10 Coins From the 1960s That Are Worth Way More Than Face Value

You may be surprised to learn that some rare coins minted in the 1960s are still highly valued today. Due to various factors, collectors now prize these rare coins, which means your old coin collection could allow you to tap into a new source of income.

The most important factor when determining the value of these coins is their condition. The PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) use a standardized rating system known as the Sheldon Scale to evaluate the condition of coins.

Anything rated MS-60 to MS-70 (Mint State) means the coin was uncirculated and never used in commerce. Coins with these ratings fetch the highest price and reflect the top end of the coin market. Most of the coins listed below were graded at the Mint State level. It's also important to note that any coins you intend to sell must be evaluated and graded by PCGS or NGC.

Here is a list of 10 coins from the 1960s that are worth a significant amount of money.

It's all about the details for this penny. If the coin is missing a mint mark — the small lettering that indicates where the coin was minted — and has a deep Lincoln cameo, you're in business. 

The mistake in minting makes the coin extremely rare, so instead of being nominally worth one cent, a mint state coin can fetch around $2,600.

The coin to commemorate the life of President John F. Kennedy can fetch astronomical prices on the auction block. Quite a few proofs of this coin have gone for $156,000, while other rare varieties have gone for $46,800. 

The key to look for is in Kennedy's hair. If there are additional details in his hair, that is evidence of a rare proof coin.

This is the holy grail of pennies, due to its distinctive doubling from a die error at the mint. Look for the "S" to indicate it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and the doubling on the date and "LIBERTY" inscription. In good condition, this penny is worth at least $35,000 if not more.

Though not as rare as some of the other coins on the list, a 1964 silver dime in pristine condition can fetch a solid price on the market. This is because 1964 was the last year the government minted coins made primarily of silver.

A new law passed in 1965 reduced the amount of precious metals in coins. So, a 1964 dime contains 90% silver and 10% copper. 

Depending on the quality of the dime and whether it features rare characteristics, such as a mirrored finish or intricate detail on the torch, this coin can fetch anywhere from $3 to $5,000.

This was the final year of the Ben Franklin half dollar, so this coin has exceptional collector value, as long as a few key features are present. In high-grade condition, a coin without a mint mark can be worth a lot.

The most critical factor in deterring rarity for this coin is whether there are complete bell lines on the Liberty Bell. This rare feature indicates a good strike and can be worth upwards of $5,000.

In 1968, some proof dimes were mistakenly struck without the "S" mint mark, which was intended to indicate production at the San Francisco Mint. These error coins are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors, with only around 12 sold at auction.

Again, the key here is looking for a lack of the "S" mint mark, and if your coin lacks the mark, you could be in for a big payday — a mint condition 1968 dime sold for $31,000 at auction in 2015.

This is a standard coin, and given its metal composition, it's not worth that much unless you have a special variant that contains errors. Some quarters were mistakenly minted with the metal composition from 1964, which makes them incredibly rare and valuable.

An MS condition 1965 quarter sold for $8,400, so you must break out your scale to verify that you have a silver coin. An error coin minted in silver will weigh around 6.25 grams, while a normal 1965 quarter will weigh 5.67 grams.

This is a more common coin, but it can still be worth more than its nominal value. Look for the "D" to indicate it was struck at the Denver Mint along with a mirror-like finish.

Since this was one of the last years the Mint used silver as the primary metal in half-dollar coins, a 1969 can fetch $112 or more if it's in Mint State.

As with some of the other Franklin coins on the list, the critical thing to look for is the detailed bell lines on the tails side. These lines must be uninterrupted and fully visible to qualify as an FBL designation.

Depending on the quality of the coin and the visibility of the bell lines, this half-dollar can fetch anywhere from $100 to $8,000 on the auction block.

Error coins tend to be the most prized for collectors due to their scarcity, and this 1961 penny is no exception. The coin is characterized by a repunched mintmark (RPM) where a horizontal "D" is visible beneath the primary, upright "D" mintmark.

You'll probably need a magnifying glass to catch this detail, but these pennies can fetch a solid price. Depending on the condition, these coins can go for $3 to $228 at auction.

Looking through your old coin collection or that of a family member is a great way to earn extra money. Just remember that you are looking for specific details in the coin, which might require magnification.

While you might not think coin collecting is big business, the market is expected to grow to $20.9 billion annually by 2031, so those old half-dollars still have a lot of value.

So, grab that magnifying glass and bust out your old coin collection, and get ready for a treasure hunt!