If you have a 1959 penny with no mint mark, it is worth between $0.20 and $1 in uncirculated condition. If your penny has a “D” mint mark, it is worth around fifty cents to $1 in uncirculated condition. Proof coins can be worth between $0.50 and $3.
Many people have a box of old coins that have been passed down from previous generations. While most of these coins are not worth much, there is always the hope that one might be a rare find.
If you have a 1959 penny, it could be worth a lot more than just a single cent. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 1959 Lincoln cent and what makes it so valuable. So, keep reading!
1959 Penny Identification Guide
The penny is a beloved coin in the United States, and the Lincoln penny is one of the most popular varieties. The first Lincoln penny was struck in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The obverse of the coin featured a portrait of Lincoln, and the reverse featured two wheat ears. This design was used for 50 years, until the Lincoln Memorial design replaced it in 1959.
The new design featured a rendering of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side of the coin. Both designs are still popular with collectors today, and each has its own unique history. This new design was created by Frank Gasparro who also created other coins such as the Eisenhower dollar and Susan B. Anthony dollar.
The 1959 penny is made of a composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. It has a weight of 3.11 grams. Its edge is smooth, and it does not contain any silver content.
The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date. If your penny doesn’t have a mint mark, then it was minted in Philadelphia. If your penny has a D mint mark, then it was minted in Denver.
How Rare is a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny?
The 1959 Lincoln Memorial penny is not too rare. Philadelphia minted 609,715,000 pennies while Denver minted 1,279,760,000. The Denver mint is where most of the 1959 pennies were made. Additionally, 1,149,291 proof Lincoln pennies were also struck in Philadelphia.
What is the 1959 Penny Value?
Do you have a 1959 penny? If so, you might be curious about its value. Most 1959 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their weight in copper. The current copper melt value for each penny is about $0.02. So, each penny is worth double it’s face value! That might not seem like a lot of money, however, if you have a coin that is in pristine condition, it could be worth significantly more.
The value of a 1959 penny depends on its condition and whether it has a mint mark. The 1959 penny no mint mark varieties were made at the Philadelphia Mint, and they’re worth around $0.20 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. The value is around $1 in uncirculated condition with a MS 65 grade.
The 1959 D penny is worth around fifty cents in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. However, the 1959 D penny value increases to around one dollar in uncirculated condition with a MS 65 grade.
Proof coins are those that were specially made for collectors. They have a higher quality of finish than regular coins and are usually struck more than once, giving them a mirror-like appearance. Uncirculated examples of this coin can fetch around $0.50, while proof coins in PR 65 condition can go for as much as $3
Factors That Determine the 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny Value
There are a number of factors that can affect the value of a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny. Condition is perhaps the most important factor, as coins that are in good condition will be worth more than those that are not. Additionally, errors and market fluctuations can also have an impact on value. As a result, it is important to be aware of all of these factors when determining the value of a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Condition
The main determining factor of the coin’s value is its condition. A circulated coin is only worth twice its face value, whereas an uncirculated coin can be worth much more. The difference in value is due to the amount of wear and tear on the coin. Circulated coins have been used in everyday transactions and have lost some of their original luster, while uncirculated coins have been kept in mint condition and retain their original sheen. For this reason, collectors are willing to pay a premium for uncirculated coins.
Errors
A 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny can be worth anywhere from a few cents to several hundred dollars, depending on the condition of the coin and whether or not it has any errors. One of the most common errors is a repunched mintmark, which is when the mintmark is accidentally stamped more than once.
Another potential error is a doubled die, which occurs when the design on the coin is doubled. This usually happens during the manufacturing process, and it can make the coin much more valuable to collectors. So if you have a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny, be sure to check for any potential errors before selling it!
Market Fluctuations
The value of a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny can fluctuate depending on the market. Recently sold coins can give you the newest prices, but be sure to look at the condition of the coin before determining its value.
- A 1959 D Lincoln penny sold for $1,33.
- Another ungraded 1959 D Lincoln cent sold for $4.
- A 1959 Lincoln cent graded PR 67 by the NGC sold for $6,50.
Ultimately, the value of a 1959 Lincoln Memorial penny is determined by what collectors are willing to pay for it. However, keeping an eye on recent sales can give you a good idea of what your coin is worth.
What Is a 1959-D Mule Penny?
The 1959-D mule penny is one of the most controversial coins in U.S. history. In 1959, the U.S. Mint changed the reverse design of the Lincoln cent from a wheat reverse to a new memorial reverse. However, in 1986, one collector claimed he bought a 1959 wheat penny. The Treasury Department conducted an investigation and found no evidence that the coin was fake.
In 2010, the coin sold for $31,050 at Goldberg’s Auction. To this day, no one really knows if the coin is real or fake. However, the coin’s fascinating history and debated authenticity make it one of the most coveted coins among collectors.
FAQ
What is a 1959 half penny?
The halfpenny was a British coin worth half a penny, or 1/480 of a pound. It was minted in bronze and replaced the earlier copper farthing. It was finally discontinued in 1967, when it was replaced by the decimal halfpenny. Because of its low value, the halfpenny was often nicknamed the “ha’penny”. Today, the halfpenny is a collectors’ item, and can be worth considerably more than its original value.
What is a UK Halfpenny worth?
Today, UK Halfpennies are considered to be collectors items and are worth 100-300 pounds each. In US dollars, that is between $199 and $360.
What is a mule cent?
In the world of coins and currency, a mule is a hybrid coin or medal that has obverse and reverse designs that are not supposed to be seen on the same piece. These pieces are usually created intentionally for novelty value or by mistake. Mules are relatively rare in the world of coins and medals, but they can be quite valuable to collectors.
Are there any 1959 wheat pennies?
There is no 1959 wheat penny. The year 1959 was when wheat on the reverse of the penny was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial. While some counterfeit coins have been produced, these are easily identified by experienced collectors and are not considered to be genuine wheat pennies. So if you’re hoping to add a 1959 wheat penny to your collection, you’re out of luck!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply a curious individual, the 1959 penny is a coin that is sure to fascinate. The 1959 penny with no mint mark is worth $0.20 to $1 in uncirculated condition, while the 1959 D penny is worth around fifty cents to $1 in uncirculated condition. Proof coins can be worth between $0.50 and $3. So, what factors account for these variations in value?
The most important factor is the condition of the coin. A coin that has been well-preserved will always be worth more than one that has been damaged or heavily circulated. Another important factor is the rarity of the coin. The 1959 D penny is much rarer than the 1959 penny with no mint mark, and this makes it more valuable to collectors. Finally, proof coins are simply those that were struck using a higher quality process, and they are thus more valuable as well.
