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The 1959-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.02 in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While most 1959-D cents found in pocket change are only worth their copper melt value, certain rare errors and pristine specimens can fetch impressive premiums from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 Red) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS65 Red) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| High Grade (MS67 Red) | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
| Rare Error Versions | $50.00 – $1,000.00+ |
Understanding the Historical Significance of the 1959-D Lincoln Penny
The year 1959 was a landmark year for the United States Mint. It marked the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself. To celebrate, the Mint ditched the classic “Wheat Ears” design on the reverse and replaced it with Frank Gasparro’s depiction of the Lincoln Memorial.
If you have found one of these coins in your junk drawer, you might be curious about its history. The “D” mint mark signifies that the coin was produced at the Denver Mint. In 1959, the Denver Mint produced a massive quantity—over 1.2 billion pennies—to meet the country’s economic demands. Because of this high production volume, most 1959-D pennies remain very common.
If you aren’t sure how to identify your coin’s condition, using a top coin identifier app can give you an immediate advantage. By using CoinKnow, you can simply take a photo of your penny and let the AI analyze the wear and tear to give you a ballpark estimate of its rarity.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How the Condition and Color Affect 1959-D Penny Value
When professional graders look at a 1959-D penny, they focus on two primary things: the grade (wear) and the color. Because these coins are made of 95% copper, they oxidize over time. Collectors categorize copper coins into three colors: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD).
A “Red” penny is one that still possesses at least 90% of its original mint luster and looks like it just came off the press. These are the most valuable. A penny that has turned brown through circulation is generally worth only its face value or its weight in copper. However, for those looking for the “Holy Grail” of this issue, the 1959-D Red Mint State price chart shows that prices skyrocket as you reach the MS67 grade level.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Determining the difference between “Red” and “Red-Brown” can be tricky for the naked eye. This is where advanced tools like CoinKnow become essential. The app’s image recognition technology helps distinguish subtle color variations that might mean the difference between a $1 coin and a $50 coin.
| Condition Category | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Brown (BN) | Dull, chocolate color. Heavily circulated. | $0.02 – $0.10 |
| Red-Brown (RB) | Mix of mint orange and brown oxidation. | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| Red (RD) | Bright, original orange-red mint luster. | $1.00 – $500.00+ |
The 1959-D Penny Errors: Where the Real Money Is Found
While standard 1959-D pennies are common, error coins are the exception. Collectors are often willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a coin that skipped a step in the manufacturing process or was struck incorrectly. For instance, the 1959 Lincoln penny price and rarity guide notes that doubled dies and re-punched mint marks are highly sought after.
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One of the most famous (and controversial) errors associated with this year is the “1959-D Wheat Penny.” Since 1959 was the year the design changed to the Memorial reverse, no pennies should exist with the 1959 date and the old Wheat back. While one such coin was found, its authenticity has been debated for years.
More common errors include “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM). This happens when the “D” was punched into the die twice, creating a shadowed appearance. If you find a 1959-D penny where the “D” looks blurry or doubled, you might be holding a coin worth $50 or more. CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these tiny details to see if your coin matches known error patterns.
Grading Your 1959-D Lincoln Cent Like a Pro
To get the most money for your 1959-D penny, you need to understand the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. For everyday Americans, the most important grades are “About Uncirculated” (AU) and “Mint State” (MS).
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A coin in AU-58 condition will have almost no wear but might show slight dullness on the highest points of Lincoln’s cheek or hair. Once a coin passes into MS-60 and above, it is considered “uncirculated.” The difference between an MS-63 and an MS-67 is often invisible to the untrained eye, involving microscopic scratches or “bag marks” that occurred during transport at the mint.
| Sheldon Grade | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Heavily worn; Lincoln’s features are flat. | $0.02 |
| AU-58 (About Unc) | Slight wear on the hair; full detail. | $0.50 |
| MS-63 (Choice Unc) | No wear; some marks and spots. | $2.00 |
| MS-66 (Gem Unc) | Very few marks; pleasing luster. | $45.00 |
| MS-67+ (Superb Gem) | Virtually perfect; visually stunning. | $500.00+ |
Is It Worth Getting Your 1959-D Penny Authenticated?
Many people ask if they should send their 1959-D penny to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. The answer usually depends on the potential value. Professional grading can cost $30 to $50 per coin when shipping and insurance are factored in.
If your penny is a regular brown circulated coin, the cost of grading will far exceed the value of the coin. However, if you believe you have found a Red MS-67 specimen or a significant doubled die error, authentication is essential for a high-value sale.
Before spending money on grading fees, do your homework. Use a high-quality magnifying glass or a digital microscope to inspect the surface. Look for sharp details in the Lincoln Memorial columns and Lincoln’s bow tie. If the coin looks absolutely flawless under 10x magnification, it might be a candidate for professional submission.
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The Copper Melt Value: A Silver Lining
Even if your 1959-D penny isn’t a rare error or a high-grade gem, it still has more value than a modern penny. Pennies minted before 1982 are made of 95% copper, whereas modern pennies are 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating.
At current copper prices, the raw metal in a 1959-D penny is often worth about 2 to 3 cents. While it is currently illegal to melt down US pennies for their metal content, many “hoarders” save these copper cents in the hopes that the law will change or simply as a hedge against inflation.
While a 3-cent value isn’t life-changing, it represents a 300% increase over the coin’s face value. If you have a large jar of pre-1982 pennies, you are technically sitting on a small profit. Just remember to check for those rare 1959-D “Red” gems before you toss them into a storage bin!
FAQ
Q: Is there a 1959-D Wheat Penny?
A: Officially, no. The Wheat Penny design ended in 1958. However, one 1959-D penny with a Wheat Reverse was discovered in the collections of a former police officer. Its authenticity is highly debated by experts. If real, it would be worth tens of thousands of dollars, but it is more likely a sophisticated “mule” or a fake.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1959-D Penny?
A: High-grade specimens in MS-67+ Red condition have sold for over $1,100 at professional auctions. The price depends entirely on the lack of surface marks and the vibrancy of the original mint orange color.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1959-D penny?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date “1959.” If there is no letter under the date, it was minted in Philadelphia and is simply known as a 1959 Philadelphia penny.
Q: Can I find a valuable 1959-D penny in my pocket change?
A: While it is possible to find a 1959-D penny in circulation, it is very unlikely to be in “Mint State” condition. Most pennies found in change will be “Brown” and worn. Look for errors like Doubled Dies or Off-Center strikes, as these can still be found by eagle-eyed hunters.