1989 Penny Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The U.S. Mint cranked out over 12.6 billion Lincoln cents in 1989, making them look utterly ordinary in pocket change. Yet these copper-plated zinc coins can surprise collectors who know what to look for — one recently sold for $8,400.

Most 1989 pennies are worth face value, but high-grade and error examples tell a very different story. From circulated coins worth 23 cents all the way to pristine Mint State (MS) specimens fetching thousands at auction, this guide breaks down every variety so you know exactly what you have.

 

1989 Penny Value By Variety

This chart shows 1989 penny values across different grades. If you know the grade of your coin, find the exact price in the Value Guides section below.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1989 Penny Worth Money

The Most Valuable 1989 Penny chart tells a compelling story of condition rarity. The 1989-D MS69 Red reigns supreme — a PCGS-certified example sold at Heritage Auctions in April 2025 for a record-shattering price, and another MS69 RD hit $8,400 at Heritage in July 2025.

PCGS reports only four coins graded MS69 Red for the 1989-D, making each one an extraordinary rarity for what appears to be a common date. The jump from MS68 to MS69 can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars — condition is truly king for modern Lincoln cents.

Proof coins from San Francisco show interesting market behavior of their own, with a perfect PR70 DCAM previously realizing $1,380 at Heritage Auctions. The floor sits at just $20–$34 for MS66–67 grades, demonstrating how a single grade point dramatically transforms a coin’s value.

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

 

History of the 1989 Penny

The 1989 Lincoln cent sits at an interesting crossroads in American coin history — seven years after the most significant composition change in modern U.S. coinage, and about two decades before the Lincoln Memorial reverse would be retired forever in 2008.

The 1982 switch from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) happened because rising copper prices made the metal content of each cent worth more than one cent itself. By 1989, the zinc-core process was well established, yet the year still produced some remarkable surprises.

In 1989, three mints produced a combined total of 12,610,222,305 pennies: Philadelphia struck 7,261,535,000, Denver produced 5,345,467,111, and San Francisco contributed 3,220,194 proof specimens. The proof program at San Francisco had been running continuously since 1968, and 1989 represented its 22nd year.

The Frank Gasparro Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which debuted in 1959, would continue through 2008 — making 1989 part of a long, stable era of cent production. Gasparro famously placed a tiny statue of Lincoln inside the Memorial on the reverse, visible between the central pillars with a magnifying glass.

It is also worth noting historical context: the U.S. Mint struck its very last circulating Lincoln cents in 2025, auctioned as historic “Omega” sets by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The 1989 penny is now part of a fully completed chapter in American numismatic history.

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

 

Is Your 1989 Penny Rare?

To explore detailed rarity assessments and current market valuations for these and other Lincoln cent varieties, collectors can leverage our CoinValueChecker APP for informed collecting decisions.

 

Key Features of the 1989 Penny

Victor David Brenner designed the Lincoln penny’s obverse, and the U.S. Mint issued it from 1909 onward. In 1959, the reverse was redesigned, and officials chose Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial concept to replace the classic wheat ears.

The Obverse of the 1989 Penny

The obverse features Lincoln’s right-facing portrait at center, surrounded by IN GOD WE TRUST arching above. LIBERTY appears to Lincoln’s left, while the date and mint mark (if any) appear to his right.

Brenner’s initials, VDB, are engraved at the truncation of Lincoln’s shoulder — a feature that sparked intense controversy when the coin first launched in 1909, briefly disappeared, and was quietly restored in 1918.

The Reverse of the 1989 Penny

The reverse showcases the Lincoln Memorial building as designed by Frank Gasparro. A tiny Lincoln statue — visible between the central pillars under magnification — makes this design uniquely self-referential: Lincoln’s image appears on both sides of the coin.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches above the Memorial, ONE CENT appears below, and E PLURIBUS UNUM runs beneath the country name. Gasparro’s initials, FG, are located to the right of the monument’s base.

Other Features of the 1989 Penny

The 1989 Lincoln penny is a round one-cent coin with a plain (smooth) edge and a composition of 97.5% zinc with a thin 2.5% copper plating. This construction replaced the older solid bronze alloy in 1982.

Its weight is 2.5 grams (0.08818 oz), its diameter is 19.05 mm (0.75 inches), and its thickness is 1.52 mm (0.05986 inches). The copper plating gives it the traditional reddish appearance, though exposure to air causes the surface to tone toward red-brown (RB) and eventually brown (BN) over time.

