Last Updated on August 15, 2022
The 1959 pennies are also the Lincoln pennies, and they don’t have a high value. However, if you find these pennies in high-grade and uncirculated conditions, then they might offer you a high value.
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.
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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.
