The 1960 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from 2 cents in circulated condition to over $10,000 for rare Small Date varieties in high mint grades. Finding one of these in your change can be exciting, as the specific size of the date digits determines whether you have a common coin or a valuable collector’s item.
| Variety & Mint Mark | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS65) |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 Large Date (Philadelphia) | $0.02 – $0.05 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| 1960 Small Date (Philadelphia) | $1.00 – $3.00 | $25.00 – $50.00 |
| 1960-D Large Date (Denver) | $0.02 – $0.05 | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| 1960-D Small Date (Denver) | $0.05 – $0.15 | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 1960-D Small Date over Large Date | $50 – $150 | $400+ |
How to Tell the Difference Between 1960 Large and Small Dates
If you’ve recently used a best coin identifier app to look at your pennies, you likely noticed that the 1960 Lincoln Cent comes in two distinct varieties. The “Small Date” and “Large Date” variations are the result of the U.S. Mint modifying the dies mid-year. In early 1960, the Mint produced Small Date versions, but they found that the digits were prone to breaking off the dies. To fix this, they redesigned the master hub to create a bolder, larger date.
To tell them apart, look closely at the number “0” and the “6”. On the Small Date variety, the top of the “6” is much shorter, and the inside of the “0” is oval-shaped. On the Large Date variety, the tail of the “6” is longer, reaching significantly higher than the top of the other digits. Furthermore, the top of the “1” on the Small Date sits below the level of the “9,” while on the Large Date, the “1” and “9” are almost perfectly level at the top.
Using a tool like CoinHix can help you zoom in on these tiny details without needing a professional jeweler’s loupe. In the Philadelphia mint particularly, the Small Date is significantly rarer because production was stopped early in favor of the Large Date. If you find a Philadelphia penny with a small date in your pocket change, you’ve found a coin worth several hundred times its face value.
The Value of 1960 Small Date Pennies (Philadelphia)
The 1960 Philadelphia Small Date is the “holy grail” of this specific year for circulation finds. Unlike the Denver mint, which produced millions of Small Date coins, the Philadelphia mint only struck approximately 2 million before the change was made. While 2 million sounds like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the nearly 600 million Large Date pennies struck that same year.
Because of this scarcity, even a “brown” circulated 1960 Small Date fetches a premium. Collectors are always looking for “Red” versions that have retained their original copper luster. You can check the current market trends and 1960 Lincoln Penny price data for MS65 Red specimens to see how much more valuable these coins become when they are in pristine condition.
Most people who find these in old jars usually have the “Brown” variety. While these aren’t worth thousands, they are still a fantastic find for a beginner collector. The thrill of the hunt is identifying that specific “0” shape and knowing you held onto a piece of history that most people would have just spent at the grocery store.
| Condition (Philly Small Date) | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Fine (Circulated) | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Mint State 63 (Uncirculated) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Mint State 67 (Premium Grade) | $500.00+ |
1960-D Small Date vs Large Date (Denver Mint)
The Denver Mint (identified by the “D” mint mark under the date) followed a similar pattern, but with a major difference: they produced millions of both varieties. Consequently, a 1960-D Small Date is not nearly as rare as its Philly counterpart. However, it is still a “key” for many budget collectors and worth keeping if you find one in high grade.
While the Small Date is more desirable, the Large Date is extremely common. You can find these in almost any roll of older pennies. To get an accurate reading on what your specific Denver strike is worth, you should consult a comprehensive guide on 1960 Lincoln Cent values and rarity factors. This will help you determine if your coin is just a common penny or a high-grade specimen worth grading.
Don’t let the lower price tag of the Denver Small Date discourage you. Errors are very common on Denver pennies from the 1960s, including “re-punched mint marks” (RPM). If you see a faint second “D” slightly offset from the main mint mark, the value can jump from a few cents to twenty dollars or more instantly.
The Rare 1960-D Small Date over Large Date Error
One of the most famous and valuable varieties in the entire Lincoln Memorial series is the 1960-D Small Date over Large Date (D/D). This occurred when the mint used two different hubs to strike a single coin, resulting in a “doubled” appearance. If you look closely at the date, you will see shadows or double lines where the Small Date was struck over a Large Date.
This error is highly sought after by collectors of “doubled dies” and “RPMs.” Because it combines both the variety change and a minting error, it creates a “perfect storm” for value. A high-grade example of this error can sell at auction for over $500. Many people use CoinHix to photograph these coins and compare them to known error catalog images.
If you think you have found this error, look for doubling specifically on the “1” and the “9”. The tail of the “6” often looks like it has a faint “ghost” tail attached to it. These are tricky to spot with the naked eye, so magnification is your best friend when hunting for this specific 1960-D penny value.
| Error Type | Grade | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1960-D SD/LD Error | AU58 (Almost Uncirculated) | $120.00 |
| 1960-D SD/LD Error | MS64 Red-Brown | $350.00 |
| 1960-D SD/LD Error | MS66 Red | $1,200.00+ |
Why Condition and Color Matter for 1960 Pennies
When you’re checking your 1960 penny value, the condition (or “grade”) and the color are the two biggest factors after you’ve identified the date size. Copper coins are graded not just by their wear (from 1 to 70), but also by their color: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD). A “Red” penny is one that looks like it just came off the minting press, with at least 95% of its original copper orange color intact.
A 1960 Small Date Philadelphia penny in “Red” MS67 condition is a five-figure coin in some cases. However, as soon as that coin turns brown from being touched or exposed to air, the price drops significantly. This is why professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are so important for high-value coins. They preserve the color and verify the grade.
For the everyday collector, finding a “Red” coin in an old roll is like hitting a mini-jackpot. Always handle your coins by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing the copper to oxidize and turn brown. You can use CoinHix to log your collection and track which of your coins are Red vs. Brown, which helps in calculating the total portfolio value over time.
Is Your 1960 Penny Worth Grading?
Most 1960 pennies are common and not worth the $20-$40 fee to have them professionally graded. However, there are exceptions. If you have a Philadelphia Small Date that looks absolutely perfect—meaning no scratches, no fingerprints, and full red color—it is definitely worth the investment.
Similarly, the 1960-D Small Date over Large Date error should be authenticated if it is in “About Uncirculated” condition or higher. Buyers are wary of raw (ungraded) errors because of the many counterfeits and “damaged” coins that look like errors but aren’t. Having a plastic slab from a reputable grading company guarantees the coin is the real deal.
For the average Large Date penny, it’s best to keep them in a simple coin folder. They are fun to collect and part of a complete set, but they won’t be paying for a vacation anytime soon. Focus your energy on those Small Dates and Denver errors, as that involves the real money in 1960 penny collecting.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1960 penny is a Small Date without a microscope?
A: Look at the number “6”. On a Small Date, the top of the curve doesn’t reach as high as the top of the “1” and “9”. On a Large Date, the tail of the “6” is long and pointed, almost reaching the top level of the other numbers.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1960 penny?
A: The mint mark is a small letter located directly below the date. If you see a “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Why is the Philadelphia Small Date so much more valuable than the Denver one?
A: The Philadelphia Mint stopped production of the Small Date much earlier than Denver did. Because there are fewer “Philly” Small Dates in existence (about 2 million vs. hundreds of millions), they are much harder for collectors to find.
Q: Can I find a 1960 Small Date in my pocket change today?
A: It is possible but very rare. Most 1960 pennies currently in circulation are Large Dates. However, people often dump old coin collections at banks, so “roll hunting” at your local bank is a great way to find them!
