1967 Lincoln Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Complete 1967 penny error guide: DDO-001 Doubled Die worth $20–$150+, wrong planchet errors worth $1,600+, off-center strikes, SMS coin identification, and what the no mint mark really means. Values as of 2026.
Most 1967 pennies are worth face value, but a wrong planchet error can fetch $1,600+ and the DDO-001 Doubled Die reaches $150+ certified — here's what to check first.
- 🔍 DDO-001 Doubled Die Obverse: Extra bar under the "L" of LIBERTY and notched serifs on IN GOD WE TRUST — worth $20–$150+
- ⚖️ Wrong Planchet (Clad Dime): Silver-colored coin weighing ~2.27g with clipped peripheral design — worth $1,000–$1,600+
- 🔀 Multi-Struck / Bonded Error: Overlapping design impressions from repeated strikes — worth $1,000–$1,500+
- 🪙 SMS Satin-Finish Coin: Collector-issue with smooth non-glossy fields — $5–$15 typical, much more at MS67+
⚠️ Biggest trap: ALL 1967 cents lack a mint mark by federal law — this is never an error. Flat, shelf-like "Machine Doubling" on lettering is also worthless and extremely common on this date.
1967 Lincoln Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
All 1967 U.S. coins lack mint marks by federal mandate (Coinage Act of 1965) — this is NOT an error.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for suspected high-value varieties.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is extremely common on 1967 cents and is NOT a valuable error.
Silver-colored 1967 pennies are usually plated (science experiments) — weigh the coin on a digital scale to verify before assuming a wrong planchet error.
The 1967 Lincoln Cent was born in crisis. Congress had just banned mint marks from all U.S. coins to discourage collector hoarding during a severe coin shortage — meaning every single 1967 penny, from every mint, carries no mint mark at all. With over 3 billion struck for circulation, almost all are worth a cent. But a handful of genuine errors command real money: a cent accidentally struck on a silver-colored dime planchet sold for $1,680, and a certified Doubled Die Obverse fetches $150+. See full baseline values here. This guide tells you exactly what to look for — and what common features fool thousands of collectors every year.
1967 Lincoln Cent: Specifications & Mintage
The 1967 cent exists in two distinct forms that share identical composition and design but differ critically in finish and origin: the mass-produced Business Strike and the collector-targeted Special Mint Set (SMS) Strike. Understanding this split is essential before evaluating any 1967 penny.
| Attribute | Business Strike | SMS Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | None (all mints) | None (all mints) |
| Mintage | 3,048,667,100 | 1,863,344 |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (Bronze alloy) | |
| Weight | 3.11g (tolerance ±0.13g; valid range 2.98g–3.24g) | |
| Diameter | 19.05mm | |
| Surface Finish | Cartwheel luster (rotating spoke of light when tilted) | Satin — smooth, non-glossy fields |
| Circulated Value | $0.01–$0.03 | $0.01–$0.05 (impaired) |
| Uncirculated Value | $0.20–$5.00 | $5.00–$15.00 (typical) |
How to Tell if You Have an SMS Coin
SMS satin finish (left) vs. business strike cartwheel luster (right) — both are 1967 cents with no mint mark.
SMS coins were struck at higher pressure with specially prepared dies and sold in government packaging — they were never meant to circulate. A loose SMS coin can be identified by:
- Fields (background areas): Smooth and non-glossy — a "satin" appearance. Not mirror-like.
- Strike sharpness: Razor-sharp hair strands on Lincoln and fully defined Memorial columns.
- Luster test: Tilt the coin under a light. Business strikes show a "cartwheel" rotating spoke of light. SMS coins do not.
- Finest examples: Deep Cameo SMS coins show frosted devices against semi-reflective fields, approaching Proof quality.
⚠️ Once an SMS coin circulates, its satin finish is permanently lost. A worn SMS is nearly indistinguishable from a standard business strike and loses virtually all premium.
External references: PCGS CoinFacts (Business Strike) | PCGS CoinFacts (SMS Cameo) | NGC Coin Explorer
1967 Lincoln Cent Quick Checks: Do You Have Something Valuable?
Run through these three checks before spending more time on your coin. Use a 10x loupe (a small magnifying glass used by jewelers and coin collectors) and a digital gram scale. Each card explains exactly what you're looking for, what tricks the eye, and what the genuine article is worth.
Machine Doubling (left, flat and shelf-like) vs. true Hub Doubling DDO-001 (right, raised and notched) — the most critical distinction for 1967 cents.
