1968-S Lincoln Penny Value Guide How Much Is Your San Francisco Mint Penny Worth
The 1968-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from a few cents in heavily circulated condition to over $20 or more in pristine mint state — and certain rare error coins can fetch hundreds of dollars from serious collectors.
If you’ve stumbled across a 1968 penny with a small “S” mintmark under the date, you might be sitting on something more valuable than face value. To get a quick identification on what you’ve got, try using a free coin identifier app before heading to a coin dealer — it can save you a lot of time and give you a starting point on condition and value.
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What Makes the 1968-S Lincoln Penny Special
The 1968-S Lincoln Penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which had only recently resumed coin production for circulation after a long hiatus. That “S” mintmark — located just below the date on the obverse — sets this coin apart from the Philadelphia and Denver issues of the same year.
In 1968, the San Francisco Mint produced over 261 million Lincoln cents for general circulation, along with a separate mintage for proof sets. The sheer volume means circulated examples are common, but well-preserved specimens with strong luster and sharp details are harder to come by than you might think. Collectors particularly value coins that show no signs of wear on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat-like details of the Memorial reverse.
The coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), the same duo behind the Lincoln Memorial cent design that ran from 1959 to 2008. For everyday collectors, the 1968-S is an accessible and historically interesting piece from a turbulent year in American history.
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1968-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
Coin value is all about condition. A coin’s grade — ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70) — has a dramatic impact on what buyers are willing to pay. Here’s a general breakdown of 1968-S Lincoln Penny values across common grades:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $0.05 – $0.15 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, detail remains | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| MS-63 Red | Mint state, some marks | $3 – $8 |
| MS-65 Red | Gem mint state, vibrant luster | $12 – $25 |
| MS-67 Red | Superb gem, near flawless | $100 – $300+ |
For a more detailed breakdown of auction results and current market data, the 1968-S Lincoln Penny MS Red price data at CoinHix is a great place to track real-time values across certified grades.
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The 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent
Beyond the business strike coins intended for everyday use, the San Francisco Mint also produced proof versions of the 1968-S Lincoln Penny for collectors. These were sold as part of official U.S. Mint proof sets and feature a deeply mirrored field with sharp, frosted devices — characteristics that make them visually stunning even to non-collectors.
The 1968-S proof mintage was approximately 3.04 million coins, which is relatively high for a proof issue. As a result, most examples are still available at modest prices. A typical 1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent in PR-65 grades runs around $3 to $8. However, coins grading PR-68 Deep Cameo or higher can bring $50 to $150 or more at auction, especially when certified by PCGS or NGC.
If you’re sorting through an old proof set and wondering whether those coins have any value, CoinKnow is an excellent app for identifying and estimating values right from your phone. It’s especially handy when you’re dealing with multiple coins at once.
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Error Coins and What They’re Worth
Like any mass-produced coin, the 1968-S Lincoln Penny has a handful of known error varieties that collectors actively seek out. These can dramatically increase what your coin is worth.
One of the most talked-about errors is the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), where the design elements appear slightly doubled due to a misalignment during the die-hubbing process. On the 1968-S, look for doubling in the lettering of “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Confirmed DDO examples can sell for anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars depending on the strength of the doubling and the coin’s overall grade.
Other errors to watch for include off-center strikes (where the design is not centered on the planchet) and repunched mintmarks (RPM), where the “S” mintmark was punched more than once in slightly different positions. Both types can add meaningful value.
If you suspect your coin might have an error, use CoinKnow to photograph and analyze it before making any decisions about selling. Getting a second opinion from a certified numismatist is always smart for potentially high-value pieces.
For a comprehensive look at how 1968 Lincoln Penny values compare across all mintmarks and varieties, the full 1968 Lincoln Penny value guide at CoinValueApp covers everything from circulated grades to top-pop registry coins.
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How to Sell Your 1968-S Lincoln Penny
If you’ve determined your coin has some real value, you’ll want to sell it through the right channels. For coins worth under $10, a simple eBay listing or a local coin show is usually the most practical option. For higher-grade or error coins, consider getting your coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC first — a certified holder significantly increases buyer confidence and often results in a higher final sale price.
CoinKnow also offers resources and community features to help you connect with buyers and understand current market trends — a helpful tool whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been collecting for years.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1968 penny is from San Francisco?
A: Look at the obverse (heads side) just below the date. If you see a small letter “S,” your coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. No mintmark means Philadelphia; a “D” indicates Denver.
Q: Is a 1968-S penny made of silver?
A: No. By 1968, U.S. pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% zinc (or tin), not silver. Silver pennies do not exist for this era. If your coin looks silver-colored, it may have been altered or plated.
Q: What is the most valuable 1968-S Lincoln Penny ever sold?
A: Top-graded examples in MS-67 Red and above have sold for several hundred dollars at major auction houses. Error coins with strong doubled dies or major off-center strikes have brought even more from dedicated collectors.
