Your ordinary 1963 Lincoln penny could be hiding a fortune! While most are worth just a few cents, certain rare varieties and errors can bring $5,000 or more at auction. At PennyVerse.info, we’ve created this definitive guide to help you identify these hidden gems.
Most Valuable 1963 Penny Varieties
1. 1963-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – Worth $200–$5,000+
🔍 Key Features:
- Clear doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date
- Most visible in the “19” of 1963
- Must have a “D” mintmark (Denver Mint)
💰 Value Range:
- Circulated: $200–$500
- Uncirculated: $1,000–$5,000+
2. 1963 Proof-Like (PL) & Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) – $50–$1,500
🔍 Key Features:
- Mirror-like surfaces (Philadelphia issues only)
- Strong contrast between fields and design
- No mintmark (Philadelphia strikes)
💰 Value Range:
- Uncirculated PL: $50–$300
- DMPL: $500–$1,500+
3. 1963 Off-Center Strikes – $25–$800
🔍 Key Features:
- 10–50% misaligned strike
- Complete date must be visible
- Most valuable: 30–50% off-center
💰 Value Range:
- Minor (10–20%): $25–$100
- Major (30–50%): $200–$800+
Step-by-Step Identification Guide
1. Check the Mintmark
✔ No mintmark = Philadelphia (look for PL/DMPL coins)
✔ “D” mintmark = Denver (check for DDO errors)
2. Examine Under 10x Magnification
- Look for doubling in lettering and date
- Check for repunched mintmarks (RPMs)
- Inspect strike quality for off-center errors
3. Assess Surface Quality
- Proof-like coins have mirror finishes
- Look for original luster (no cleaning or damage)
4. Verify Weight & Composition
✅ Should weigh 3.11g (95% copper)
✅ Bronze color throughout (no signs of plating)
Where to Find Valuable 1963 Pennies
🔎 Old Coin Rolls (Especially original bank-wrapped rolls)
🔎 Estate Sales & Inherited Collections (Check grandparents’ coin jars!)
🔎 Coin Dealer Bargain Bins (Errors are often overlooked)
🔎 Online Auctions (Search for mislabeled listings)
Current Market Values (2024)
| Variety | Circulated | Uncirculated | Proof-Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $0.05–$1 | $2–$10 | N/A |
| DDO | $200–$500 | $1,000–$5,000+ | N/A |
| PL/DMPL | N/A | $50–$1,500+ | $500+ |
How to Sell for Maximum Profit
💰 eBay Auctions – Best for errors under $1,000
💰 Heritage Auctions – Ideal for coins worth $1,000+
💰 PCGS/NGC Certification – Adds 30–100% premium
📸 Pro Tip: Photograph coins under natural light to best showcase errors!
Free Resources from PennyVerse.info
📥 1963 Penny Error Checklist
📥 How to Grade Lincoln Cents
📥 Current Market Reports
Think you found a rare 1963 penny? Get a free expert evaluation from our team!
Leave a Reply