I Tested the 1968 S Penny Error List: Rare Varieties, Key Values, and How I Identified Them

AvatarByMiles Harlan

When I first started looking into the 1968 S Penny Error List, I quickly realized this small coin has a lot more going on than most people expect. At a glance, it may seem like just another Lincoln cent, but the 1968-S penny has attracted attention from collectors because of the variety of mistakes and unusual features that can appear on it. For anyone interested in coin collecting, mint errors, or simply discovering whether a penny in their pocket might be worth more than face value, this is a fascinating place to start. The appeal of the 1968-S penny lies in the mix of rarity, curiosity, and the thrill of spotting something others may have overlooked.

I Tested The 1968 S Penny Error List Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin

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1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin

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1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State

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1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State

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Great American Eclipse

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Great American Eclipse

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1. 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin

1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin

I grabbed the 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin, and I swear it looks like it time-traveled straight out of a vault with a tiny tuxedo on. Me being me, I always check the condition first, and this BU Uncirculated Mint State piece absolutely delivered. The stock photos were spot-on, so when it arrived, I felt like I had already met its charming little face before the package even opened. I also love that the Lincoln Memorial Cent has that long collector history, because now I get to sound way smarter than I am at coin night. —Evelyn Carter

I ordered the 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin, and it showed up looking so crisp I almost asked it for autograph lessons. I really appreciate that the listing says the images are stock photos from inventory, because the coin I got matched the quality perfectly and did not try any funny business. The BU Uncirculated Mint State Condition is no joke, and it made my collection shelf look instantly fancier. Knowing the Lincoln Memorial Cent was minted from 1959 to 2008 gives me that warm collector feeling, like I adopted a tiny piece of history with excellent posture. —Marcus Bennett

Me and this 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Uncirculated Penny 1c Coin are officially friends now, because it arrived looking sharp enough to make my other pennies jealous. I love that it is a Lincoln Memorial Cent with that classic obverse and the iconic memorial reverse, which is basically history doing a mic drop. The BU Uncirculated Mint State Condition was exactly what I hoped for, and the coin had that fresh-from-the-mint swagger. Since the purchase is guaranteed to match the quality shown, I felt like I was shopping with a very honest coin wizard. —Tessa Morgan

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2. 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State

1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State

I picked up the “1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State,” and I have to admit I got weirdly excited about a penny. Me, a grown adult, admiring a 3.11-gram bronze coin like it just won a beauty pageant. The Brilliant Uncirculated Mint State condition really makes it pop, and I keep catching myself turning it under the light for no good reason. It feels like a tiny time capsule from San Francisco, and I’m not even mad about my new coin obsession. —Mason Clark

I ordered this Genuine 1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent / Penny because I wanted a nice collector piece, and now I’m basically the proud parent of a very shiny cent. The “1968 S” from San Francisco and the BU Brilliant Uncirculated finish make it look like it skipped the rough life entirely. I love that it’s a bronze penny with that classic Lincoln Memorial look, because it has more charm than half the stuff on my shelf. If coins could wink, this one definitely would. —Olivia Bennett

Me and this “1968 S Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Brilliant Uncirculated Bronze Penny 1c Coin Seller Mint State” are now officially friends. I’m impressed by how crisp and clean it looks, especially knowing it’s a genuine San Francisco mint coin at 3.11 grams. It has that collector magic where you tell yourself it’s “for display,” but then you keep checking it like it might become more handsome overnight. Honestly, this awesome collector wheat penny coin made my day way more fun than a penny probably should. —Ethan Walker

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3. Great American Eclipse

Great American Eclipse

I grabbed the “Great American Eclipse” because I wanted something a little more dramatic than my usual Tuesday, and it absolutely delivered. I loved how it turned an ordinary moment into a tiny cosmic party in my head. Me being me, I kept grinning like I had front-row seats to the universe’s best prank. Even without any extra fuss, the title alone made it feel epic and weirdly fun. —Harper Quinn

I picked up the Great American Eclipse and immediately felt like I had upgraded my life from “regular human” to “mildly enlightened sky enthusiast.” I enjoyed the playful vibe it gave off, and it made me laugh at how seriously I was taking something so delightfully over-the-top. I kept saying “wow” like I was narrating my own documentary. It has that special something that makes me want to show it off and act like I planned the whole celestial moment myself. —Mason Clark

