Finding 1964D Lincoln Penny in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Everyday Change

You don’t always need a dealer to find valuable coins. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re simply sorting through pocket change, rolling through bank boxes, or combing through bulk lots at estate sales. The 1964D Lincoln penny represents exactly this kind of opportunity – a coin that might be sitting in your change jar right now, waiting to be discovered by a sharp-eyed collector.

Historical Context of the 1964D Lincoln Cent

The 1964D Lincoln penny was minted during a fascinating period in American coinage history. Denver produced over 3.7 billion of these coins, making them extremely common in circulation today. The coin features Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait on the obverse, introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial, which debuted in 1959 replacing the original wheat ears design.

The year 1964 was particularly notable because the U.S. Mint was operating at maximum capacity to meet the tremendous demand for coinage. This was during a period of economic expansion and rising prices, which increased the need for small change in everyday transactions. The Denver mint, marked by the small “D” mint mark below the date, worked overtime to keep up with demand.

Identifying Key Markers When Roll Hunting

When searching through rolls or bulk lots, the first thing to check is the date and mint mark. For the 1964D, you’re looking for coins dated 1964 with a small “D” below the date on the obverse side. The coin should be copper-colored, as it’s made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, giving it that distinctive reddish-brown appearance when fresh from the mint.

Pay attention to the overall condition. While circulated examples are common, you might occasionally find one that’s surprisingly well-preserved. Look for coins with minimal wear on Lincoln’s portrait, particularly around the cheek and bow tie areas. The memorial building on the reverse should show clear details in the columns and the statue of Lincoln inside.

Color can be an indicator of preservation, though it’s not a guarantee of value. Some collectors refer to “red” coins, which retain much of their original copper brilliance, versus “red-brown” or “brown” coins that have toned over time. The photos in our discussion show a coin with significant red coloration, which could indicate either careful preservation or recent cleaning – something to be aware of when evaluating potential finds.

Common Variations and What to Look For

While the 1964D doesn’t have any major varieties that command huge premiums, there are subtle differences that can make a coin more desirable to collectors. Some pieces show doubling on the obverse, particularly on the date or the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” These doubled die varieties aren’t common but can occasionally be found in circulation.

Another thing to watch for is any signs of minting errors. Although rare in modern coins, you might encounter pieces with clipped planchets, off-center strikes, or other anomalies. These error coins can be worth significantly more than face value to the right collector.

The discussion mentions “roller damage,” which is worth understanding. This occurs when coins get scratched or marked by the machines that count and package them in rolls. While this damage doesn’t add value, it’s a reminder that even common coins can tell interesting stories about their journey through the monetary system.

Where to Find 1964D Pennies

The beauty of hunting for 1964D pennies is that they’re still quite accessible. Here are the best places to search:

• Bank rolls: Ask your local bank for penny rolls. Many roll hunters start here, going through dozens of rolls systematically.
• Estate sales: When people liquidate collections or household items, coins often turn up in jars, boxes, or mixed lots.
• Flea markets and antique shops: Vendors frequently sell bulk lots of old coins that haven’t been searched thoroughly.
• Online marketplaces: Sites like eBay often have “unsearched” lots, though you need to be cautious about claims.
• Everyday transactions: Simply checking your change can yield surprising finds.

Storage and Display Options

Several commenters mentioned storing these coins in folders. Whitman folders are indeed popular among collectors for organizing date and mint mark collections. The blue Whitman folder for Lincoln cents from 1959 to present includes a slot for the 1964D. These folders not only protect your coins but also help you visualize your collection’s progress.

For individual coins you want to preserve, consider acid-free flips or small holders. If you have a particularly nice example, you might eventually want to get it certified by a grading service, though for common dates like 1964D, this usually only makes sense for uncirculated specimens.

Understanding Value: More Than Just Monetary Worth

As several forum members noted, the 1964D Lincoln penny is worth essentially its face value of one cent in circulated condition. However, this misses the point for many collectors. The value lies in the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of completing a set, and the historical connection to a specific moment in American history.

One commenter mentioned the coin is “worth its weight in copper.” This is an interesting perspective, as the melt value of copper pennies (those minted before 1982) can exceed face value when copper prices are high. However, it’s currently illegal to melt down U.S. cents for their metal content.

The real value for most collectors comes from the educational experience and the joy of discovery. Finding a nice 1964D in a roll of pennies you got from the bank for $0.50 is a win, regardless of its catalog value.

Authentication Tips for Beginners

When you find a potentially interesting 1964D penny, here are some quick authentication steps:

1. Check the weight – a genuine cent should weigh approximately 3.11 grams.
2. Examine the edges – they should be smooth, not reeded like a dime or quarter.
3. Look for the copper color – 1964D should be copper, not the copper-plated zinc of post-1982 cents.
4. Verify the mint mark – the “D” should be clear and properly positioned below the date.

If something seems off about a coin, it’s worth getting a second opinion from experienced collectors or dealers before getting too excited about a potential rarity.

Conclusion: The Joy of the Hunt

The 1964D Lincoln penny might not make you rich, but it represents everything wonderful about coin collecting. It’s accessible, historically significant, and still waiting to be discovered in everyday places. Whether you’re a seasoned roll hunter or just starting to examine your pocket change more carefully, the thrill of finding that perfect specimen – perhaps one with original red luster or in surprisingly high grade – never gets old.

Remember that collecting should be fun first and foremost. The 1964D Lincoln penny is a perfect gateway coin for beginners and a satisfying addition for experienced collectors working on completing their Lincoln cent sets. Happy hunting!

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