1959 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1959 penny marked the historic transition from wheat ears to Lincoln Memorial design. Over 1.5 billion coins rolled from U.S. Mint facilities to meet enormous public demand.

Decades of heavy circulation left most examples worn and damaged. This creates an unexpected collecting challenge despite the massive original production.

High-grade survivors command significant premiums, with red uncirculated Philadelphia pennies reaching $10.81. Denver mint specimens achieve $9.62 in similar condition. Deep Cameo proofs escalate to $80.71. The abundance of worn coins masks the genuine scarcity of pristine examples.

 

1959 Penny Value By Variety

The mint mark and variety make all the difference—here’s what each type of 1959 penny is actually worth.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1959 Penny Worth Money

This ranking reveals the dramatic hierarchy of 1959 penny values—and shows why condition is absolutely everything for this transitional year.

The 1959 DCAM 69 dominates at $20,700, demonstrating how the finest Deep Cameo proofs command extraordinary premiums.

What’s particularly striking is the circulation strike values. MS-67 coins reach $5,887 for Philadelphia examples. Denver examples reach $2,640 in the same grade. This proves gem-quality business strikes are genuinely scarce. They come from this historic transitional year.

Multiple DDO FS-101 examples appear in the top 10. This confirms error collectors pay substantial premiums willingly. They seek authentic doubled die varieties specifically.

Notice the steep value cliff between grades. The difference between 1959 DCAM 69 and DCAM 68 is nearly $20,000. This illustrates how unforgiving the market becomes. Even minor condition differences matter significantly in proof coins.

This pattern reflects a broader reality about 1959 pennies. Collectors heavily saved them anticipating the design change. This makes true gems exceptionally rare today.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History Of The 1959 Penny

The 1959 penny stands as one of the most significant transitional coins in American numismatic history, marking the dramatic end of the 50-year wheat penny era and the beginning of the Lincoln Memorial design that would endure for nearly five decades.

The change came as a complete surprise to the public when President Eisenhower’s Press Secretary James Hagerty announced on December 21, 1958, that a new reverse design would begin production on January 2, 1959.

The Treasury developed the redesign in consultation with the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. They wanted to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. President Eisenhower and Secretary of the Treasury Robert B. Anderson approved the design.

Frank Gasparro, then Assistant Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, won an internal competition among 23 models submitted by the Mint’s engraving staff. Remarkably, Gasparro had never actually visited the Lincoln Memorial when he designed the reverse.

According to the New York Times, Gasparro often introduced himself as a sculptor. When people asked where they might find his work, he replied, “It’s in your pocket.” He placed his initials “FG” on the lower-right side of the Lincoln Memorial.

The coin was officially released on February 12, 1959—Lincoln’s 150th birthday—though some pieces entered circulation early.

This created the unique distinction of having Lincoln appear on both sides of the same coin: his portrait on the obverse and his statue visible within the Memorial on the reverse. By 2001, more than 100 billion of Gasparro’s pennies were in circulation.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1959 Penny Rare?

You can analyze your 1959 pennies and other key dates using our CoinValueChecker App for detailed rarity assessments and current market values across all Lincoln cent varieties.

 

Key Features Of The 1959 Penny

The Obverse Of The 1959 Penny

The obverse of the 1959 penny carries an image that will be familiar to any American. It shows President Abraham Lincoln in profile facing right. And it’s the same portrait that’s appeared on every Lincoln cent dating right back to 1909.

It was created by an artist named Victor David Brenner. Brenner said he had imagined Lincoln as he would have looked reading a story to a child.The likeness may have been based on a photograph that had been taken of Lincoln at the studio of one Matthew Brady.

Some coin historians believe it was Brady himself who took the photograph, others that it was more likely the work of one of his assistants.

Brenner signed his portrait, originally intending to add his signature to the obverse. He was told this would not be acceptable, so instead placed his initials on the reverse.

Even that, though led to controversy. Some felt that the initials were too prominent and amounted to advertising the artist’s work. Despite Brenner’s protests, his initials were removed.