Check 1: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO-001 / WDDO-001)
Obverse (front) only: examine "IN GOD WE TRUST," the word "LIBERTY," and the date "1967" under a 10x loupe.
A distinct extra bar below the "L" of LIBERTY. V-shaped notching (split serifs) at letter corners. Letters appear thicker with a raised, rounded secondary image that adds to letter width — not subtracts from it.
Machine Doubling (MD): flat, shelf-like smearing that subtracts from letter width — extremely common on 1967 business strikes and completely worthless. Die Deterioration: fuzzy ridges on worn dies — also valueless. Both are far more common than genuine DDO.
Check 2: Wrong Planchet (Struck on a Clad Dime Blank)
Overall coin appearance first — is it silver-gray instead of copper-colored? Is it noticeably smaller than a normal penny? Is text at the rim (LIBERTY, 1967, ONE CENT) cut off or weak?
Silver Copper-Nickel clad appearance. Weight of approximately 2.27g on a digital scale (0.01g precision required). The dime planchet is 17.9mm — smaller than the 19.05mm cent die — so outer design elements are clipped off.
Plated penny: A bronze penny (~3.11g) coated with zinc or nickel in a science class — damage, not an error, worth nothing. Acid-dipped: lighter than normal but appears pitted and porous. Rule: if it looks silver but weighs ~3.1g, it is a plated fake — not a wrong planchet.
Check 3: "No Mint Mark" — This Is NOT an Error
The flat field (background area) directly below the date "1967" on the obverse.
Nothing — a smooth, empty field. This is the correct, intended design for 100% of 1967 Lincoln Cents, regardless of which mint produced them.
The Coinage Act of 1965 banned mint marks from all U.S. coins through 1967. Philadelphia, Denver, AND San Francisco all suppressed their marks by Congressional mandate. It is not a "Filled Die," not a "rare Philadelphia" variety, and has no numismatic premium whatsoever. See Traps section →
1967 Lincoln Cent Error Values: Complete Reference Table
| Error Type | Designation | Category | Rarity | Value Range | Top Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong Planchet (Clad Dime) | — | Planchet Error | Rare | $1,000–$1,600+ | $1,680 (Heritage 2020) |
| Multi-Struck / Bonded Error | — | Strike Error | Very Rare | $1,000–$1,500+ | $1,440 (Heritage 2020) |
| DDO-001 (WDDO-001) | WDDO-001 / 1-O-V-CW | Die Variety | Scarce | $20–$150+ | Market varies |
| DDO-002 | WDDO-002 | Die Variety | Scarce | $15–$40 | — |
| Off-Center Strike (10–60%) | — | Strike Error | Uncommon | $5–$50+ | Varies by severity |
| DDR-001 (WDDR-001) | WDDR-001 | Die Variety | Rare | $10–$30 | — |
| Clipped Planchet (Curved) | — | Planchet Error | Uncommon | $2–$25 | — |
| No Mint Mark | — | Standard Issue | Universal | $0.01 | Not applicable |
SMS Coin Values by Grade Context
Special Mint Set coins (1,863,344 produced) carry a meaningful premium over business strikes, and value escalates sharply at high grades sought by registry-set collectors:
- $0.01–$0.05 — Impaired (circulated) SMS — virtually no premium over face value
- $5–$15 — Typical uncirculated SMS (MS63–MS65 range)
- $20–$150+ — SMS coin with confirmed DDO-001 variety (combined premium)
- Significantly higher — MS67+ registry-quality SMS; consult current PCGS population reports for realized prices
1967 Lincoln Cent Rare Errors Worth Money: Detailed Guide
Each error below is a verified, cataloged variety with documented auction records or authoritative catalog listings. Severity and grade significantly affect final value. Examine under 10x magnification before drawing conclusions.
1967 DDO-001: Doubled Die Obverse (WDDO-001)
Normal LIBERTY (left) vs. DDO-001 showing the extra bar under "L" and notched serif split on "IN GOD WE TRUST" (right).
Origin & Background
A doubled die (DDO) forms during die production, not coin striking. When a working die is pressed against the master hub, if it shifts between multiple pressings, a doubled image is baked permanently into the die — and every coin that die strikes will carry that doubled image. The 1967 DDO-001 is classified as Class V (Pivoted Hub Doubling), meaning the secondary image rotates around a pivot point, spreading outward on the lettering. Critically, this variety is most visibly preserved on SMS coins: the superior die preparation and higher striking pressure of SMS production captures the fine diagnostics better than high-speed business strikes, where die deterioration can obscure subtle features.
