The 1960s may seem like a recent chapter in American coin history, but some coins from the decade are now highly sought after by collectors. The period brought major changes to U.S. coinage, including the end of regular silver circulation coins, new designs, proof varieties, minting errors, and experimental pieces.
Most coins from the 1960s aren’t worth much beyond their face value. A few are a different story. Rare errors, unusual varieties, scarce Special Mint Set pieces, silver content, and exceptional condition can make certain coins worth hundreds, thousands, or even much more.
If you have a jar of old change, a family coin collection, or a box of inherited coins, these are some of the 1960s pieces worth checking.
1960 Franklin Half Dollar Full Bell Lines
The 1960 Franklin half dollar is fairly common, but collectors pay close attention to the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Coins with Full Bell Lines, often abbreviated as FBL, show clear and uninterrupted horizontal lines across the lower portion of the bell.
Finding a well-preserved example with strong bell lines can make a major difference in its collector value. Coins with sharp details and very few marks are especially desirable.
Related: 10 Rare Half Dollar Coins That Can Be Worth Hundreds—or Even Thousands
1961-D Lincoln Cent D Over Horizontal D
The 1961-D Lincoln cent has a variety that catches the eye of error collectors. The coin shows traces of an earlier horizontal D beneath the final Denver mint mark.
This type of repunched mint mark came from an earlier era of coin production, when mint marks were applied to working dies by hand. The unusual detail makes this penny much more interesting than an ordinary 1961-D cent.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Few Lincoln cents have the reputation of the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse. The doubling is visible on parts of the date and lettering, making the variety easier to recognize than many subtle doubled dies.
Authentic examples are scarce and can be worth a great deal, particularly in higher grades. This is one penny that should never be confused with an ordinary 1969-S cent or a coin showing minor machine doubling.
1960-D Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1960-D Lincoln cent was produced in both Large Date and Small Date varieties. Collectors look closely at the shape and spacing of the numerals to tell them apart.
The Small Date variety is harder to find in higher grades, which is where its collector interest really becomes apparent. A well-preserved example can be worth considerably more than a typical 1960-D penny.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Accented Hair Proof
The Kennedy half dollar made its debut in 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Some of the earliest proof coins featured extra detail in Kennedy’s hair, particularly above his ear.
This version became known as the Accented Hair variety. The design was later modified, making the early proofs with this feature especially interesting to Kennedy half dollar collectors.
1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime
The 1964 Roosevelt dime holds a special place in U.S. coin history because it was the final regular-issue Roosevelt dime struck in 90% silver. Beginning in 1965, the composition changed to copper-nickel clad.
Circulated 1964 dimes are fairly common, so most aren’t rare. Still, their silver content gives them value beyond the 10-cent face value, and coins in exceptional condition can bring much more from collectors.
Related: 15 Valuable U.S. Dimes That Could Be Hiding in Your Change Jar Right Now
1963 Franklin Half Dollar Full Bell Lines
The 1963 Franklin half dollar was among the final coins in the Franklin half dollar series. Collectors often examine the Liberty Bell for Full Bell Lines, since a strong strike can make these coins much more desirable.
Many Franklin halves show weakness or interruptions in the bell lines. A 1963 example with complete, sharp lines and a clean surface can be a standout coin in a collection.
1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1968 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is one of the better-known modern U.S. minting errors. Proof dimes from San Francisco normally carry an S mint mark, but a small number were struck without it.
Because so few are known, this variety is highly sought after. If a 1968 proof Roosevelt dime has no S mint mark, it deserves much closer inspection.
1965 Silver Washington Quarter Error
The United States switched from silver to clad quarters in 1965. A small number of 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on silver planchets left over from earlier production.
These error coins can be worth far more than a normal 1965 quarter. Weight and appearance can provide clues, but authentication is important because other factors can affect how a coin looks and weighs.
Related: 17 Rare Quarters Worth Some Serious Money
1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1969-D Kennedy half dollar was made with a 40% silver composition. That gives these coins a value tied to their silver content, even though many circulated examples aren’t particularly rare.
Condition can make a big difference. A coin with strong luster, sharp details, and minimal marks is more appealing to collectors than one that has spent decades in circulation.
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Jefferson nickel is usually an easy coin to find, but a small group of unusual Special Mint Set pieces has attracted serious collector interest.
These coins have a distinctive appearance, with sharper details and a finish that sets them apart from ordinary circulation strikes. Because genuine examples are so scarce, authentication is especially important before placing a high value on one.
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Lincoln Cent
The 1964 Special Mint Set Lincoln cent is another unusual piece from this period. Only a small number are known, which makes them much harder to find than ordinary 1964 cents.
Collectors look for the distinctive finish and strike associated with these experimental pieces. Because ordinary 1964 cents are plentiful, a coin suspected of being an SMS example should be examined by someone familiar with the variety.
1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent
The Philadelphia Mint also produced the 1960 Small Date Lincoln cent without a mint mark. Like the Denver version, the key is the size and shape of the date.
Most 1960 Lincoln cents aren’t particularly valuable, but the Small Date variety in high grades can attract considerable collector interest. A close look at the numerals can reveal a variety that might otherwise go unnoticed.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse deserves another mention because of how famous the variety has become. Its dramatic doubling makes it one of the most recognizable valuable Lincoln cent errors from the decade.
Authenticity is a major concern with this coin. Because genuine examples can be worth substantial sums, collectors should be cautious about coins advertised as 1969-S doubled dies without proper verification.
Check Those Old Coins Before You Spend Them
Finding a valuable 1960s coin usually comes down to knowing what details deserve a closer look. Mint marks, dates, unusual doubling, silver composition, proof characteristics, and overall condition can all affect a coin’s value.
A coin that looks ordinary at first glance may turn out to be something much more interesting. If you think you’ve found a rare variety or error, don’t clean it or alter it. Have the coin examined by a reputable coin dealer or professional grading service before making any decisions about its value.
