The 1963 D Lincoln cent, also known as the 1963 D penny, is a popular collectible coin among numismatists. As a circulating coin, its value is largely dependent on its condition, rarity, and demand. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the 1963 D penny, its mintage, and most importantly, its value and price guide.
History of the 1963 D Penny
The Lincoln cent has been a staple of American currency since its introduction in 1909. The 1963 D penny is one of the many coins produced by the Denver Mint, as indicated by the "D" mint mark on the reverse side of the coin. The coin's design features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and the iconic Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side.
Mintage and Rarity
According to the United States Mint, a total of 1,554,021,200 Lincoln cents were produced in 1963, with a significant portion of those coins being minted at the Denver Mint. The mintage figures for the 1963 D penny are as follows:
- Circulation strikes: 1,276,523,316
- Proof strikes: 2,610
While the 1963 D penny is not particularly rare, its value can vary depending on its condition and the presence of any errors or variations.
Value and Price Guide
The value of a 1963 D penny is largely determined by its condition, with higher grades commanding higher prices. Here's a breakdown of the coin's value in different conditions:
Good (G) to Very Good (VG)
- Circulation strikes: $0.01 to $0.10
- Proof strikes: $1 to $5
Fine (F) to Extremely Fine (EF)
- Circulation strikes: $0.10 to $1
- Proof strikes: $5 to $20
About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS)
- Circulation strikes: $1 to $10
- Proof strikes: $20 to $50
MS-60 to MS-65
- Circulation strikes: $10 to $50
- Proof strikes: $50 to $100
MS-66 to MS-70
- Circulation strikes: $50 to $200
- Proof strikes: $100 to $500
Error Coins
Error coins, such as those with misprinted dates or misaligned dies, can command significantly higher prices. Here are some examples of error coins and their values:
- 1963 D Lincoln cent with a misprinted date (e.g., 1962 or 1964): $10 to $50
- 1963 D Lincoln cent with a misaligned die: $20 to $100
Certified Coins
Coins that have been certified by third-party grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), can command higher prices due to their guaranteed authenticity and condition.
Auction Prices
Auction prices for the 1963 D penny can vary widely depending on the condition, rarity, and demand. Here are some recent auction prices for the coin:
- Circulation strike (MS-65): $30 to $50
- Proof strike (PR-65): $100 to $200
- Error coin (misprinted date): $50 to $100
Conclusion
The 1963 D penny is a highly collectible coin that can command significant prices depending on its condition, rarity, and demand. While the coin is not particularly rare, its value can vary widely depending on its grade and the presence of any errors or variations. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just starting your collection, the 1963 D penny is definitely worth considering.
Gallery of 1963 D Penny Coins
FAQ
What is the value of a 1963 D penny?
+The value of a 1963 D penny can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and demand. Circulation strikes can be worth $0.01 to $10, while proof strikes can be worth $1 to $500.
Is the 1963 D penny rare?
+The 1963 D penny is not particularly rare, with over 1.2 billion coins minted. However, certain error coins or high-grade specimens can be rare and valuable.
What is the difference between a circulation strike and a proof strike?
+A circulation strike is a coin that was minted for general circulation, while a proof strike is a coin that was minted specifically for collectors and has a higher level of detail and finish.