The coin highlighted is the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Lincoln Cent. Unlike standard 1964 pennies intended for pockets, these were experimental “specimen” strikes. They feature a distinctive satin-like finish, sharp square edges similar to proof coins, and incredible detail that far exceeds a regular circulation strike. Their origin is shrouded in mystery; they were never officially released and were only discovered decades later in the estate of a former Mint Director.
[Value]
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Circulated 1964 Penny: ~2 cents (copper melt value).
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High-Grade Regular Strike (MS67): Up to $1,500.
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1964 SMS Cent (SP67): Approximately $15,600.
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Finest Known (SP68): Recently sold for over $40,500 at auction.
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The “$7.4 Million” Claim: While no 1964 penny has reached this price yet, it reflects the speculative value of “holy grail” finds if a unique error (like a 1964 penny struck on a gold planchet) were ever authenticated in perfect condition.
[Call to Action]
Stop spending your change! Every time you see a 1964 penny with an unusually sharp, “mirror-like but satin” finish, set it aside immediately. Save this post and follow the authentication protocol below—you could be holding a five-figure rarity!
💡 Collector Tips
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Finish is Everything: A genuine SMS penny will not have the “orange peel” texture of a regular strike; it will look remarkably smooth and “soft” yet sharp.
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Check the Edges: Look for sharp, “wire” edges. Standard pennies have slightly rounded rims.
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No Mint Mark: Most 1964 SMS pennies are from the Philadelphia Mint and have no mint mark.
📈 Market Value & Top Auction Houses
The market for 1964 rarities is driven by scarcity—less than 50 SMS sets are estimated to exist. To sell a high-value coin, these are the top houses:
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Heritage Auctions: Holds the record for many 1964 SMS sales.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries: America’s oldest rare coin auctioneer.
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GreatCollections: Known for recent high-end SMS penny sales.
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Sotheby’s: Handles world-class collections and historical rarities.
4. 5-Step Authentication Protocol (Must Read!)
Because 1964 pennies were minted in the billions, you must prove yours is an SMS or a major error:
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Magnification Inspection (10x Loupe): Look for die scratches. Genuine 1964 SMS coins have specific, consistent “die polishing” lines that are unique to those experimental strikes.
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Weight Check: A standard copper penny must weigh 3.11 grams. If it weighs significantly less (around 2.5g), it might be struck on a dime planchet—a rare error worth thousands!
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Strike Sharpness: Examine the “Lincoln” hair and the “Wheat” lines on the back. On an SMS coin, every single line will be distinct and high-relief.
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Luster Test: Rotate the coin under a light. Regular coins have a “cartwheel” luster; SMS coins have a non-reflective, satiny glow.
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TPG Certification: Never sell a “million-dollar” coin raw. Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading. Only a slabbed “SP” (Specimen) grade will unlock the full market value.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The 1964 penny is a reminder that even the most common year in history can hide a secret treasure. Whether it’s an experimental SMS strike or a “wrong planchet” error, these coins bridge the gap between pocket change and high-end investments. Keep hunting—the next record-breaking discovery is usually found in a forgotten jar.
Would you like me to help you identify the specific die marks that distinguish an SMS penny from a standard one?
