Hey there, I'm totally new to coin collecting and I'm wondering about this 1964 penny that I have. I looked on ebay, and I found this auction: http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28292&item=2210049044 that sparked my interest mainly because my own penny bears somewhat of a resemblance, and I noticed it has a unique "reddish" color noticeably different from other pennies I have. Is there any way that I can take a couple pictures of this penny, post them on here later and you can tell me if it's worth anything? I doubt it, but it's worth a try. Thanks very much for your time.
by the way, just in case you're not sure, the one in the middle is the coin in question. thanks again.
The "red" you see used in the ebay auction refers to the fact that this SMS issue is untoned and has it's original red color. Your Cent is heavily circulated and has a redish tone. The resemblance must be because they are both Lincoln Cents. Sorry, but I'd say your 1964 Cent is worth only face value. ~ Jim
out of curiosity, when do coins that look like they were close to being uncirculated become above face value? i.e. the coin being discussed (only not from being heavily circulated but from having the original color)....1960s? 1950s? 1940s? or earlier? i am also new at this, but am trying to create a penny collection that is composed of pennies that look "uncirculated" I know it's not a valuable investment, but it's sorta a project of mine to help me take a closer look at my pocket change
To begin, uncirculated means having wear only from bag marks (when they're shipped from the mint) to absolutely no wear at all. These cents usually are very easy to find from about 1940-present, because many were saved by collectors in that condition. The farther you go back in time, the harder they are to find. And FYI, it can be a fairly valuable investment. Second off, I have heard tell that the cent in your photo up there that is colored red might have been caused by being in a tobacco pouch (such as the ones people used to keep coins in, like a coin purse, except it also held tobacco). Something to do with the chemical reactions in that environment. Sorry to report though, its worth no more than 1 whole cent. ~AJ
just for your information, i wasn't the original poster (the op was penny newbie, i'm lkritchey)....i was asking a question about different coins than the ones originally shown in pictures...and i'm not asking about how much my coin is worth, i'm asking for my own information when coins that still have their original color are worth more than face value. Thanks for the info about the uncirculated coins, however.
Lol.... oops! I didn't even check that! I have a bad cold right now and I'm a little out of it! Sorry!
Hi, This would seem to be an easy question to anawer, but it is really complicated when you think about it. Let's start with our newer MS grading system. Technically, many coins although found in circulation by definition should be considered circulated, the MS (Mint State) grading system we use complicates the issue. A "Circulated" coin can get an MS-60 through MS-70 (uncirculated grade) or higher. So this commonly used grading system does not say if a coin is circulated or "uncirculated" . It merely grades a "state of preservation". That being said, you can find MS-60 or better coins in circulation all the time. You can decide for yourself if it is truly Uncirculated or not on your own. The generally accepted grading system calls anything MS-60 or above Uncirculated no matter where it was found. So it can be from an Uncirculated Mint set or from a roll found at the bank. It all depends on the "state of preservation" of the coin. The next part of the question, "When does a coin that looks uncirculated become worth more than face value?", is even trickier! This is not trying to be flip about it, but the answer is "when someone is willing to pay more than face for a coin". I doubt anyone would pay more than face value for a 2000 dated Lincoln Cent graded MS-63 as they are still found in circulation butTake a 2000 dated Lincoln cent, look at the reverse and discover that it is the scarce Type 2, (AM touching variety) and you might get $30.00 for it. Most Memorial cents do not have much worth beyond face except for varieties, In My Opinion until you get into wheat cents, you shouldn't pay much of a premium for Memorial cents. One noted exception might be paying extra for a 1960 Small-date cent. I don't find many in circulation. This isn't to say that twenty years from now, a person might not be willing to pay twenty-five cents for what would be a common date Memorial cent but it is all based upon a supply and demand system. I hope this helps. Have Fun, Bill
Howdy lkritchey - Welcome to the Forum !! If I understand your question correctly, you're wanting to know when, as in date, the Red designation matters as to value for Lincoln cents. Well to be honest with you - it always matters. Even the coins struck in this century - those with the Red designation will sell for more than those with the Red/Brown or Brown designation. Copper is a highly reactive metal, it oxidizes very quickly and turns to the familiar brown color we all know. So most collectors always strive to add the Red cents to their collections. But if not stored properly and protected from the air - they will quickly turn to brown.
I just scaned the site and found this subject matter. Has any one seen the penny with double stamped D over S for 1984 and 1989. Just wonder if they are rare or fake.
That red color on a circulated coin like that may have been caused by being in the dirt. I've ran into a few like that. If it's unc, ie no obvious wear and luster is present, then a red designation means the original red color of copper barely has toned. Circulated cents are never designated red by grading companies. I wouldn't worry about investment right now. Once you start spending a lot of money on coins, that kind of question becomes more important.
In all due respect, Any coin is worth what someone is willing to pay. There may be collectors who love this coin. It is just a matter of finding the buyers.
Hi, Im also somewhat new to coin collecting and I was hopeing maybe some could help. I came across (2) 1964 Lincoln Memorial cents one the usual dark brown and another that is very shiny brassy color maybe? In excellent condition, slightly circulated. I read something about the 1964 red penny. I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about this odd shiny penny I've come across. I will post a picture next to the brown 1964, then again next to a 2016 penny which is where the color and shine are closest in comparison. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Im not in this for money as much as I am the history. Thank you in advance for anything anyone might be able to tell me .
Welcome to CoinTalk First of all you did good in posting your post with great pictures. But.. You could of done better creating your very own unique thread! Try under the US Coins forum. Quick answer.. Cents have 3 different colors. Red, Red Brown and Brown. The color change occurs due to different factors but mainly it is aging and circulation. Also you compared a 1964 with a 2016.. 2 different compositions! One is Copper and the other is Copper plated Zinc
Hi and thank you, First, I only posted the 1964 next to the 2016 because I it was the only color and shine I had to compare it too. Some have called this penny red but to me it looks brassy like the color of a 2016 that's all. Sorry for the mix up. Also, I am aware of the different compositions, Its just that I have many odd pennies like this and for quite a few different years, I love the history only wish I had more time to do more research. Thank you for your quick response, I greatly appreciate it.
HI, Thank you for the quick response. I am aware of the different compositions in the 1964 and 2016. I was only using this comparison to show the color that to me was closest to this 1964. Some have told me its red, to me its brassy just like the color of the 2016 penny, but who knows maybe im color blind. Anyways I appreciate your response I'll check with the U.S forum and work on my posting techniques and I'll be back. I have many odd pennies and other coins I can't seem to find much on. Again, thank you for your help.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/chZDwEubye70H3aK2https://photos.app.goo.gl/chZDwEubye70H3aK2I have a penny that's almost all red. I'd say its probably 85-90% red and its kinda sloppy stamped as well the "IN GOD WE TRUST" is pretty much merged with the rim around the penny and the "L" in "LIBERTY" is MISSING how do I figure out what its worth? I found it in my pocket change literally so I'm not sure it'd worth anything but its pretty cool