Penny worth Money: If you’re wondering how valuable a 1959 penny can be, you’re in for a surprise. Some of these coins are worth far more than their face value, thanks to their rarity, historical significance, and unique errors.
Let’s dive into why the 1959 penny is special and what to look for to uncover its hidden value.
A Historic Year for Pennies
The year 1959 marked a significant change in U.S. coinage. It was the first year the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, replacing the iconic Wheat reverse. This redesign commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln and was crafted by Frank Gasparro.
Regular business strike pennies from 1959 were minted in two locations:
- Philadelphia Mint: Over 609 million coins struck (no mint mark).
- Denver Mint: Over 1.2 billion coins struck (marked with “D”).
High-Grade 1959 Pennies: A Treasure in Your Collection
Coins in high grades, particularly MS67 and above, are rare and valuable. These pennies are often found in uncirculated mint sets or unopened rolls. Here are some notable auction sales:
- A 1959 Philadelphia MS67+ Red penny sold for $2,520.
- Another 1959 Philadelphia penny in the same grade fetched over $5,000 six months earlier.
- A 1959 Denver MS68 Red penny holds the record, selling for $6,000.
Finding coins in such pristine conditions isn’t easy, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Valuable Proof Coins from 1959
Proof coins, known for their shiny, mirror-like finishes, can also be highly valuable. In 1959, proof pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint without mint marks. Notable sales include:
- A Proof 68 Deep Cameo (DCAM) penny sold for $312.
- A Proof 69 DCAM penny fetched an astonishing $20,000, with only three examples known to exist.
To find such gems, search through 1959 proof sets and cherry-pick the best coins.
Rare Errors and Varieties to Look For
1959 pennies are famous for unique errors and varieties that collectors treasure:
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Look for doubling on the word “Liberty” and the date. Prices range from $186 (MS64 Red) to $600 (MS66 Red).
- Repunched Mint Mark (RPM): Found on 1959 Denver pennies, these can occasionally turn up in pocket change.
- Mule Penny: The rare 1959 D penny with a Wheat reverse is the only known example and sold for an impressive $50,000.
- Wrong Planchet Errors: Pennies struck on silver dime planchets or foreign coin planchets can fetch thousands. Examples include:
- A 1959 D penny struck on a silver dime planchet, sold for $2,280.
- A 1959 penny struck on a Dominican Republic 10 centavos planchet, sold for $3,818.
Tips for Finding Valuable 1959 Pennies
Here’s how to maximize your chances of discovering these hidden treasures:
- Search Uncirculated Mint Sets: These often contain high-grade coins.
- Inspect Proof Sets: Proof coins with Deep Cameo finishes are especially valuable.
- Check Your Change: Errors like RPMs and DDOs can sometimes appear in circulation.
- Know the Weights: Regular 1959 pennies weigh 3.11 grams. Errors like wrong planchet coins will have different weights.
- Keep an Eye on Auction Prices: Stay updated on recent sales to gauge the market value of rare coins.
Conclusion: Why 1959 Pennies Are Worth Searching For
The 1959 penny’s historical significance, combined with its rare errors and high-grade examples, makes it a favorite among collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious beginner, searching for these coins can be both exciting and rewarding. Who knows? Your next big find could be hiding in your pocket change!
Start your hunt today and uncover the hidden value of 1959 pennies. Happy collecting!