The Lincoln cent remained unsigned for another nine years. Then, in 1918, Brenner’s initials were reinstated. This time they appeared on the obverse, as the artist had originally proposed.

But they were tucked away discreetly on the lower edge of Lincoln’s bust.This is where you’ll find them on 1959 pennies, and they’ve remained in the same position ever since.

The familiar motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed above Lincoln’s portrait. Further down and to the left is the word “LIBERTY”. The date is a little lower down on the right-hand side.

If your coin was minted in Denver, the obverse is also where you’ll find the mint mark – a small “D just below the date. 1959 pennies struck in Philadelphia don’t have a mint mark.

The Reverse Of The 1959 Penny

The 1959 pennies were the first to bear the image of Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.If you look closely, you’ll see it includes the statue of Lincoln at the center of the portico. That makes the Lincoln Memorial pennies one of the few coins to carry the image of the same person on both sides.

The denomination is inscribed boldly in full capitals long the lower edge of the coin. At the top, curving along the upper coin edge, are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.Immediately below them, the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed over two lines.

The words mean “From the many, one”, and are a reference to the creation of the country from individual states.

Other Features Of The 1959 Penny

The 1959 penny measures 19 millimeters in diameter and weighs 3.11 grams. It’s made of 95 per cent copper and 5 per cent zinc. In all those respects, it’s identical to the Wheat pennies produced the previous year.

Because the coins are made mostly of copper, their colors vary. When brand new, copper has a rich red tone. But as it’s handled and exposed to the air, the red dulls to brown.

Coin grading agencies assess the color of pennies and assign them one of three classifications: red, red and brown, or brown.

To be classed as red or brown, a coin must be the same color over at least 95% of its total surface area. If it isn’t, it’s classified as red and brown. All other things being equal, red coins are the most valuable, brown coins the least, and red and brown somewhere in between.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1959 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Mintage and surviving figures for the 1959 penny reveal the numismatic legacy of this pivotal year. The Denver Mint dominated with a production run of nearly 1.28 billion coins, while the Philadelphia Mint minted nearly 610 million common pieces. 

While the Denver Mint’s large mintage theoretically suggests a rich reserve, only 0.0156% of its coins are in collector’s quality, while the Philadelphia Mint’s survival rate is 0.0246%.

The Proof series presents a more intriguing dynamic—despite a uniform mintage of 1.15 million pieces across all proof series, survival rates vary significantly. Common proofs have a survival rate of 34.8%, while relief pieces have a survival rate of 21.8%.

Most striking are the high relief pieces, with a survival rate of just 0.6%. Despite having the same mintage, they are far rarer than commercial pieces.

These survival data suggest that initial mintage figures can be misleading in determining current scarcity, as handling, storage practices, and collector preferences ultimately determine long-term availability.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Penny Value

Figuring out your 1959 penny’s value requires just a few key observations. Look closely at Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial reverse—sharp, well-defined details signal better condition. Check for the mint mark: D indicates Denver, while no mark means Philadelphia.

Most circulated 1959 pennies are worth 2-10 cents, but uncirculated red specimens can bring $1-$15 or more. Rare errors like repunched mint marks or doubled dies can skyrocket values into the hundreds.

Why struggle with complex grading charts when you can get accurate results in seconds? Our CoinValueChecker App will check the grade directly.

 

1959 Penny Value Guides

Each 1959 penny variety represents a different production purpose and target market, from everyday circulation coins to premium collector pieces. The mint mark location—found on the obverse below the date—identifies the production facility, while the finish type determines the coin’s intended audience.

