1959 D Lincoln Penny

Last updated: September, 26 2024
× Enlarged Image

The 1959 D Lincoln Penny was minted at the Denver mint and in higher end mint states like MS-66 and with the best color possible RED (RD) can be worth up to $35.00 with MS-67 and MS67+ specimens fetching even more. On average however the 1959 D Penny will sell for about $8.00, and thats the price point most coins are selling at. If this coin is in poor condition and being sold to a collector it can still fetch up to 75 cents as a loose coin or in a paper holder.


1959 D Lincoln Penny
Download the PDF
Add to Favorites


  • Year: 1959
  • Mint Mark: D
  • Type: Lincoln Penny
  • Price: 75 cents-$35.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 1,279,760,000
  • Edge: Smooth






Notes: This was the first non-wheat ear or non wheat penny issued since 1909. The Lincoln Memorial cent was issued from 1959 to 2008.

Key Points

1959 Penny Key Facts

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.

Copper Penny Color Guide

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

Mintages

Production Chart




Market Trends & Insights

The majority of sales for the 1959 Lincoln Cent focus on the PR 67 and PR 68 S minted coins. Casual collectors frequently trade both Uncirculated and Brilliant Uncirculated examples. For PCGS-certified coins, MS-66 is the top choice, with MS-65 being a solid alternative.

Visualizing the Market

Sales Graph (enlarge)

Questions & Comments


Default User Avatar

Admin : 1959 D Lincoln Penny prices and details on errors have been updated. Post questions and comments here. Thanks! Posted: June 8, 2024 1:47 am




Price Chart

Rates listed here refer to professionally graded and slabbed coins. If new to collecting the prices below might not make sense.


Prices are for 1959 D Lincoln Cents that are RD / Red in color. No proofs are included as proofs were issued at the Philadelphia mint.


Price Adjustments Based on Color Variations

General rule of thumb to help you quickly decide the values of a cent based off their color values.

  • Red (RD): 100% of the base price.
  • Red Brown (RB): 70-80% of the base price.
  • Brown (BN): 50-60% of the base price.

You can roughly estimate from the list above that a 1959 MS-65 cent that is BN (brown) in color is worth about half as much as the same coin designated as RD (red) by a trustworthy source.


  • Grade MS63 = $2-$3
  • Grade MS64 = $4-$6
  • Grade MS65 = $10-$16
  • Grade MS66 = $23-$38
  • Grade MS67 = $38-$63


Is the list above a little overwhelming? If so, take 5 minutes to learn all about Coin Grading.


It's also important to note...Prices are subject to the same supply and demand laws as everything else. Coins sold at the same auction house 10x, would fetch drastically different bids each session. To raise your chances of receiving top dollar read How to Get the Most for your Coins.


We've personally researched these values. If you enjoy our content please return the favor and share this page with your friends.


How much is a 1959 D Lincoln Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 75 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $35 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.


how much is your penny worth


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 Image 1967 $55
Lincoln Penny Image 1982 $55
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 $50
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 D $40
Lincoln Penny Image 1964 $38
Lincoln Penny Image 1959 D $35
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 S $35
Lincoln Penny Image 1962 D $32
Lincoln Penny Image 1969 $31
Lincoln Penny Image 1971 S $30
Register Free to see more.
Image Name Mint Worth

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

***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.

[Top]