By PennyVerse.info
The 1959-D penny marks a historic transition in U.S. coinage – the first year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design. While most are common, certain varieties can be surprisingly valuable. At PennyVerse.info, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you determine if your 1959-D penny is worth 1 cent or $1,000+.
1959-D Penny Value Chart (Updated 2024)
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Worn) | 0.02−0.02−0.50 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | 0.50−0.50−2 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | 2−2−10 |
| Mint State (MS-65+ Red) | 15−15−100 |
| Proof Coin | 5−5−50 |
| Major Errors | 100−100−5,000+ |
Key Factors That Increase Value
1. Mint State Condition
- Red (RD) Coins: Full original copper luster (worth 10x more than brown ones)
- MS-67+ Examples: Sold for 100−100−300 at auction
- Look for: No wear on Lincoln’s cheek or wheat stalks
2. Rare Varieties
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Shows doubling in date/LIBERTY (500−500−5,000)
- Repunched Mint Mark (RPM): Visible doubling in “D” (50−50−300)
- Transitional Errors: 1959-D on 1958 Wheat reverse (Extremely Rare – $10,000+)
3. Notable Errors
- Off-Center Strikes (10-50% off: 25−25−200)
- Die Cracks (Through Memorial columns: 20−20−100)
- Clipped Planchets (Crescent-shaped missing metal: 30−30−150)
How to Authenticate Valuable 1959-D Pennies
Step 1: Magnification Check
- Use 10x loupe to examine:
- Date and LIBERTY for doubling
- Mint mark for repunching
- Reverse for unusual details
Step 2: Weight & Composition
- Correct: 3.11g (95% copper, 5% zinc)
- Warning: 2.5g means it’s a plated fake
Step 3: Professional Grading
For potential high-value coins:
- PCGS/NGC grading (30−30−50 service)
- ANACS for budget authentication
Where to Sell Your 1959-D Penny
Best Options by Value:
- Under $20: Local coin shop or eBay
- 20−20−500: eBay auctions or Facebook coin groups
- $500+: Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections
Selling Tips:
- Uncirculated coins: Use coin flips
- Error coins: Include comparison photos
- High-grade coins: Get professionally imaged
Market Trends for 1959-D Pennies
- Demand increasing for high-grade red examples
- Error coins gaining popularity with new collectors
- Complete 1959-2008 Memorial sets often include premium 1959-D coins
FAQs About 1959-D Pennies
Q: How many 1959-D pennies were made?
A: 1,279,760,000 – making most examples common.
Q: What’s the most expensive 1959-D penny sold?
A: A MS-67+ Red CAC-approved coin sold for $1,380 in 2021.
Q: Are all 1959-D pennies copper?
A: Yes – the zinc-plated steel cents didn’t appear until 1982.
Free Resources from PennyVerse.info
Think you have a valuable 1959-D penny? Our experts offer free evaluations – submit your photos here.
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