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1961

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 756,373,244
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-613

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About this coinHistory

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 756 million Lincoln cents in 1961, a year dominated by sweeping change in America. John F. Kennedy took the oath of office as the 35th president in January. The Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba unfolded in April. Construction of the Berlin Wall began in August, physically dividing East and West Germany.

None of these world-shaking events affected the cent's design or production, but they formed the backdrop against which billions of these small copper coins changed hands in everyday commerce. The 1961 Philadelphia cent carries no mintmark and is common in all grades. It represents a typical early-series Memorial cent, readily available to collectors.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.01 $0.01
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.01 $0.01
F-12 Fine (F) $0.01 $0.01
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.01 $0.01
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.01 $0.01
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.01 $0.01
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $0.10 $0.15
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1961 Lincoln Memorial Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.01, rising to roughly $0.10–$0.15 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1961 Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
756,373,244 were struck.
What is a 1961 Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1961 Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1961 Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.