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1968-S

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 258,270,001
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-634

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About this coinHistory

The 1968-S Lincoln cent marked San Francisco's return to circulation-strike cent production, with the "S" mintmark restored after a three-year absence. San Francisco had been producing coins during the 1965-1967 period, but without mintmarks. The exact mintage for the 1968-S circulation strike is not separately confirmed in Mint records, as San Francisco was transitioning its role.

San Francisco would increasingly focus on proof coinage in subsequent years, eventually ceasing circulation-strike cent production. The 1968-S circulation cent is therefore part of a brief window when the facility produced both business strikes and proofs of the Lincoln cent. It carries a modest premium over Philadelphia and Denver issues of the same year.

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 1968-S 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 1968-S Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
258,270,001 were struck.
What is a 1968-S Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1968-S 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 1968-S 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.