And if you happen to find one among your pocket change, how can you determine if it’s worth keeping?
If you’ve ever wondered about that, you’re in the perfect spot! This guide will explore the value of 1959 pennies, uncover their history, and point out what makes some coins especially prized by collectors.
Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!
1959 Penny Value Chart*
| Mint Mark | MS63 | MS65 | MS67 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 (P) No Mint Mark | $6 | $18 | $600 |
| 1959 D | $4 | $18 | $275 |
| Mint Mark | PR60 | PR65 | PR69 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 (P) No Mint Mark Proof | $5 Cameo: $10 Deep Cameo: $14 | $15 Cameo: $30 Deep Cameo: $70 | $450 Cameo: $2,000 Deep Cameo: $21,500 |
*Values represent business strike pennies with a “Red” (RD) color grade.
History of the 1959 Penny
The year 1959 marked the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. While Lincoln had appeared on pennies since 1909, the U.S. Mint redesigned the coin that year to commemorate this special occasion.
Lincoln was the first real person depicted on a U.S. coin, introduced in 1909 with wheat ears on the reverse — earning them the nickname “wheat pennies.”
In 1959, the design kept Lincoln’s portrait but replaced the wheat with the Lincoln Memorial on the back, located in Washington, D.C.
Almost two billion pennies were minted in 1959, mostly in Denver, with Philadelphia producing the rest, including over one million proof coins for collectors.
Frank Gasparro, then Assistant Engraver at the Mint, designed the reverse featuring the Lincoln Memorial. This design lasted until 2009, when it was replaced with the “Union Shield” reverse for Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
Features of the 1959 Penny
The Obverse of the 1959 Penny
The front shows Lincoln’s profile facing right, created by Victor David Brenner, who based it on a photograph by Matthew Brady or his team capturing Lincoln’s thoughtful expression.
Brenner wanted his full name on the coin, but only his initials appeared on the reverse. After some public objections, the initials were removed but reinstated in 1918 along the bottom edge of Lincoln’s bust, where they remain today.
The obverse also includes the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the mint year on the right. Denver-minted pennies have a small “D” below the date, while Philadelphia coins do not display a mint mark.
The Reverse of the 1959 Penny
For the first time, the penny’s reverse featured the Lincoln Memorial instead of wheat ears. Look closely, and you can spot a tiny Lincoln statue inside the Memorial — making this coin one of the few with Lincoln on both sides.
The reverse also reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just below, and the denomination “ONE CENT” at the bottom.
Other Features of the 1959 Penny
The 1959 penny’s size and weight stayed the same as the wheat pennies: 19mm in diameter, weighing 3.11 grams, made of 95% copper and 5% zinc.
Because copper reacts with air and handling, these coins range in color from bright red to deep brown. Grading companies sort them into Red, Red-Brown, and Brown categories. Red coins, which keep over 95% of their original copper color, usually hold the highest value.
1959 Penny Grading
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair-3 |
| 4-6 | Good |
| 7-10 | Very Good |
| 12-15 | Fine |
| 20-30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State Gem |
| 70 | Perfect Mint State |
Accurate grading is crucial for evaluating your coin’s worth. Refer to a detailed grading guide to assess your penny correctly.
1959 Penny Value Guides
1959 (P) No Mint Mark Penny Value
Philadelphia struck fewer pennies than Denver in 1959, making these coins slightly more collectible.
To be valuable, a Philadelphia 1959 penny typically needs to be in mint state (MS63+) and red in color. At MS63, it might be worth $6; a near-flawless MS67 coin can reach $600. Four known MS67+ specimens have values near $3,000 each.
1959 D Penny Value
Denver minted about 1.3 billion pennies that year, so these are more common. Red Denver pennies graded MS63 start at $4, rising to $275 for MS67. The finest MS68 Denver penny is valued around $9,000 — the highest known for 1959.
1959 (P) No Mint Mark Proof Penny Value
Philadelphia also made 1,149,291 proof pennies in 1959 for collectors, always red in color. Coins showing frosted designs against mirrored backgrounds, called “cameo” or “deep cameo,” can fetch premium prices.
Proofs start around $5 at PR60, with top PR69 deep cameos selling for up to $21,500.
Rare 1959 Penny Error List
1959 D Mule Penny
An unusual penny appeared with the 1959 obverse and the wheat reverse from prior years. Known as a “mule,” this error’s authenticity was questioned but sold for over $31,000 at auction.
1959 (P) No Mint Mark Penny, Double Die Obverse
A more recognized error is the double die obverse from Philadelphia. This happens when the die impresses twice, causing a doubled look, especially on the date and “LIBERTY.”
The FS-101 variant is popular, ranging from $18 for MS60 coins up to $850 for MS66 examples.
Where to Sell Your 1959 Penny
Now that you know your penny’s potential value, you might ask where to sell it. Several trusted platforms provide appraisals and sell to collectors. Always compare options to get the best price.
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1959 penny is rare?
Check for its red color and high grade, or look for errors like double dies and repunched mint marks.
What makes a 1959 penny more valuable?
High-grade red coins and rare errors, especially from Philadelphia, typically carry greater worth.
How much is the rarest 1959 D penny worth?
The finest 1959 Denver penny graded MS68 is valued around $9,000.
What is a mule penny?
A mule penny has mismatched designs on obverse and reverse, a rare error that can be very valuable.
