1964 Penny Error List with Pictures
Five documented error types — from $10 clipped planchets to a $4,312 overstrike
Despite its status as one of the most common dates in the Lincoln cent series, the 1964 penny's record production volumes created ideal conditions for a variety of minting errors. Quality control during such high-volume runs was inevitably strained, and a number of dramatic errors made it into circulation. For the most current market prices on specific 1964 error varieties, consult the 1964 Penny Value resources and professional grading services before making any purchasing decisions.
Table: 1964 Penny — Error Coin Reference
| # | Error Type | Rarity | Circulated | MS / Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801 / FS-802) | Uncommon | $50–$150 | $100–$550 |
| 2 | Wrong Planchet (Dime Planchet) | Very Rare | — | $1,000–$1,500 |
| 3 | Triple Strike | Very Rare | — | $1,200–$2,000 |
| 4 | Overstrike (1964-D over 1963-D) ⭐ | 1 known | — | $3,500–$5,000 |
| 5 | Clipped Planchet | Occasional | $10–$50 | $25–$100 |
Error #1: Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801 & FS-802)
The most collectible 1964 variety — doubling visible on reverse inscriptions
1964 Doubled Die Reverse — separation visible on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA lettering
The doubled die reverse error originated at the Philadelphia Mint when working dies misaligned during the hubbing process, causing the hub to impress the die multiple times in slightly different positions. Two primary varieties are cataloged: FS-801 shows more pronounced doubling than FS-802, with particularly strong separation on the Lincoln Memorial columns and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
How to identify: Examine reverse inscriptions under 10x magnification • Look for clear doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • Check Lincoln Memorial columns for doubled vertical lines • Doubling appears as raised outlines, not flat shelf-like extensions • Compare to certified examples to confirm variety
Value: FS-801: $150–$550 • FS-802: $100–$300 (MS64 RD record: $550)
Error #2: Wrong Planchet (Dime Planchet)
A Lincoln cent design struck on a silver dime blank — dramatically smaller and lighter
1964 Wrong Planchet — Lincoln cent design on dime-sized blank, borders faded
This transitional off-metal error occurred when a planchet intended for silver dime production was accidentally fed into the penny striking press. The dime planchet measures approximately 17.9mm in diameter versus the penny's 19mm, causing the Lincoln cent design to fade or disappear at the borders. The coin weighs approximately 2.5g instead of the normal 3.11g.
How to identify: Measure diameter — noticeably smaller than normal • Weigh precisely: ~2.5g vs 3.11g • Design incomplete at borders where planchet is too small • Edge shows characteristics of dime planchet • Professional authentication essential due to rarity and value
Value: $1,000–$1,500 (Heritage 2017: $1,351.25)
Error #3: Triple Strike
Three overlapping Lincoln portraits on a single coin — a dramatic multi-strike anomaly
1964 Triple Strike — three distinct Lincoln profiles overlapping on obverse
The triple strike error occurred when a planchet received three separate impressions from the dies. The coin failed to eject from the striking chamber after the initial strike and remained for two additional impacts. Each subsequent strike shifted slightly, creating overlapping images with three distinct Lincoln portraits visible on the obverse. The known MS64 Red-Brown specimen sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in 2020.
How to identify: Count distinct Lincoln profiles on obverse • Each strike shows clear separation • Look for three sets of date numbers where strikes overlap • Reverse also shows evidence of multiple strikes • Genuine multiple strikes show consistent offset angles
Value: $1,200–$2,000 (Heritage 2020: $1,440 MS64 RB)
Error #4: Overstrike (1964-D over 1963-D) ⭐
The most valuable 1964 penny error — ghost images of a 1963-D cent beneath the 1964 design
1964-D Overstrike — ghosted elements of the 1963-D strike visible beneath 1964 design
This extraordinary error involves a 1964-D penny struck over an existing 1963-D Lincoln cent. The earlier 1963-D strike remains partially visible underneath the 1964-D impression, creating ghosting effects and unusual doubling. The obverse shows the Lincoln Memorial reverse from the 1963-D coin appearing as a ghost image behind Lincoln's portrait. The MS64 Brown example sold for $4,312.50 at Heritage Auctions in 2009.
How to identify: Look for ghosting of Lincoln Memorial behind Lincoln's portrait on obverse • Check for remnants of 1963 date underneath 1964 date • Both D mint marks should be visible under examination • Reverse shows deformities from overlapping strikes • Professional authentication critical due to extreme rarity
Value: $3,500–$5,000 (Heritage 2009: $4,312.50 MS64 BN)
Error #5: Clipped Planchet
Missing edge portions from the blanking process — curved or straight clips
1964 Clipped Planchet — curved clip showing metal flow at missing edge
Clipped planchet errors occur during the blank production stage when the blanking machine's punches fail to strike cleanly formed circles from the metal strip. The result is a coin with a portion of its edge missing, creating either a curved crescent-shaped bite or a straight-edge clip. The size of the clip determines both the error's visual impact and its collector value.
How to identify: Examine the clipped edge for metal flow into the missing area • Genuine clips show blunt, rounded edges rather than sharp cuts • Curved clips indicate overlap with a previously punched hole • Straight clips from punch overlap at strip edges • Beware counterfeits — filed or cut coins have sharp edges
Value: Small clip: $10–$25 • Medium clip: $25–$50 • Large clip (30%+): $50–$100
