The 1968-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from a few cents in heavily worn condition to over $20 or more in top mint state grades — and certain high-grade examples have sold for hundreds of dollars at auction. If you found one of these coins in an old jar or collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
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What Is the 1968-S Lincoln Penny?
The 1968-S Lincoln Penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries the small “S” mintmark you’ll find on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date. During this era, the San Francisco Mint was primarily producing proof coins for collectors, but it also struck a significant number of business-strike pennies for general circulation.
Over 261 million business-strike pennies were minted in San Francisco in 1968, so this coin is not rare in circulated condition. However, finding one in pristine, uncirculated condition is a different story.
The coin features the classic Victor David Brenner design of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse — a design that was used from 1959 through 2008. If you want a quick and easy way to identify your coin and check its grade, a coin identifier and value app can save you a lot of time and guesswork.
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How Much Is the 1968-S Lincoln Penny Worth?
The value of a 1968-S Lincoln Penny depends almost entirely on its condition, or “grade.” A coin that’s been heavily circulated — worn smooth from years of handling — is worth close to face value, or about 2 to 5 cents. But as the grade improves, so does the value.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1 – $3 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $5 – $15 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-67+) | $100 – $500+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data across all grades, you can check the 1968-S Lincoln Penny MS Red price chart on CoinHix, which tracks real auction results and dealer pricing.
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What About the 1968-S Proof Penny?
Beyond the business-strike coin, the San Francisco Mint also produced proof versions of the 1968 Lincoln Penny specifically for collectors. These proof coins are mirror-bright with sharp, cameo-like details and were never meant to enter circulation.
About 3.04 million proof sets were sold that year, making the 1968-S Proof Penny more available than you might think. In standard proof condition (PR-65), these coins are worth around $3 to $8. However, deep cameo proof examples (PR-68 DC or PR-69 DC) can command prices of $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the grading service certification.
If you think your coin might be a proof, look for razor-sharp edges on the lettering, a highly reflective field (the flat background area), and frosted design elements. CoinHix is a great resource for comparing proof values against business-strike values side by side.
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Factors That Affect the 1968-S Penny’s Value
Beyond grade, a few other factors can influence what your 1968-S Lincoln Penny is worth:
Color designation plays a big role in Lincoln Memorial cent values. Copper coins are graded as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A Red coin — one that retains 95% or more of its original mint luster — is worth significantly more than a Brown example of the same grade.
Error coins can also skyrocket in value. Double die errors, off-center strikes, and die cap errors are all known to exist on 1968-S pennies, though they’re uncommon. If your coin looks unusual — text that appears doubled, missing portions of the design, or a dramatically off-center image — it may be worth having it examined by a professional.
Certification from PCGS or NGC can dramatically increase buyer confidence and resale value for high-grade coins. For a detailed breakdown of what 1968-S Lincoln Penny values look like at every grade point, the complete 1968 penny value guide at CoinValueApp covers both the S mint and the other mint marks in one place.
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How to Check Your 1968-S Penny With an App
You don’t need to be a coin expert to get a good idea of what your penny is worth. Today, there are tools designed for everyday people — not just numismatists — that make the process fast and simple.
CoinHix is one of the most popular options. You can use it to look up real-time coin prices, compare grades visually, and track auction records from major platforms. It’s especially helpful if you have multiple coins and want to get through them quickly without paying for multiple appraisals.
Whether your coin is worth $0.05 or $500, knowing what you have is the first step — and it only takes a few minutes with the right tools.
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FAQ
Q: Is a 1968-S penny rare?
A: Not in circulated condition. Over 261 million business-strike 1968-S pennies were produced. However, finding one in high uncirculated grades (MS-67 or above) with full red color is genuinely rare and can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Q: How do I know if my 1968-S penny is proof or business strike?
A: Proof coins have mirror-like fields (backgrounds) and frosted raised design elements. They were sold in collector sets and are usually in near-perfect condition. Business-strike coins have a more standard, satiny finish when uncirculated. If you’re unsure, CoinHix lets you compare photos side by side.
Q: Should I clean my 1968-S penny before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes the original surface and dramatically reduces its collector value. A naturally toned or even slightly dirty coin is far more desirable to serious buyers than one that’s been polished. Leave it as-is and let a professional grade it first.