1959 penny how much is it worth

Lincoln Memorial cents were struck from 1959 through 2008 and reign as one of the world?s most widely recognizable coins. While the Lincoln Memorial cent is technically an obsolete series, billions are still in circulation. Save for any changes to United States laws against the melting of copper coins, these coins are likely to remain common for decades to come. The Lincoln Memorial cent contains the original 1909-vintage Lincoln obverse design by Victor David Brenner and includes a reverse design by Frank Gasparro. The Lincoln cent redesign, replacing the original wheat reverse motif that premiered with the series in 1909, was launched to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 150 anniversary of birth.

While largely common, Lincoln Memorial cents do offer collectors a few neat varieties and a handful of real rarities. Chief among the error varieties are the 1969-S, 1972, 1983, 1984, and 1995 doubled dies, with the 1969-S doubled die pulling high five- and low six-figure prices on the scarce occasions when the rarity turns up in auction. Also important to recognize are the 1960 and 1960-D large and small date varieties and the 1970-S small date cents.

In 1982, the composition of the Lincoln cent changed from 95% copper and 5% zinc to copper-plated zinc. Making matters all the more complicated for numismatists are the large- and small-date varieties of 1982 shared across both compositional profiles. At least a few significant transitional errors were born of this milestone compositional changeup, with the most valuable being the 1982-D bronze small-date Lincoln cent; the discovery specimen of which sold for $18,800 in 2017. To date, similar though less-valuable off-metal transitional errors are known for the 1983-D and, more oddly, the 1989-D Lincoln cent.

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If you want to add the 1959 penny to your coin collection, you have come to the right place. Here is a complete guide that will help you understand the worth of the 1959 penny. 

Contents

• How Much Is A 1959 Penny Worth?
• What Is Special About The 1959 Penny?
• Is There A 1959 Penny Error Coin?
• Who Designed The 1959 Penny?
• What Is The Metal Composition Of The 1959 Penny?

How Much Is A 1959 Penny Worth?

The 1959 pennies are worth their face value and two cents, regardless of the condition they are in. However, the ones that will offer you a higher value will be ones with errors. Besides that, the pennies that have never been worn will also offer you a high value. 

Uncirculated and proof pennies will also have a higher value. For example, the 1959 uncirculated penny with no mintmark can range between 25 and 50 cents. On the other hand, the 1959 D penny will also be worth the same in such conditions. 

Finally, the 1959-proof penny will be worth more than two dollars. The final value will depend on the grade and condition of your coin. That is why you must not forget to check these conditions. 

What Is Special About The 1959 Penny?

The 1959 penny has been given a special place because it is the first penny to have the portrait of the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial was dedicated in 1922 to honor President Lincoln. You will find him on the obverse side of the one-cent coin even today. 

The memorial design was created to replace the Lincoln wheat penny design. The wheat penny design was struck on the coins between 1909 and 1958. Such pennies are known as the wheat pennies, and the 1959 penny is known as the Lincoln Memorial penny. 

Is There A 1959 Penny Error Coin?

There is an error that you can find on the 1959D penny, which is on the reverse side. This side includes the original wheat ears. Such an error suggests that the coin was struck using a die that had the 1959 date, but the reverse side of the coin wasn’t updated. 

There are many controversies regarding the coin, as many argue that the coin isn’t real. However, the 1959D mule penny has been examined by the US Mint, and they determined that the coin isn’t fake. If you find this coin by any chance, it can easily be worth thousands of dollars. 

Who Designed The 1959 Penny?

Frank Gasparro designed the 1959 penny, and you will find his initials on the bottom right of the coin. He has also been known to design other famous coins, such as the Susan B. Anthony and the Eisenhower dollar. The reverse side of the coin includes the Lincoln Memorial in the center with “One Cent” below it. 

Besides that, you will also find “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” above the coin. The obverse side of the coin is the same as the previous penny design. It includes the right side portrait of Lincoln with “In God We Trust” written above. 

Finally, the word “Liberty” is on the left side of the coin, and the date is on the right. All of these features will help you understand that the penny is real. 

What Is The Metal Composition Of The 1959 Penny?

The metal composition also determines the value, as silver coins have a higher value than other coins. Pennies are less valuable, which is why they are not made using silver. The 1959 penny has a metal composition of 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin. 

The total weight of the penny is over three grams, and you will find the mintmark on the obverse side below the date. The face value of the coin is $0.01, and most of the coins will not be much more valuable than this. The value will only be high if you have a high grade and uncirculated coin. 

The current copper melt value for the penny is at least $0.02. That is why you will only get a premium value for this penny if you find it in uncirculated conditions. 

Is the 1959 D penny rare?

What's special about the 1959 penny?

What penny is worth over $1000?