The 1961 D penny is one of the collectible coins in numismatics. Endowed with a rich history and unique features, its value can fluctuate based on numerous factors. The most significant being the condition of the coin and if it possesses any striking errors that increase its appeal to collectors.
1961 Lincoln Memorial penny value | ||
Condition | 1961 No Mint mark penny | 1940 D penny |
Mint state 60 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
Mint state 65 | $0.33 | $0.33 |
Proof 65 | $1.70 | / |
1961 D Lincoln Memorial Cent
The 1961 D Lincoln Memorial Cent is a coin highly respected for its historical significance and its unique minting. It bears a strong presence in the world of coin collectors and numismatics.
History of the 1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny
The 1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny is part of a larger series of the Lincoln penny, which is the US one-cent coin, equal to one-hundredth of a dollar. The Lincoln penny in general first appeared in 1909 as the lowest-value US currency, after the half-cent coin was discontinued in 1857.
The Lincoln Memorial penny specifically was minted from 1959 to 2008 with the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side, making the 1961 Lincoln Memorial penny one of the earlier coins in this series.
![1961 d penny worth](https://uscoinapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1961-d-lincoln-penny-300x300.webp)
The 1961-D Lincoln penny was struck at the Denver Mint, bearing a “D” mintmark under the date on the obverse. The 1961-D Lincoln Memorial cent is the most common penny from that year, with a mintage of 1,753,266,700.
![reverse of the 1961 Lincoln Memorial penny](https://uscoinapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/reverse-of-the-1961-Lincoln-Memorial-penny-300x300.jpg)
1961 Lincoln Memorial penny | ||
Year | Location | Minted |
1961 No Mint mark penny | Philadelphia | 753,345,000 |
1961 proof penny | Philadelphia | 3,028,244 |
1961 D penny | Denver | 1,753,266,700 |
/ | Total | 2,509,639,944 |
Features of the 1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny
The 1961 D Lincoln penny features a right-facing bust of President Lincoln on the obverse side and the depiction of Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side.
1961 Lincoln Memorial penny | |
Face value | 1 cent ($0.01) |
Shape | Round |
Compound | 95% copper plus the remainder of zinc or tin |
Edge | Plain |
Coin diameter | 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) |
Coin weight | 0.10969 ounces (3.11 g) |
Coin thickness | 0.05986 inches (1.52 mm) |
Metal Composition: The 1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny is made up of 95% Copper with a balance of 5% Tin and Zinc.
Diameter: The coin has a diameter of approximately 19mm, making it the traditional size of American pennies.
Mass / Weight: Each penny weighs 3.11 grams, congruent with the weight of pennies of this time period.
Imagery: The obverse (front) of the penny features a right-facing bust of President Lincoln. The reverse side of the coin showcases the Lincoln Memorial, viewed from the east, with the statue of Lincoln visible within the memorial.
Estimated Value: The estimated value of the 1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny depends greatly on its condition. Typically, those in average, circulated condition can range from 20 cents to $1.
How Much is a 1961 D Penny Worth Today?
1961 D Lincoln Memorial penny varies in value depending on the condition of the coin.
For coins in mint state:
- In mint state 60, its value is $0.20.
- In mint state 65, it costs around $0.33.
Rare specimens in mint state 67 can fetch up to $700 at auctions. The record price for a 1961 D Lincoln Memorial penny stands at an impressive $4,406, obtained during a 2014 auction sale.
Meanwhile, for circulated pennies, the average price ranges from $0.40 to $15 per piece. However, it’s important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on the rarity and demand among collectors.
1961 No Mintmark Penny Value:
A 1961 penny without a mint mark was minted in Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Mint did not typically use mint marks for pennies at that time. In average circulated condition, these coins are often worth their face value: 1 cent. A 1961 No Mintmark Penny in excellent “uncirculated” condition can bring in noteworthy higher values, around 20 cents to $1. If it is uncirculated and has full red color, it can score even more .
1961 Lincoln memorial penny value | ||
Condition | 1961 No Mint mark red penny | 1961 D red penny |
MS 60 | $2 | $0.40 |
MS 61 | $2.25 | $0.50 |
MS 62 | $2.50 | $0.60 |
MS 63 | $3 | $0.75 |
MS 64 | $4 | $1.50 |
MS 65 | $5 | $4 |
MS 66 | $18 | $15 |
MS 67 | $450 | $700 |
Rare 1961 Error Pennies To Look For:
Error pennies are pennies that have some kind of misprint or manufacturing defect, which often increases their value among collectors.
- Double Die Obverse: These pennies show notable doubling in the image or words on the front side of the coin. Look for overlapping or doubling in “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, or the date.
- Off-center Strikes: These errors occur when the penny isn’t perfectly centered on the striking die, causing portions of the design to be missing or off-center.
- Repunched Mint Mark: Occasionally, the individual punching the mint mark onto the die would strike it twice, causing a doubled or overlapping mint mark. This is less likely on 1961 no mint mark pennies, but could be found on 1961 pennies from other mints .
Interesting 1961 Penny Facts:
- High Mintage: The US Mint struck over 2.3 billion pennies in 1961, making them quite common today .
- Composition: Unlike some pennies minted during periods of metal shortage, 1961 pennies are made of a “Bronze” alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin .
- Lincoln Memorial Reverse: 1961 pennies bear the Lincoln Memorial reverse, a design that was implemented in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth .
Copper Alloy Penny (Rare Errors, “D” and No Mint Mark)
Crafted from an alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, the rare errors in 1961 D Lincoln penny, including the heavy die and no mint mark variations, make it a particularly sought-after piece.
1961-d Lincoln Penny Heavily Died
A 1961-d Lincoln penny heavily died signifies a coin struck with a die featuring strong impressions, making the details stand out more prominently.
1961 Lincoln Memorial Penny Errors
The 1961 Lincoln Memorial penny errors, including off-center strikes and double dies or overdates, tend to fetch significantly higher values due to their rarity among collectors.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Error on the 1961 no Mint Mark Penny?
The 1961 no mint mark penny may have doubling errors or an off-center strike as with any other penny. They would show notable doubling in the image or words on the coin or be struck off-center .
What is the Error on the Lincoln Penny?
Generally, the widest known Lincoln penny error is the doubled die. It occurs when the coin’s die is impressed twice, and at two slightly different angles .
What Makes a 1961 Penny Valuable?
Factors that make a 1961 penny valuable include its condition and any errors present. Undamaged, uncirculated coins and ones with minting errors like doubling or off-center strikes tend to be more valuable .
How Much is a 1961 Lincoln Penny Worth?
The 1961 no mint mark penny can be worth around 15 cents in uncirculated condition with an MS-63RB grade. If the coin is in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade, the value can be approximately $1 .
What is the Rarest Penny Error?
The most valuable Lincoln cent error sold is the 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent (also known as a copper penny), which was erroneously made from bronze instead of zinc-coated steel. A specimen of this penny sold for $1.7 million .
What is the Rarest Mint on a Penny?
San Francisco is considered one of the rarer mints for pennies because it generally produces fewer coins than the other mints (Denver and Philadelphia). However, for absolute rarity, it depends on the specific year and series of the penny .