How to Identify
- Primary marker: A distinct extra bar visible below the "L" of LIBERTY — this is the single clearest diagnostic for WDDO-001.
- V-shaped notching (split serifs) at corners of letters in "IN GOD WE TRUST."
- Letters appear thicker/"fat" with a raised, rounded secondary image at full relief.
- Stage A (Early Die State): Die scratch between the R and U of TRUST.
- Stage B (Mid Die State): Small die gouge in the field to the upper right of the "I" in IN.
- CONECA designation: 1-O-V-CW. Wexler designation: WDDO-001.
Reference: Variety Vista WDDO-001 diagnostic page
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling (MD) is overwhelmingly common on 1967 business strikes and is the most frequent false alarm. MD creates a flat, shelf-like appearance that actually subtracts from letter width — the letters look stepped or smeared. Genuine DDO-001 doubling is raised and rounded, adding visible width and producing distinct notched serifs. Die Deterioration Doubling creates fuzzy ridges on worn dies — also valueless. Reference: Wexler's explanation of Mechanical Doubling
Market Values
- $20–$50 — Raw (ungraded), any strike type
- $150+ — Certified by PCGS/NGC, SMS preferred for superior preservation
- Higher — MS66/67 SMS registry examples; consult PCGS population for current data
Auction Record
No single definitive auction record on file for DDO-001; market varies significantly by grade and SMS vs. business strike type. Search PCGS CoinFacts for current realized prices.
1967 DDO-002: Secondary Doubled Die Obverse
How to Identify
The 1967 DDO-002 is a verified but less dramatic doubled die. Doubling is visible on obverse lettering under magnification, with a less prominent spread than DDO-001. It requires careful comparison with known reference examples to authenticate. The same rules apply: doubling must be raised and rounded, not flat and shelf-like.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling and Die Deterioration remain the most common look-alikes. Because DDO-002 is more subtle than DDO-001, misidentification is even more likely. Compare against documented examples from Variety Vista's 1967 DDO listings.
Market Values
- $15–$40 — Raw; auction records are sparse for this minor variety
1967 Cent Struck on a Clad Dime Planchet
Silver-colored 1967 cent on dime planchet (right) is visibly smaller than a normal copper cent (left), with peripheral design clipped off.
Origin & Background
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver dimes to copper-nickel clad dimes. This meant two very different planchet types were being processed simultaneously — bronze cent blanks and clad dime blanks. A clad dime planchet (17.9mm diameter, 2.27g) occasionally found its way into a cent press. Because the dime planchet is smaller than the cent die (19.05mm), the die could not fully impress the complete design — the outer lettering and rim are clipped or absent. The result is a silver-colored, undersized cent with missing peripheral text.
How to Identify
- Color: Silver-gray (Copper-Nickel clad) instead of copper-brown.
- Weight: Approximately 2.27g — the definitive test. Use a scale with 0.01g precision.
- Size: Visibly smaller than a normal cent; approximately 17.9mm diameter.
- Design: LIBERTY, the date 1967, or ONE CENT will be partially or fully missing at the rim because the planchet was too small for the die.
- Magnetism: U.S. copper-nickel clad coinage is NOT magnetic. A magnetic "silver" penny is likely a steel coin, not a clad error.
A digital scale reading ~2.27g confirms the dime planchet error — the most reliable single diagnostic.
False Positives to Avoid
The most common false alarm is a standard bronze penny (~3.11g) plated with zinc or nickel during a high school chemistry experiment. These are worthless damage. Acid-dipped coins lose weight but appear pitted and porous. The rule: if the coin appears silver but weighs approximately 3.1g, it is a plated fake. Only a coin weighing ~2.27g is potentially a genuine wrong-planchet error.
Market Values
- $345 — Lower-grade or less dramatic example (Heritage Auctions, August 2011)
- $1,410 — AU58 example (Stack's Bowers, March 2014)
- $1,680 — Strong example (Heritage Auctions, April 2020)
Auction Record
$1,680 for a 1967 Cent on Clad Dime Planchet (Heritage Auctions, April 2020). Earlier: $1,410 for an AU58 example (Stack's Bowers, March 2014).
1967 Off-Center Strike
A major off-center strike showing the crescent of blank planchet — the full date must remain visible for maximum value.
