1964 Penny Value
Philadelphia and Denver struck billions of cents in 1964, so a circulated example is worth face value to a few cents. Its 95% copper content (2.95 g) is actually the floor that matters; see the copper penny melt page.
The exception is exotic: a small number of 1964 Special Mint Set strikes with satin surfaces and sharp square rims, worth four figures, but they essentially never turn up in change. For everyone else, 1964 pennies are a bulk-copper story, not a rarity story.
| Mintage | Billions (P+D) |
|---|---|
| Composition | 95% copper, 3.11 g |
| Copper melt floor | see copper penny page |
| SMS strikes | rare, authentication required |
Value bands
| Condition / variety | Typical retail |
|---|---|
| Circulated | face–$0.03 (copper content) |
| Uncirculated | $0.10–0.50 |
| Red gem uncirculated | $1–5 |
| SMS special strike | auth — four figures |
Bands are conservative US retail ranges for problem-free coins; dealers buy below retail. Where a melt floor applies it overrides any lower band figure.
Keep or spend?
Copper hoarders keep every pre-1982 cent on metal content alone; collectors keep 1964s only in gem red condition. Either way nobody sells single common 1964s; they move by the pound or the roll.
Coin specifications from U.S. Mint standards; key dates should be checked against the PCGS / NGC price guides; value bands are editorial retail ranges reviewed against public auction and dealer pricing; they are context, not offers. Live melt data via gold-api.com. See how we calculate.