The 1960s brought some remarkable coins that have become highly valued among collectors today. While the era might seem too recent to yield rare coins, several factors have turned certain pieces from this decade into collector’s treasures.
From minting errors to limited runs, these coins showcase a variety of unique qualities that make them worth far more than their face value. Let’s explore five coins from the 1960s that are now worth substantial sums.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is especially coveted due to its silver composition, as it was the last year the U.S. minted half dollars with 90% silver content. This coin, particularly in mint condition or with unique errors, is highly sought-after by collectors and has fetched impressive prices at auction.
1969-S Lincoln Penny (Doubled Die)
The 1969-S Lincoln Penny with the doubled die error is a valuable piece due to its striking visual error, which resulted from a mistake in the die-making process. The doubling effect is visible on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” High-grade examples of this coin can be worth a significant amount, making it a prized piece from the era.
1965 Roosevelt Dime (Silver)
The 1965 Roosevelt Dime is a rare find if it was struck on a silver planchet, as this was the year the U.S. transitioned from silver to clad coinage for dimes. A 1965 silver dime is considered a transitional error and is incredibly valuable due to its scarcity, especially when in mint condition.
1964-D Washington Quarter
The 1964-D Washington Quarter is another coin prized for its silver content, as it was the last year silver quarters were minted in the U.S. Coins in mint condition or those with unique minting variations can carry substantial value among collectors who seek high-quality silver pieces.
1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent is an interesting piece for collectors, especially in mint condition. It was minted with two date varieties: the “small date” and the “large date.” The small date version, especially in uncirculated condition, is highly collectible and has steadily risen in value over the years.
| Coin Name | Mint Location | Year | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | Philadelphia | 1964 | $15 – $150 |
| 1969-S Lincoln Penny | San Francisco | 1969 | $50 – $3,000 |
| 1965 Roosevelt Dime | Philadelphia | 1965 | $500 – $7,000 |
| 1964-D Washington Quarter | Denver | 1964 | $20 – $200 |
| 1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent | Philadelphia | 1960 | $10 – $500 |
| 1966 Washington Quarter | Philadelphia | 1966 | $10 – $100 |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | San Francisco | 1968 | $300 – $8,000 |
These coins from the 1960s show how minting variations, errors, and unique compositions can elevate a coin’s value significantly. Each of these coins has a story to tell, whether due to their transitionary nature, errors, or unique design elements that attract collectors.