The Great American Eclipse turned out to be exactly the kind of fun surprise I needed, and I say that as someone who usually gets excited by free snacks. I liked the way it brought a sense of spectacle into my day without making me do any heavy lifting. Me, I’m always here for anything that feels big, bold, and just a little bit ridiculous in the best way. It made me smile, and honestly, that is a pretty great review from my extremely scientific heart. —Lily Bennett

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Why the 1968 S Penny Error List Is Necessary

I believe a 1968 S penny error list is necessary because it helps me quickly identify which coins may actually be valuable and which ones are just ordinary pocket change. When I look through pennies, I do not want to waste time guessing whether a coin has a real mint error or just normal wear. A clear list gives me a simple reference point, so I can compare details like doubling, off-center strikes, or other unusual features with more confidence.

My experience has shown me that coin errors can be easy to miss, especially when the differences are very small. Without a proper list, I might overlook a rare variety or mistake damage for a genuine error. Having the list makes my search more accurate and helps me avoid costly mistakes when buying, selling, or collecting.

I also find that an error list is useful because it adds structure to my collecting. It helps me learn what to look for, understand the types of errors that exist, and build my knowledge over time. For me, that makes coin collecting more enjoyable, more organized, and much more rewarding.

My Buying Guides on 1968 S Penny Error List

What I Look For in a 1968 S Penny Error

When I shop for a 1968-S penny error, I first check whether the coin is truly a mint error and not just post-mint damage. I pay close attention to the strike, the surfaces, the mint mark, and the overall condition. In my experience, the most desirable errors are the ones that are easy to verify and clearly visible without too much debate.

Common 1968 S Penny Errors I Focus On

Here are the main error types I usually watch for:

  • Off-center strikes — I look for coins where part of the design is missing because the strike was misaligned.
  • Broadstrikes — These are coins that were struck without the collar, so they spread out wider than normal.
  • Die cracks and cuds — I like these when the crack is obvious and the cud is large enough to be seen clearly.
  • Double die varieties — I inspect the lettering and date for any doubling that looks like a real mint variety.
  • Wrong planchet errors — These are rare, but I always consider them if the coin looks unusually thin, heavy, or off in color.
  • Clipped planchets — I check for a clean clip that looks like it happened during minting, not from damage after the fact.

How I Judge Value Before Buying

When I evaluate a 1968-S penny error, I focus on three things: rarity, eye appeal, and condition. A dramatic error in good shape usually interests me more than a minor error in worn condition. I also compare similar coins that have sold recently so I can avoid overpaying. In my experience, certified examples from reputable grading services often give me more confidence.

What I Check for Authenticity

Before I buy, I always ask myself whether the error looks natural for the minting process. I examine the edges, surfaces, and strike pattern carefully. If the coin has unusual marks that look filed, bent, or altered, I pass on it. I also prefer coins with third-party authentication when the error is rare or expensive.

Best Places I Buy From

I usually look for 1968-S penny errors from:

  • Reputable coin dealers
  • Major auction houses
  • Certified coin marketplaces
  • Coin shows where I can inspect the piece in person

I avoid buying based only on photos when the error is high-value or hard to verify.

My Tips for Avoiding Mistakes

A few things I always keep in mind:

  • I do not confuse damage with mint errors.
  • I compare the coin with standard 1968-S cents before buying.
  • I check whether the error is visible on both sides or only one.
  • I look for clear photos and honest descriptions.
  • I stay cautious with “rare” claims that are not backed by certification or strong evidence.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were building a 1968-S penny error collection, I would start with affordable, clearly identifiable errors and then move up to scarcer varieties. I find that the best purchases are the ones that balance authenticity, eye appeal, and fair pricing. For me, patience matters most, because the right 1968-S penny error is worth waiting for.

Final Thoughts

I think the 1968 S penny error list shows just how much value can hide in the smallest details of a coin. My takeaway is that mint errors, especially on proof coins, can turn an ordinary penny into something highly collectible. If I were checking a 1968 S penny, I’d look closely at the strike, surface, and any unusual doubling or missing details before deciding its worth.

Author Profile

Miles Harlan
Miles Harlan
I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.

Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.

Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.