1964 SMS Lincoln Penny

I think what you have is a 1964 Proof cent. It isn't a satin finish, but the coin has the mirror fields like the proof cent of that year.

The '64 SMS coins were never released to the public.

You have a better chance of being hit by lightning 3 days in a row and surviving than finding ANY 1964 SMS coin in the wild.

Nice looking proof not a 1964 Special Mint Cent coin. This is the known given story on 1964 SMS coins - the former U.S. Mint Director allegedly was given a small amount of 1964 SMS coins that were to be considerd for issue in 1965 instead of branch mint proofs. This same mint director ordered identifying mint marks be removed from all dies and mintages for 1965, 1966 and 1967. Reportedly her reasoning was "to discourage rampant hoarding and speculation by collectors who were causing a coin shortage". Sounds reasonable right...well no not really because at the time the U.S. Mint was swindling recouping (whatever they name it) all the silver coinage and melting it down yet were still producing silver dimes quarters and halfs another name for it is the old "cut back fake back play".
You see those trial specimen coins she inspected and considered for production in 1964 somehow amazingly walked out the door down the U.S. Mints steps and landed snuggly in her possession where they stayed for approximately 36 years. Wait it gets better...those same walking tiny footed coins (60 or so examples) were decades after her passing "discovered by her heirs" and ghaaalie they ended walked again right up too auction in the early 2000's thats incredibly incredible! One could assume the finger pointer pointing a finger at "hoarders" had 3 more pointing right back at her.
I've contemplated these 1964 issues and part of me thinks its pilfering government property and they all belong in the smelter or the Smithsonian collection, then part of me thinks without her taking these home we wouldn't have them or ability to maybe have a chance at one so all in all I give Old Eva a pass on the matter.
Never mind if I pilferind a case of toilet paper while in Army I would be administratively discharged lose all claim to a retirement pension and be swiftly shown the door. Whats good for goose isn't always good for gander I suppose. Your chance of finding an SMS 1964 Cent are close to impossible unless you buy one of the 20 examples already known and owned. Surprisingly their attainable at auction very infrequently and for $6,000 - $17,000 you can own one. If I had a money tree I might buy one but for now its on my wish list.

I disagree, I'd bet a few bucks she had them made, and took them. She was the Head Honcho in the building.

I agree with everyone here, this coin is a very nice looking 1964 proof cent.

LuvMyCam, no one knew about them until she died over 20 years later.

BOBBY is right.

LUMY: what you say is partially true, but with a lot of fiction.

If we go back in time, and we can have access to some documents, we will find out that those coins was an essay coins in sets to prove to the congress that could be economies in the production. Not all the sets finish in the hands of Eva. (who can read: the interview of Eva for the ANA presidency candidature).By Mint Essay documents was approx. 50 sets.

Been essay production me I am skeptical to be performed in Phil. so was more easy for Eva to have and distribute the sets.

Personally I do not understand why we let go again and again those questions here?