1968 Lincoln Penny Value No Mint Mark What It’s Worth Today
The 1968 Lincoln penny with no mint mark is worth anywhere from 1 cent in heavily worn condition to $15 or more in pristine uncirculated grades — and certain high-grade examples have sold for much higher at auction. If you found one of these coins in a jar or old wallet, you might be sitting on more than pocket change.
What Does “No Mint Mark” Mean on a 1968 Penny?
When you see a 1968 Lincoln penny with no mint mark, that tells you it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia didn’t place a mint mark on its coins — that practice didn’t change until 1980. So if you flip your penny over and look just below the date, finding nothing there is completely normal for a Philadelphia-made coin. In 1968, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 1.7 billion Lincoln cents, making this one of the most common coins of its era. That high mintage is one reason most circulated examples aren’t worth a fortune. But condition is everything in coin collecting, and even a common date can surprise you. If you’re not sure what you have, using a free coin identifier app is a great first step to figure out the exact variety and condition of your coin before diving into values.
1968 No Mint Mark Penny Value by Grade
Most 1968 Lincoln pennies you’ll pull out of circulation are in Good to Fine condition, meaning they show obvious wear on Lincoln’s portrait and the wheat stalks on the reverse. At those grades, your coin is essentially worth face value or just a few cents. Things start getting interesting in the higher grades. An MS-63 (Choice Uncirculated) example typically fetches around $1 to $3, while a gem MS-65 coin can bring $8 to $15. The true prize is a coin graded MS-67 or higher with full Red designation — those have sold for over $100. You can check up-to-date 1968 Lincoln penny MS Red price data to see how current auction results compare across different grade levels.
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $0.01 – $0.05 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, clear lettering | $0.05 – $0.25 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | No wear, some bag marks | $1 – $3 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Strong luster, few marks | $8 – $15 |
| MS-67+ Red | Near perfect, full red color | $100+ |
Color Designation and Why It Matters
One thing many people don’t realize is that Lincoln pennies in uncirculated condition are graded not just by surface quality but also by color. The three designations are Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN). A 1968 no mint mark penny that still blazes with its original copper-red luster earns the Red label and commands the highest prices. A coin that has toned to a mix of red and brown is worth somewhat less, and a fully brown example — even in high grade — brings the lowest premium. Exposure to air, humidity, and handling all strip away that original red color over time. If you’ve kept your penny in an old coin folder or envelope, it may have held onto more of that original luster than you’d expect. For a full breakdown of the 1968 penny value by color and grade, it’s worth reviewing a dedicated price guide before selling or submitting your coin for professional grading.
How to Get the Most Out of Your 1968 Lincoln Penny
If your coin looks like it might be uncirculated, resist the urge to clean it. Cleaning a coin — even gently with a cloth — permanently damages its surface and destroys its numismatic value. Store it in a non-PVC coin flip or hard plastic holder to protect it from further toning. For coins you suspect might grade MS-65 or higher, consider submitting to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. The certification cost is only worth it for coins that could grade gem or above, so be realistic about condition first. CoinKnow is a handy app that lets you scan your coin and get an instant condition estimate — a great way to decide whether professional grading makes financial sense before spending the money.
Other 1968 Lincoln Penny Varieties to Know
Beyond the Philadelphia no mint mark coin, 1968 also saw pennies produced at the Denver Mint (1968-D) and the San Francisco Mint (1968-S). The Denver coin is also very common, while the San Francisco issue was struck as a proof coin for collector sets. Among collectors, the 1968-S proof penny in Deep Cameo condition is the real prize of the year. For the no mint mark variety, keep an eye out for doubled die errors — minor doubling on the lettering or date can add a meaningful premium. CoinKnow can help you identify these varieties quickly by matching your scan against a database of known error coins. These little details are often the difference between a one-cent coin and a $50 conversation piece.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1968 penny with no mint mark rare?
A: Not particularly. Over 1.7 billion were struck at Philadelphia, making it one of the most common Lincoln cents of the decade. Value comes mainly from condition and color, not rarity.
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 no mint mark penny is uncirculated?
A: Look for original mint luster — a cartwheel-like shine when you tilt the coin under a light. Any flat, dull areas on Lincoln’s cheek or the high points of the design indicate wear and a circulated grade.
Q: Should I use CoinKnow to value my 1968 penny?
A: Yes, it’s a convenient starting point. CoinKnow lets you scan your coin for a quick identification and rough value estimate, which helps you decide whether it’s worth pursuing a professional grade or selling as-is.
