1959 Lincoln Penny

CoinTrackers.com estimates the value of a 1959 Lincoln Penny in average condition to be worth 1 cent, while one in mint state could be valued around $22.00. - Last updated: January, 02 2024


1959 Lincoln Penny
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  • Year: 1959
  • Mint Mark: No mint mark
  • Type: Lincoln Penny
  • Price: 1 cent-$22.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 609,715,000
  • Edge: Smooth





Notes: This was the first non-wheat ear or non wheat penny issued since 1909. The Lincoln Memorial (reverse) was issued from 1959 to 2008. There were 1.1 million proofs issued this year at the Philadelphia. Proofs are selling for up to $4 each in great condition, with pcgs / ngc certified specimens being worth up to $50.

Key Points

1959 Penny Key Facts

Copper Penny Color Guide

Copper Penny Color Guide

When it comes to color RD (red) is the most sought after. Then RB, and finally BN (brown). The redder the better, but its important to get the higher end MS65+ RD certified, as color hue can vary from room to room with lighting.


1959 Penny Errors

Known 1959 Penny Errors

Image above details known errors for the 1959 Penny, here is a quick list

  • Double Die - Look for doubling of letters and numbers, look closely at the edges.
  • Struck on Silver Planchet- Struck on a silver dime planchet. Looks like a dime, but its a penny.
  • Off Center Strikes- When planchet and die dont align properly.
  • Split Planchet-planchet is split into two pieces before it is struck by the coin die

Comments

Coiner steak : where there any 1959 Lincoln wheat pennies made? Approved: February 6, 2024 6:28 am



Admin: @Coiner steak, there is just one that we know of and its called the 1959 Mule Wheat Penny, and its most likely just a die mismatch where it was struck with a die from 1958 on the reverse while the front was struck by a 1959 normal die. The coin in question might also be a fake according to many peoples opinions. If you happen to have one it might be worth between $40,000 and $70,000 however.


Die mismatch errors while not overly common do happen. Our guess would be the coin(s) in question are die mismatches, or instead were 1959 Wheat Cents struck early in production as a test of which only one or a handful ever made it into circulation. Great question, thanks for asking.

Approved: February 6, 2024 6:48 am



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How much is a 1959 Lincoln Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 1 cent, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $22 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1959, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].


What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any lincoln penny in your collection.


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Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 2.5 g, a diameter of 19.05 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm. It's edge is Smooth, and the coins are composed of 95% Copper Pre 1982, 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper after 1982.


Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obv), Lyndall Bass (rev)


Front (Obverse): The obverse or front of this coin contains the bust of President Lincoln the 16th president of the United States. The words In God We Trust are engraved in an arching manner on the top most portion of this coin. The date is present along with the mint mark. If the mark is missing the coin was issued from the Philadelphia mint. With the exception of 2017 P, the only year to contain a P mint mark to honor the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint.


Back (Reverse): The reverse of this coin has been described as Lincoln Memorial design. Nice clean lines on the steps and buildings are important for a decent grade. The Lincoln Memorial replaced the reverse after the last Wheat Cent was issued in 1958.



Most Valuable

The most valuable Lincoln Penny's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.

Image Year Mint Worth
Lincoln Penny 1982 $55
Lincoln Penny 1967 $50
Lincoln Penny 1975 $45
Lincoln Penny 1959 D $40
Lincoln Penny 1962 D $32
Lincoln Penny 1975 D $30
Lincoln Penny 1982 D $30
Lincoln Penny 2002 D $30
Lincoln Penny 1962 $29
Lincoln Penny 1961 $28
Lincoln Penny 1961 D $27
Lincoln Penny 2002 $27
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1989 P $345.22
1989 $345,000
1989 D $345
Image Name Mint Worth

Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.

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***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.

We use user submitted pictures please read that article if you are interested in adding your own.

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