Every day, millions of pennies pass through our hands, most of them considered worthless beyond their one-cent value. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars? That’s exactly the case with certain 1967 Lincoln pennies, which have become prized among collectors due to rare errors and special variations. One lucky collector almost discarded a 1967 penny—until closer inspection revealed it to be an extremely valuable piece of numismatic history. Whether due to minting errors, rare compositions, or limited production runs, some 1967 pennies are worth far more than their face value. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the 1967 Lincoln penny so special, how to identify valuable versions, and what they are worth today. Could you have one hiding in your pocket change?
The 1967 Penny: A Coin That Stands Out
The 1967 Lincoln penny is part of the long-running Lincoln cent series, which began in 1909. While billions of pennies were minted that year, some stand out due to rare errors and collector demand.
Basic Features of the 1967 Penny
- Obverse (Front): Features Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner.
- Reverse (Back): Shows the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro.
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc (before the switch to zinc in 1982).
- Weight: 3.11 grams (heavier than modern pennies).
- Mints: Only struck at Philadelphia, with no mint mark.
Unlike most years, no proof sets or mint marks were used in 1967, due to a U.S. Mint effort to reduce coin hoarding. This makes certain variations of the 1967 penny more collectible.
What Makes Some 1967 Pennies Valuable?
Not all 1967 pennies are worth more than one cent, but some specific types and errors make them highly valuable to collectors.
1. 1967 Doubled Die Penny
- Some 1967 pennies were struck with a doubled die, causing noticeable doubling on letters or Lincoln’s portrait.
- Most valuable examples have doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”.
- These rare errors can sell for $100 to over $3,000, depending on the condition.
2. 1967 Off-Center Strike Penny
- Some 1967 pennies were struck off-center, meaning part of the design is missing.
- The more off-center the strike, the higher the value, especially if the date is still visible.
- These error coins can sell for $50 to $500.
3. 1967 Penny with Clipped Planchet
- Some pennies were mistakenly struck on a misaligned or clipped planchet, leading to a missing portion of the coin.
- These rare pieces sell for $50 to $200, depending on severity.
4. High-Grade 1967 Pennies
- A perfectly preserved 1967 penny (graded MS67 or higher) is extremely rare.
- Uncirculated coins with original luster can sell for $100 to $1,500.
- Finding one in your change is unlikely, but old rolls of pennies might contain hidden treasures!
5. Satin Finish 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Penny
- While no proof coins were made, the U.S. Mint released Special Mint Sets (SMS) with a satin finish.
- These coins are rare in high grades and can be worth $50 to $500.
Most 1967 pennies are only worth one cent, but if you find one with an error, high grade, or SMS finish, it could be worth a fortune. Before you toss that old penny aside, take a closer look—it might be a valuable collector’s item. If you think you have a valuable 1967 penny, consider getting it graded by PCGS or NGC to determine its true worth. Coin collectors are always looking for these rare variations, and you might be holding onto a hidden gem worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1967 penny is valuable?
Check for errors like doubled die, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets. Also, uncirculated and Special Mint Set (SMS) coins can be worth more.
2. What is the most expensive 1967 penny ever sold?
A high-grade 1967 SMS penny sold for over $4,000 at auction due to its rarity and pristine condition.
3. Why do 1967 pennies have no mint marks?
The U.S. Mint removed mint marks from 1965-1967 to discourage coin hoarding and prevent shortages. All 1967 pennies were made in Philadelphia.
4. Where can I sell a rare 1967 penny?
You can sell valuable pennies through coin dealers, online auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or coin grading services like PCGS and NGC.
