1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Value What It’s Really Worth and Why Collectors Care
The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from a few cents in circulated condition to over $100 or more in pristine mint state — and if you happen to have a proof version, the value can climb even higher. If you found one in an old jar or inherited a coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
Whether you’re a first-time coin finder or a casual collector, using a free coin identifier app is one of the easiest ways to get a quick read on what your penny might be. But let’s dig into the details so you know what to look for before you sell, trade, or tuck it away safely.
What Makes the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Special
In 1960, the U.S. Mint produced Lincoln pennies with two distinctly different date styles — the Large Date and the Small Date. The Small Date variety has noticeably smaller, more compact numerals, and the “9” in the date appears to sit higher relative to the other digits. This subtle difference matters enormously to collectors.
The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny was struck at both the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) and the Denver Mint (D mint mark). Between the two, the Philadelphia Small Date is generally more sought after in high grades, though both have devoted followings in the coin hobby world.
What really drives value here is the combination of the variety (Small Date vs. Large Date), the mint mark, and the coin’s grade. In circulated condition, most 1960 Small Date pennies are common enough that they won’t fetch much more than face value or a modest premium. But once you get into uncirculated and mint state territory — especially MS-65 Red and above — prices start to climb significantly.
1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
Here’s a breakdown of approximate values across different grades. Keep in mind that coin markets fluctuate, and these are general estimates based on recent sales data. For more detailed and up-to-date figures, you can check current Lincoln penny price data across mint state grades to see how the 1960 issues compare.
| Grade | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D Mint Mark) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.05 – $0.15 | $0.05 – $0.15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.10 – $0.25 | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $0.25 – $0.75 | $0.25 – $0.75 |
| Mint State 63 Red | $3 – $8 | $3 – $8 |
| Mint State 65 Red | $15 – $35 | $12 – $28 |
| Mint State 67 Red | $75 – $150+ | $60 – $120+ |
How to Tell the Small Date from the Large Date
This is the question most people ask first, and honestly it trips up even experienced hobbyists. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look closely at the “1” and “9” in the date. On the Small Date variety, the top of the “9” aligns closely with the top of the other digits, and the overall numerals appear thinner and more refined. On the Large Date, the numbers look bolder and the “9” drops lower.
A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (10x) makes this comparison much easier. You can also use CoinKnow, a popular coin identification and valuation app, to scan your coin and get an instant variety identification — no guesswork needed. CoinKnow is especially helpful when you’re comparing varieties side by side and want a second opinion before making any buying or selling decisions.
If you’re still unsure after examining your coin, professional third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and attribute your 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny definitively. A certified coin almost always commands a higher price on the resale market.
Proof 1960 Small Date Pennies and Their Premium Value
The Philadelphia Mint also produced proof versions of the 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny specifically for collectors. These coins were struck with polished dies and specially prepared planchets, giving them mirror-like fields and sharp, frosted details on the devices. Proof coins were not meant for circulation — they were sold directly to collectors in sets.
Proof 1960 Small Date pennies in PR-65 Red Cameo can sell for $20 to $50, while top-tier examples graded PR-68 Deep Cameo have sold for well over $200 at major auction houses. If your coin has an extremely sharp strike and reflective surfaces, it could be a proof — worth getting it checked out.
For a comprehensive look at the full 1960 Lincoln penny value across all varieties and grades, including proof issues, dedicated coin reference resources can give you the complete picture in one place.
Tips for Selling or Preserving Your 1960 Small Date Penny
If you’ve determined you have a 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny in high grade, don’t clean it — ever. Cleaning a coin removes the natural patina and luster that collectors pay premiums for, and it can cut the value in half or more. Store it in a non-PVC flip or a hard plastic coin holder.
If you’re thinking of selling, consider having the coin graded by PCGS or NGC first if it looks uncirculated. The authentication adds credibility and often returns more money at auction than the grading fee costs. For everyday circulation examples, selling raw (ungraded) on eBay or to a local dealer works just fine.
CoinKnow can also help you track real-time market trends for Lincoln pennies, so you’ll know when the market is hot and when to hold off. It’s a smart tool to have in your pocket whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your finds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1960 penny is the Small Date variety?
A: Look at the date closely with a magnifying glass. On the Small Date, the numerals are thinner and more compact, and the top of the “9” aligns with the tops of the other digits. The Large Date has bolder, heavier numerals with the “9” dipping noticeably lower. Comparing a reference image side by side makes it much easier.
Q: Is the 1960 Small Date penny from Philadelphia worth more than the Denver version?
A: In most grades, they’re fairly similar in value. However, in the highest mint state grades (MS-66 and above), Philadelphia examples tend to bring slightly higher premiums due to collector demand. The real value jump for both comes at MS-65 Red and above.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a high-grade 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny?
A: For coins in MS-65 or better, submitting to a certified grading service first and then selling through a major auction platform like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers will usually yield the best results. For lower-grade examples, a local coin shop or online marketplace like eBay is perfectly sufficient.
