The 1960s was a transformative decade in American history, not only culturally but also in the world of coin collecting. Some coins minted during this era have become highly sought-after by collectors, with values that have increased dramatically over time. If you’re a coin enthusiast or simply curious about hidden treasures in your collection, here are five coins from the 1960s that could be worth a significant amount of money.
1. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
One of the most famous coins from the 1960s is the 1969-S Lincoln cent featuring a doubled die obverse (DDO). This error occurs when the coin’s design is stamped twice, causing a doubling effect in the lettering and dates.
Why it’s valuable: Only a few thousand of these coins were minted before the error was caught, making them rare. High-grade examples can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
How to identify: Look closely at the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” for a distinct doubling effect.
2. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – 90% Silver
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964, shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The 1964 coins are made of 90% silver, making them more valuable than later issues.
Why it’s valuable: Due to their silver content and historic significance, uncirculated or proof examples can command premiums of $15 to over $100 depending on condition.
Silver content: The coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver.
3. 1965-P Roosevelt Dime with Doubled Die Obverse
In 1965, the U.S. Mint introduced the Roosevelt dime without silver, but a rare doubled die obverse error was found on some 1965-P dimes.
Why it’s valuable: This minting error is rare and can be worth several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on condition.
How to identify: Check the date and lettering for doubled or blurred features.
4. 1967-D Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1967-D Lincoln cent has two date varieties: the small date and the large date. The small date variety is rarer and therefore more valuable.
Why it’s valuable: Collectors prize the small date variety because fewer were minted, and finding a high-quality example is difficult.
How to identify: Compare the size of the date numerals to standard 1967 cents. The small date has more compact numerals.
5. 1960-D Jefferson Nickel with Doubled Die Obverse
Another valuable error coin from the 1960s is the 1960-D Jefferson nickel with a doubled die obverse.
Why it’s valuable: This rare variety shows doubling on the obverse features, especially noticeable on the date and the word “LIBERTY,” making it highly collectible.
Tips for Coin Collectors
- Authentication: Always have valuable coins professionally graded and authenticated by trusted services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
- Condition Matters: The value of a coin often depends heavily on its condition, ranging from circulated (worn) to uncirculated or proof (near perfect).
- Research: Stay informed about coin varieties and market trends to make educated buying or selling decisions. The official U.S. Mint website provides useful resources for coin identification and history.
Conclusion
Coins from the 1960s offer an exciting glimpse into American history and the possibility of financial gain for collectors. Whether you have a 1969-S doubled die Lincoln cent or a 1964 Kennedy half dollar, these coins hold both historic and monetary value. If you come across any of these coins, consider having them professionally appraised-you might just have a hidden treasure.