1959 Lincoln Cent Varieties:

• 1959 No Mint Mark– Philadelphia mint, no mint mark visible, Red designation for preserved copper color, highest mintage for circulation use, most common variety worth face value in typical grades
• 1959-D – Denver mint, “D” mint mark below date on obverse, Red designation for preserved copper color, over 1.2 billion minted for circulation, equally common as Philadelphia issue
• 1959 PR – Philadelphia mint proof coin, Red designation, mirror-like fields with frosted devices, approximately 1 million minted for collectors in proof sets
• 1959 CAM– Philadelphia mint proof coin with Cameo finish, enhanced contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields, premium proof designation for superior visual appeal
• 1959 DCAM– Philadelphia mint proof coin with Deep Cameo finish, maximum contrast between heavily frosted devices and brilliant mirror fields, highest quality proof designation available

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1959 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1959 No Mint Mark penny stands as Philadelphia Mint’s historic first strike featuring the revolutionary Lincoln Memorial reverse, marking the end of the beloved wheat ears era after fifty years.

This inaugural Memorial cent showcases Frank Gasparro’s masterful design with Lincoln appearing on both sides—his profile on the obverse and a tiny statue within the Memorial structure.

According to auction records, the Red (RD) specimens with original copper luster command premium prices, with MS67+ examples reaching $3,000 and a record MS67+ achieving $5,887 in 2016.

Red-Brown (RB) variants showing natural aging typically trade for hundreds in high grades, while Brown (BN) examples, though less desirable due to oxidation, still attract collector interest for their historical significance as first-year Memorial cents.

The auction record chart demonstrates the market’s growing appreciation for this pivotal transitional year, with steady price appreciation punctuated by exceptional results.

Market activity also reflects collector interest.

 

1959-D Penny Value

The 1959-D penny represents Denver Mint’s exceptional craftsmanship. This occurred during the Lincoln Memorial’s debut year. It’s distinguished as one of the best-struck Memorial series coins. The series ran from 1959 to 1973.

Denver produced nearly 1.3 billion coins that year. This massive output created a paradoxical effect. Better survival rates occurred in high grades. This contrasts with Philadelphia issues significantly.

PCGS records show Red (RD) specimens have brilliant original luster. The sole known MS68 example is valued at $9,000. MS67+ examples have achieved $6,999 at major auctions.

Reddish Brown (RB) varieties exhibit natural aging patterns clearly. Brown (BN) specimens show full oxidation throughout. However, exceptional examples can still surprise collectors greatly. 

The auction record chart shows dramatic price volatility across platforms, with Heritage Auctions and David Lawrence alternating between modest results and spectacular breakout performances.

Market activity reveals the classic Memorial cent collecting pattern—steady baseline interest punctuated by explosive peaks as collectors rediscover this foundational Denver issue.

 

1959 Proof Penny Value

The 1959 PR cent marks the San Francisco Mint’s first proof coin featuring the new Lincoln Memorial reverse design, representing the first collector’s item of Frank Gasparro’s revolutionary design.

The mint limited production to nearly 1.15 million proof coins. Workers struck these coins using specially designed dies. They also used highly polished blanks to achieve mirror-like finishes. This process showcases the intricate architectural details of the Lincoln Memorial.

The red (RD) proof coins retain their original bright copper luster. Collectors highly prize them for their pristine condition. The mint produced all proof coins exclusively for collectors. These coins never entered circulation.

The auction records show impressive prices for high-grade PR69 proof coins, demonstrating the high demand for these historic and well-minted first-year proof coins. The current price of a PR65 coin at auction in 2006 was $2,530.

The auction record chart shows Heritage Auctions maintaining consistent strength in recent years, with notable grade premiums driving steady appreciation across multiple sales.

Current market activity shows a stable trend.

 

1959 CAM Penny Value

The 1959 Proof CAM penny represents the enhanced Cameo designation where frosted devices create striking contrast against mirror-like fields, elevating it above standard proof coins through superior visual appeal.

This premium proof variety demonstrates the Philadelphia Mint’s technical excellence in producing coins with dramatic cameo effect, where Lincoln’s portrait and the Lincoln Memorial appear frosted white against brilliant mirror backgrounds.

The CAM designation indicates these coins achieved the contrast standards that separate exceptional proofs from merely good ones, making them highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the artistic beauty of well-executed proof striking.

Here’s the auction performance record showing volatile but generally strong results with notable premium peaks:

Current market activity shows steady participation, with particular activity in March 2025.

