.”
Q: Why is the Philadelphia Small Date more valuable than the Denver one?
A: It comes down to mintage numbers. The Philadelphia Mint only produced about 2 million Small Date pennies before switching, while the Denver Mint produced roughly 200 million. Scarcity drives the price higher for the Philadelphia coins.
Q: Is a brown 1960 Small Date penny still worth money?
A: Yes, but significantly less than a “Red” one. For most collectors, the original copper color is highly desirable. A circulated brown Small Date Philly might still be worth $1-$2, whereas a Red uncirculated one can be worth $20 or more.
Q: Are there any 1960 pennies made of silver?
A: No, all 1960 pennies were composed of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc. If you find one that looks silver, it is likely either plated by someone after it left the mint or, in very rare cases, struck on an incorrect planchet (like an aluminum or dime planchet), which would be a major error.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1960 penny graded?
A: Probably not unless it is a Philadelphia Small Date in near-perfect condition or a Proof Small Date. The cost of grading (usually $30-$50) often exceeds the value of common 1960 pennies. Use an app like CoinHix to estimate the grade before spending money on professional services.
