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 historical standards; 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.