1960-D Lincoln Memorial Cent, Small Date

Let us compare the small date and large date cents. The small date seems a bit more scarce from the Denver mint even though they have the same value.

For the small date pictured above:

• The top of the 9 is almost even to the top of the 1. 
• The top of the 6 is near the center of the 6.
• The 9 and 6  have flatter ends.

For the large date pictured above:

• The top of the 9 is always higher than the top of the 1. 
• The top of the 6 is at the same or very close to the right most edge of the 6.
• The 0 looks perfectly round and not as thin.

In circulated condition either variety has no extra value above metal content, which is about $0.02.  The reason for the varieties is unclear to me but it probably was just a batch of new master dies that were redone. A tiny difference in the date caused many problems including over dates and varieties.

Were they perfectly made then no one would notice that the dies were redone. It happens all the time but only when there are slight changes will we notice.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 1 Cent  / United States
Year: 1960-D Small Date
Mintage: 1,580,884,000 (both types included)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin, and Possibly Zinc
Value: $0.02 in EF-40

Do you have a cent and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.