1968 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

The 1968 1C Lincoln Penny, with its Brown (BN) finish, is a fascinating coin for collectors and numismatists alike. Struck at three different mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—the 1968 Lincoln Cent is an integral part of the series, transitioning from the previous 1959-1964 issues to the modern-day designs. The coin features the iconic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. ### Mintage and Rarity **Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark)** - Mintage: 1,707,880,000 **Denver Mint (“D” Mint Mark)** - Mintage: 2,886,269,756 **San Francisco Mint (“S” Mint Mark)** - Mintage: 258,270,001 The 1968 “S” mint-marked pennies are the most sought after among the three due to their lower mintage compared to those struck in Philadelphia and Denver. However, even with such high mintage numbers overall, finding a piece in higher Mint State grades with a Brown finish can be challenging, adding a layer of rarity for collectors looking for pristine examples. ### Numismatic Value and Sales In terms of value, the 1968 Lincoln Penny in its Brown state isn’t typically considered rare in lower grades. However, examples in higher Mint State conditions can garner attention and value from collectors. MS65 Brown examples may fetch modest premiums, while anything MS67 and above can see significant increases in value, especially at auction events. For example, auctions have recorded MS67 Brown coins from this year fetching prices significantly higher than those in lower states, highlighting the competitive pursuit among collectors for top-grade specimens. ### Historical Context and Numismatic Perspective From a numismatic standpoint, the 1968 Lincoln Cent carries historical significance as it marks the first year of minting cents at the San Francisco Mint since 1955. This reintroduction has made the 1968-S penny particularly notable for collectors. Furthermore, the 1968 series continues the use of the Lincoln Memorial reverse, a design that began in 1959 as a continuation of honoring the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. ### PCGS Coin Facts Data The 1968 1C coins are listed with the following PCGS numbers: - **1968 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia):** PCGS #2930 - **1968-D (Denver):** PCGS #2931 - **1968-S (San Francisco):** PCGS #2932 ### Collecting the 1968 1C BN As a collector, focusing on high-grade examples with Brown toning is wise for potential long-term appreciation. While these coins are abundant in circulation, those preserved in Mint State tell the story of an era that saw the U.S. Mint fulfilling large demands for circulating currency during a vibrant economic period. Enthusiasts often gravitate towards 1968 "S" mint-marked Brown coins or exceptional MS66 and MS67 Brown coins for collection completion and asset growth. The pursuit and acquisition of a pristine 1968 1C BN can add depth to a Lincoln cent series. Its high mintage may suggest abundance, but finding well-preserved examples is the ultimate challenge and satisfaction for any numismatist.