Lincoln Memorial Cent (Small Date)
Country of Origin: USA - United States Mint
Year of Issue: 1960
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
Brief Description
A copper-colored United States penny featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The 1960 cent is famous for its 'Small Date' and 'Large Date' varieties, which occurred due to a hub change early in the production year at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
Estimated Value
$0.02 - $0.05 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $15.00 in high-grade uncirculated condition
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free holder.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
1,580,884,000 (Very common)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine (Visible wear on Lincoln's hair and the columns of the memorial, with some surface spotting/corrosion near the mouth/nose area).
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1960'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'ONE CENT'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of original red luster, and distinction between 'Small Date' and 'Large Date' varieties.
Similar Coins
1960 Philadelphia (No mint mark) and the 1960 'Large Date' variety. The Small Date has a thicker '0' and the top of the '1' is level with the '9'.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be 3.11g for this bronze year. Check for 're-punched' mint marks which are common but collectible; beware of altered dates.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1960-D Small Date over Large Date (OVD) and various Re-punched Mint Marks (RPMs).
Created At: 2026-05-20T09:52:27.712624