If you appreciate Abraham Lincoln and enjoy collecting memorabilia, especially coins featuring famous U.S. presidents, the 1969 penny might catch your eye. This coin was minted in huge numbers to honor Lincoln’s centennial anniversary, making it a popular item among collectors.
1969 Penny Value Overview
Although the 1969 penny is widely available, certain versions, especially error coins, can be quite valuable. Some of these rare error pennies have sold for hundreds of dollars. Here’s a quick value chart to help guide your buying or selling decisions:
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 No Mint Mark Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $7.50 |
| 1969 No Mint Mark Red Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $15 |
| 1969 No Mint Mark Red | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $300 |
| 1969 D Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $7.50 |
| 1969 D Red Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $15 |
| 1969 D Red | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $380 |
| 1969 S Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $7.50 |
| 1969 S Red Brown | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $20 |
| 1969 S Red | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $400 |
| 1969 S Proof | – | – | – | $30 |
Background of the 1969 Penny
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president and a key figure in ending slavery, was assassinated in 1865. To honor his legacy, the Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909 on his 100th birthday. Victor David Brenner designed the coin’s obverse, featuring Lincoln’s portrait, which has stayed mostly unchanged. The reverse originally showed wheat ears but was updated in 1959 to display the Lincoln Memorial. The 1969 penny keeps this memorial design on the back.
Key Characteristics of the 1969 Penny
Obverse: The front features Lincoln’s right-facing portrait with “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top edge. The word “LIBERTY” appears to the left, and the year “1969” is to the right. Some coins show the designer’s initials “VDB” near Lincoln’s shoulder.
Reverse: The back shows the Lincoln Memorial with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above it and “ONE CENT” below. Designer Frank Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear near the stairs of the memorial on well-preserved coins.
The penny is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighs 3.11 grams, and measures 19 mm in diameter. Its color varies from brown to red depending on wear and oxidation. Mint marks “D” and “S” indicate Denver and San Francisco mints, respectively, while the Philadelphia mint’s coins bear no mark.
How to Grade Your 1969 Penny
When grading, examine the coin’s luster, marks, color, and wear. Mint state coins have a satin sheen from the minting process. Minor contact marks are normal and accepted for mint state coins but lower the grade slightly. Red pennies are more desirable due to their brightness and detail. Use a magnifier to check for wear on high points like Lincoln’s hair and cheek to determine the grade accurately.
Varieties and Values of the 1969 Penny
The three main varieties are:
- 1969 No Mint Mark Penny: Philadelphia minted over 1 billion coins. Brown pennies in circulated condition are worth about five cents. Red, uncirculated coins can be worth hundreds, with rare high-grade examples fetching thousands.
- 1969 D Penny: Denver produced over 4 billion pennies. These are common but generally poorly struck. Mint state examples can be valuable, with rare red ones selling for thousands.
- 1969 S Penny: San Francisco minted over 500 million regular pennies and nearly 3 million proofs. Proof pennies have a satin finish and come in red, cameo, and deep cameo varieties, with deep cameo being the most valuable.
Notable 1969 Penny Errors
Certain errors make some 1969 pennies highly collectible:
- 1969 S Double Die Obverse: One of the most famous Lincoln penny errors, showing doubling on the date and lettering. Only about 40-50 known, with values over $100,000 for high-grade examples.
- 1969 D No FG Penny: Some Denver coins lack Frank Gasparro’s initials due to minting errors, making them rare and valuable.
Selling Your 1969 Penny
If you want to sell your 1969 penny, there are numerous online platforms with verified buyers. Make sure to get your coin professionally appraised, especially if it’s an error or a high-grade specimen.
FAQs
Is the 1969 penny valuable?
Most 1969 pennies are worth only a few cents, but rare red or error varieties can be worth hundreds or thousands.
Why are some 1969 pennies rare?
Though billions were minted, high-grade uncirculated and error coins are scarce, increasing their value.
Does the 1969 penny have a mint mark?
Yes, pennies from Denver and San Francisco have “D” and “S” mint marks. Philadelphia pennies have no mark.
How can I tell if my 1969 penny is an error coin?
Look for doubled lettering, missing designer initials, or unusual features with a magnifier and consult a professional grader.