Origin & Background
An off-center strike occurs when a planchet is not properly seated within the collar before the die descends, resulting in only partial design coverage and a visible crescent of blank metal. Value is a direct function of severity and — critically — whether the date is fully visible. A 1967 off-center cent with full date preserved is more desirable than a modern zinc off-center because of the bronze composition and older date.
Value by Severity
| Severity | Visual Cue | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (1–5%) | Slight rim variation; full design visible | $1–$3 |
| Medium (10–30%) | Visible crescent of blank; date intact | $5–$15 |
| Major (40–60%, full date) | Half coin blank; date and LIBERTY visible | $20–$50 |
| Extreme (70%+, dateless) | Mostly blank; date missing | $10–$30 |
A dateless off-center strike is difficult to attribute to 1967 specifically, reducing its value and collectibility. The sweet spot for collectors is 40–60% off-center with a fully visible date.
Clipped Planchets (Related Error)
A clipped planchet occurs when the blanking punch overlaps a previously punched hole in the metal strip, removing a curved bite from the coin's edge. Authentication requires the Blakesley Effect: look at the rim directly opposite the clip — on a genuine error, the rim will be weak or absent because there was no metal to push against during striking. A strong, sharp rim opposite the clip indicates post-mint damage from a cutter or grinder. Values: small curved clip $2–$5; large clip (15%+) $10–$25; straight/ragged clip $15–$30.
Genuine curved clip (top) shows a weak rim opposite the clip — the Blakesley Effect. Post-mint damage (bottom) has a strong rim all around.
1967 WDDR-001: Doubled Die Reverse
Reverse of WDDR-001: close doubling visible on "E PLURIBUS UNUM" lettering under magnification; die gouge left of first "T" in STATES.
How to Identify
- Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling): close, subtle doubling on "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the reverse (back of coin).
- Die marker: a die gouge to the left of the first "T" in "STATES."
- Doubling is subtle — requires magnification and comparison with reference examples to confirm.
Market Context
WDDR-001 is a minor variety. Unless the coin is in high Mint State condition with full red color, the premium is typically minimal ($5–$15 for circulated examples). Sparse auction records suggest most trade in informal raw markets or are cherry-picked from bulk lots. Few documented sales exist for this specific variety.
1967 Multi-Struck & Bonded Error
Multi-struck 1967 cent showing multiple overlapping design impressions — each complete strike creates a distinct layer of imagery.
Origin & Background
A multi-struck error occurs when a coin fails to eject from the striking chamber after the first strike and is hit again — sometimes multiple times — by the dies. The coin may also physically bond to the next planchet fed into the press, creating a dramatically distorted composite. The high production pressure of 1967 business strikes created conditions for such mechanical failures.
How to Identify
- Multiple overlapping, complete impressions of the Lincoln design, each with proper depth and metal flow.
- May show multiple rims, dramatically distorted shape, or physical bonding to another planchet.
- Each secondary strike creates a complete secondary design impression — not a smear or scrape.
False Positives to Avoid
Post-mint damage from machinery or vending machines can create superficial overlapping marks. Genuine multi-strikes show complete secondary design impressions with proper depth and metal flow consistent with die pressure. Damage creates scratches, gouges, or raised metal ridges without full design reproduction.
Auction Record
$1,440 for a 1967 Lincoln Cent Multi-Struck example graded MS65 Red (Heritage Auctions, 2020). These are unique items where value is determined by the dramatic nature and completeness of the distortion.
1967 Lincoln Cent Traps: Common Mistakes That Cost Collectors
These three misidentifications account for the vast majority of excited 1967 penny reports that turn out to be worthless. Knowing them saves time and avoids embarrassing grading submissions.
⚠️ Trap 1: The "No Mint Mark" Misconception
A 1967 penny with no P, D, or S mint mark in the field below the date. Online posts call this "rare" or an "error."
The Coinage Act of 1965 legally prohibited mint marks from all U.S. coins from 1965 through 1967 to discourage hoarding during a national coin shortage. Every single 1967 cent — from every facility — was produced without a mint mark by Congressional mandate.
- If your coin says 1967 and has no mint mark, it is the standard, intended design — 100% of the time.
- It is not a "Filled Die" (where grease blocks a mint mark punch) because there was no mint mark punch to fill.
- It is not a rare "Philadelphia" variety — Denver and San Francisco also suppressed their marks in 1967.
Value: Face value only ($0.01).
