Key Takeaways:
- There are far fewer Small Date pennies graded MS-65 RD or better than Large Dates.
- Denver made more Small Date pennies than Philadelphia, but ones in excellent condition are very hard to find.
- Denver-minted coins can attract strong bids at auctions.
The year 1960 brought one of the most popular Lincoln cent varieties, making the Small Date and Large Date coins some of the most sought-after pieces today. The U.S. Mint modified its date punch early in the production cycle, leading to these unique varieties.
Collectors quickly realized that a coin’s date size alone could significantly increase its value. This article will cover how to spot these pennies, how they perform on the market, and how American Hartford Gold can help you navigate the world of precious metals.
How To Spot the Difference
First, you’ll need to look closely at the number “6.” On a Small Date, its loop rises nearly level with the adjacent “1,” producing a compact, square appearance. The Large Date’s “6” droops slightly lower, making the numbers appear more elongated. A loupe can help magnify the finer details.
Next, examine the base of both the “9” and “0.” On a Small Date, numbers will appear narrower, with a sharper interior curve. The numbers will appear thicker on Large Date coins, which is particularly noticeable on uncirculated coins since their rims protect the details from wear.
1960 Small Date vs. Large Date
There are far fewer Small Date pennies graded MS-65 RD or better than Large Dates. A pristine Small Date recently earned four figures at a national sale, while an equally well-preserved Large Date commanded only a fraction of that amount. Denver-minted coins add another layer of complexity.
Although Denver made more Small Date pennies than Philadelphia, pristine ones are still hard to find because the early 1960s planchets were softer and picked up marks easily. Collectors compete fiercely for the surviving ones, with premiums rising with every population report update.
Navigate the Coin Market With AHG
Precious metals stand apart from more traditional assets because they are tangible and not subject to the same vulnerabilities. This makes them a great candidate for retirement planning, and collectors can even roll their eligible gold pieces into a Gold IRA for additional security.
At American Hartford Gold, we help match clients with the gold or silver pieces that align best with their future financial objectives. So, if you’re considering exploring non-traditional ways to expand your portfolio and your wealth, we’re ready to help.
FAQs
Can I confirm a Small Date on my own?
You can. Use a jeweler’s 10x loupe to compare the “6” height to the “1.” If they align tightly and the numbers appear narrow, you likely have a Small Date.
Is every Small Date penny valuable?
Most circulated pieces can earn only a modest premium. The real value emerges when coins are in near-perfect condition or uncirculated, with minimal wear.
Does the Denver mint mark affect value?
Yes. Although Denver Mint Small Dates are common, those in excellent condition are rare, so high-grade Denver-minted coins can attract strong bids at auctions.
Sources:
United States Mint | Visit Philadelphia