 

1959 DCAM Penny Value

The 1959 DCAM penny represents proof coin production’s pinnacle. It features the coveted Deep Cameo designation specifically. Heavily frosted devices create maximum contrast against brilliant mirror fields.

This elite proof variety showcases Philadelphia Mint’s absolute finest quality. The striking quality is unmatched in the series. Lincoln’s portrait appears as stark white frosted images. The Lincoln Memorial also shows this frosting effect. These contrast against deeply reflective backgrounds that appear almost black.

The DCAM designation is reserved for exceptional proof coins only. These coins achieve the highest standards of cameo contrast. This makes them the most desirable 1959 penny variety. Serious collectors prize them above all other varieties.

Here’s the auction performance history showing dramatic volatility with exceptional peak results:

Current market activity demonstrates steady baseline engagement with a pronounced seasonal surge followed by stabilization:

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1959 Penny Error List

While most 1959 pennies are common, certain error coins from this historic transition year can be worth serious money to collectors.

Error coins occur when something goes wrong during the minting process—whether it’s a misaligned die, doubled strike, or planchet defect. For 1959 pennies, these manufacturing mistakes create valuable varieties that far exceed face value. The key is knowing which errors are genuine and which ones actually matter in today’s market.

Here are the most significant 1959 penny errors worth watching for:

1. 1959 DDO (FS-101 And FS-104)

The 1959 Double Die Obverse varieties represent some of the most sought-after error coins from the inaugural Lincoln Memorial year.

The FS-101 doubled die obverse resulted from hub doubling during die production. Specifically, the hub shifted between strikes, creating overlapping impressions. This variety displays Class II doubling primarily on the date.

Furthermore, early die state specimens also show doubling on LIBERTY letters. The error creates a distinctive spread toward the rim. As a result, identification becomes relatively straightforward for collectors familiar with doubled die characteristics.

The FS-104 variety displays more subtle doubling primarily in “IN GOD WE TRUST” and portions of Lincoln’s profile. Both varieties command significant premiums, with FS-101 typically bringing higher prices due to its more dramatic doubling effect.

These errors occurred when the die received multiple impressions during the hubbing process, creating the characteristic doubled appearance that collectors prize.

2. 1959-D/D/D RPM FS-501

The 1959-D Repunched Mint Mark FS-501 showcases a fascinating minting error where the “D” mint mark was punched into the die multiple times in slightly different positions.

This creates a distinctive appearance where traces of the earlier “D” impressions are visible. Specifically, they appear around the final mint mark. As a result, it gives the coin a “spread” or multiple outline effect.

Found exclusively on Denver-minted coins, this RPM variety is significant. Furthermore, it demonstrates the hand-punching process used for mint marks in 1959.

While not as valuable as major doubled dies, FS-501 examples still command collector premiums. This is especially true in higher grades where the repunching is most visible.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1959 Penny?

Got a valuable 1959 penny burning a hole in your pocket? The selling game has completely changed from old coin shop days. Today’s smart sellers understand platform differences clearly. Different platforms reward different types of coins effectively. Picking the wrong venue could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1959 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1959 Penny

1. How do I know if my 1959 penny is rare?

The first thing to look at is the color of the coin. Unless it has a Mint error of some kind, it will need to be red over at least 95% of its surface area to be worth more than its face value.

If it’s red, the next thing to look at is its condition. Does it have scratches or other flaws? In order to be valuable, it should have only minor marks and hairlines.

If the coin is brown or red, look for errors. These include doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY”, or repunched mint marks.

And it’s just possible there’s another mule out there – a 1959 penny with a reverse showing two ears of wheat. Find one of those, and your coin will be worth serious money.

2. What is the most valuable 1959 D penny worth?

The finest quality 1959 Denver penny known to exist is a single coin graded MS68. The values that at $9,000.

But there’s also a controversial mule variety to consider. Specifically, it’s a 1959 penny with the reverse design of two wheat ears. The mint actually used these wheat ears for 1958 coins.

However, opinions vary significantly on whether this coin is genuine or fake. Nevertheless, when it was last sold at auction in 2010, it made over $31,000.