The empty field below "1967" is correct and universal — not a missing mint mark error. All 1967 cents look exactly like this.
⚠️ Trap 2: Machine Doubling (MD) Mistaken for DDO
Under magnification, the letters on "IN GOD WE TRUST" or "LIBERTY" appear doubled, stepped, or with a ghost image beside them.
During the strike, the die vibrates or bounces slightly. This creates a mechanical shift in the die, not the hub — producing a flat, shelf-like secondary image. Machine Doubling is pervasive on 1967 business strikes due to the high-speed, high-volume production environment.
- Machine Doubling is flat and shelf-like — the secondary image is lower in relief than the primary.
- MD subtracts from letter width — the letter appears narrower, not wider.
- True hub doubling (DDO-001) is raised and rounded, adding letter width with notched serifs.
- If in doubt, compare to the Wexler reference on Mechanical Doubling.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Trap 3: "Silver" Pennies (Plated or Acid-Dipped Coins)
A bright silver or gold 1967 penny that looks completely different from the normal copper color.
A very common high school chemistry experiment plates copper pennies with zinc (turning them silver) or brass (turning them gold) using electrolysis. Acid dipping removes the outer copper layer. These are post-mint alterations, not mint errors.
- Weigh the coin: a plated penny still weighs ~3.11g. A genuine wrong-planchet error weighs ~2.27g.
- A plated coin's design is fully complete edge-to-edge (normal diameter). A genuine dime-planchet error has clipped peripheral text.
- If it sticks to a magnet, it is likely a steel novelty item — not a 1967 mint error.
Value: Face value only. The one exception is a silver-colored coin weighing ~2.27g — that may be a genuine wrong-planchet error worth $1,000+.
1967 Lincoln Cent Grading: How Grade Affects Value
Grading assigns a numeric score from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect) to a coin's condition. For 1967 Lincoln Cents, grade is the primary value driver for both errors and SMS coins. A one-grade difference at the top of the scale can mean hundreds of dollars in premium.
| Grade Range | Description | Business Strike Value | SMS Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG–VF (1–35) | Circulated — visible wear on cheekbone and Memorial steps | $0.01–$0.03 | $0.01–$0.05 (impaired) |
| EF–AU (40–58) | Light wear only on high points | $0.05–$0.25 | Minimal premium if satin is lost |
| MS60–MS64 | Uncirculated — no wear, but bag marks or contact marks visible | $0.20–$2.00 | $5–$10 |
| MS65–MS66 | Gem — sharp strike, minimal marks, strong luster | $2–$5 | $10–$15 |
| MS67+ | Superb Gem — registry quality, virtually flawless | Scarce; volatile market | Significantly higher; consult PCGS |
For error coins, grade and eye appeal interact: a wrong-planchet error in AU58 ($1,410) vs. a comparable example with better surfaces ($1,680) demonstrates how presentation affects realized prices. Color designations — Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) — also affect value, with Red commanding the highest premium on uncirculated cents.
1967 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Certify Your Coin
Third-party grading (TPG) by PCGS or NGC encapsulates your coin in a tamper-evident holder with an official grade and variety designation. Grading fees typically range from $30–$50 per coin plus shipping. This creates a value threshold — only submit if the potential upside clearly outweighs the cost.
✅ Submit (GO signals):
- Verified wrong-planchet error (~2.27g, silver-colored, undersized): value of $1,000+ easily justifies fees.
- Multi-struck or bonded error with dramatic, clearly complete secondary impressions: value $1,000+ justifies certification.
- Pristine SMS coin that appears virtually flawless under magnification — potential MS67 or Deep Cameo — a high-risk submission with significant upside if grade is confirmed.
- High-severity off-center strike (50%+ off with full date visible) with original red luster: value $30–$50+ justifies fees.
- Confirmed DDO-001 on an SMS coin in gem condition: value $150+ makes certification worthwhile.
❌ Do Not Submit (STOP signals):
- A "No Mint Mark" penny found in circulation — spend it.
- A coin with flat, shelf-like doubling (Machine Doubling) — not a variety, not worth grading.
- Any circulated coin with scratches, rim dings, or environmental damage (corrosion, cleaning, PVC residue).
- A coin that appears silver but weighs approximately 3.1g — it is a plated fake, not a wrong planchet.
- A "Woodgrain" texture cent (interesting alloy mixing artifact) — not valuable enough to grade.
Essential Tools Before Submission:
- Digital gram scale (0.01g precision): Bronze penny = 3.11g ±0.13g; dime planchet = ~2.27g.
- 10x–20x triplet loupe: Distinguishes flat Machine Doubling from raised hub doubling.
- Magnet: A 1967 cent should NOT be magnetic. Magnetic = not a genuine bronze cent.
Dealer referral information not available in this data source. Contact PCGS or NGC directly for authorized dealer networks.
1967 Lincoln Cent FAQ
Is a 1967 penny without a mint mark valuable?
No. ALL 1967 pennies lack a mint mark — it is the legally mandated standard, not an error. The Coinage Act of 1965 prohibited mint marks from all U.S. coins through 1967 at all three minting facilities (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco). A 1967 cent without a mint mark is worth face value.
What is the most valuable 1967 Lincoln Cent error?
The wrong-planchet error (struck on a clad dime blank) is the most financially valuable, with auction records of $1,410 (Stack's Bowers, 2014) and $1,680 (Heritage, 2020). Multi-struck bonded errors also reach $1,440+. The DDO-001 Doubled Die is the most sought-after die variety at $20–$150+.
How do I tell if my 1967 penny is an SMS coin?
Tilt the coin under a single light source. Business strikes show a "cartwheel" — a rotating spoke of light sweeping across the fields. SMS coins have a satin, non-glossy finish with no cartwheel effect. SMS coins also have razor-sharp strike detail on Lincoln's hair and the Memorial columns. Once circulated, the satin finish is lost and the coin is virtually indistinguishable from a business strike.
My 1967 penny looks silver — is it worth money?
Possibly, but probably not. Weigh it first. If it weighs approximately 2.27g and is visibly smaller than a normal penny with clipped rim text, it may be a genuine wrong-planchet error worth $1,000+. If it weighs approximately 3.1g, it is a plated penny (a common chemistry class experiment) and is worthless damage. A magnet test: if it sticks to a magnet, it is a steel novelty item, not a mint error.
What's the difference between Machine Doubling and a genuine Doubled Die Obverse?
Machine Doubling (MD) occurs during the coin strike when the die bounces. It creates a flat, shelf-like secondary image that is lower in relief and actually makes letters appear narrower. It adds zero value and is extremely common on 1967 cents. A genuine Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) forms in the die itself during manufacture — the doubling is raised, rounded, notched at the serifs, and adds to letter width. DDO-001 specifically shows an extra bar below the "L" of LIBERTY.
Should I clean my 1967 penny before getting it graded?
Never clean a coin before grading. Any cleaning — even gentle wiping — leaves hairline scratches that PCGS and NGC will detect. Cleaned coins receive a "Details" grade rather than a numeric grade, severely reducing their market value. Submit coins exactly as found.
How do I verify a genuine clipped planchet vs. post-mint damage?
Look for the Blakesley Effect: examine the coin's rim directly opposite the clip. On a genuine clipped planchet, the rim will be weak, tapered, or nearly absent on that opposite side — because there was no metal to push against during striking. If the rim is sharp and full on the opposite side, the "clip" was created by a cutter or grinder after minting and is worthless damage.
Why are 1967 SMS coins harder to find than you'd expect from the mintage?
While 1,863,344 SMS sets were produced, many were broken out of their original packaging and spent — especially as collector interest waned. Once circulated, an SMS coin loses its satin finish and becomes numismatically indistinguishable from a standard business strike. This attrition means surviving intact SMS coins in gem condition are genuinely scarce relative to the original production number.
1967 Lincoln Cent Error Research: Sources & Methodology
All values, diagnostics, and auction records in this guide are sourced exclusively from primary numismatic authorities. No eBay listings, forum speculation, or unverified sources were used.
- PCGS: Collecting the SMS Coins of 1965–1967 — SMS diagnostics and valuation context
- Variety Vista: 1967 WDDO-001 Diagnostic Page — DDO-001 stage markers and classification
- Variety Vista: 1967 DDO Listings — full list of obverse doubled dies
- Mint Error News: Heritage April 2020 Prices Realized — wrong planchet and multi-struck auction records
- Stack's Bowers March 2014 Baltimore Auction — AU58 wrong planchet sale record
- Wexler's Coins: Mechanical Doubling Reference — MD vs. hub doubling differentiation
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1967 1C RD (Business Strike)
- CoinWeek: 1967 Lincoln Memorial Cent Collector's Guide — mintage and baseline data
Values as of January 2026. All prices are retail estimates based on verified auction records from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and GreatCollections.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