Grading note: Collectors and grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assign 1989 pennies one of three color designations based on how much of the original red luster survives: RD (Red, 95% or more original color), RB (Red-Brown, 5–94% original color), or BN (Brown, less than 5% original color). Red coins command the highest premiums.

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

 

1989 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia dominated 1989 penny production with over 7.2 billion coins, significantly outpacing Denver’s 5.3 billion. San Francisco contributed just 3.2 million proof coins — less than 0.03% of total 1989 cent production.

Survival rates differ dramatically: roughly 29–30% of Philadelphia and Denver circulation pennies still exist today, while an impressive 85.5% of San Francisco proofs have survived. That careful preservation by collectors means approximately 2.75 million 1989-S proofs are still around out of the original 3.22 million minted.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1989 Penny Value

Professional grading of 1989 pennies focuses on strike quality, luster retention, and surface preservation. Circulated examples grade from G-4 (Good — heavily worn) through AU-58 (About Uncirculated — slight wear on highest points only), while uncirculated coins use the Mint State (MS) scale from MS-60 to MS-70.

The 1989-D often shows slightly weaker strikes on Lincoln’s beard and hair details compared to Philadelphia issues — look carefully at these areas when evaluating a Denver coin. San Francisco proof coins grade on the PR scale and carry a DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation when they show strong contrast between frosted portrait devices and mirror-like fields — the most desirable and valuable finish.

You can also instantly identify and evaluate your coins using our CoinValueChecker APP, which provides real-time grading estimates and current market values.

 

1989 Penny Value Guides

There are three main 1989 penny categories collectors should know about:

• 1989 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) — Regular circulation strike
• 1989-D (Denver) — Regular circulation strike
• 1989-S Proof (San Francisco) — Collector proof coins with DCAM finish

Philadelphia and Denver produced massive quantities for everyday commerce — over 12.6 billion combined — while San Francisco focused exclusively on mirror-finish proofs for collectors. Each proof coin is struck multiple times with specially polished dies, producing frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields.

From 1965–1967, no U.S. coins carried mint marks due to the Coinage Act of 1965. Philadelphia traditionally omits mint marks on pennies (except in 2017 for the Mint’s 225th anniversary), so “no mint mark” reliably indicates Philadelphia origin for 1989 cents.

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

 

1989 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck 7,261,535,000 Lincoln cents in 1989, making it the single highest-producing mint that year. Most circulated examples are worth face value to a few cents, but pristine high-grade specimens tell a very different story.

One MS68-graded Philadelphia specimen with full red luster achieved an auction record of $4,113 in 2013, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $425. The VDB initials at the base of Lincoln’s portrait represent designer Victor David Brenner’s mark, a tradition unbroken since 1909.

Recent auction records confirm consistent collector interest in premium examples.

Market activity provides a more intuitive understanding of how this coin performs in today’s market.

 

1989-D Penny Value

The Denver Mint produced 5,345,467,111 pennies in 1989, ranking second among the three mints that year. Standard circulated examples are common, but top-grade specimens have become serious registry coin targets.

A PCGS-graded MS69 Red example sold at Heritage Auctions in July 2025 for $8,400 — a remarkable price for what looks like an ordinary modern penny. PCGS reports only four coins in the top MS69 Red grade for this date, making each one exceptionally rare in absolute population terms.

An earlier MS69 RD example had realized $1,024 at Heritage Auctions on August 20, 2020. Beyond condition rarity, the most extraordinary 1989-D error — a coin struck on a pre-1983 copper planchet weighing 3.1 grams instead of the standard 2.5 grams — sold for $3,525 at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ August 11, 2016 Rarities Night sale, and an MS65 example of the same error type reached $7,500 in 2018.

Auction records reveal the actual collector demand for 1989-D penny varieties.

Here’s a chart to help you understand 1989-D penny market activity.

 

1989-S DCAM Penny Value

The 1989-S proof penny was exclusively struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 3,220,194, made from copper-plated zinc. The highest recorded auction price is $1,380 for a perfect PR70 DCAM specimen sold on September 17, 2002 at Heritage Auctions.

Since 1968, all U.S. proof coins have been produced exclusively at San Francisco, which is why every proof penny from this era carries the coveted “S” mint mark. Each 1989-S proof was struck multiple times using specially polished dies and planchets, then sealed in protective plastic cases etched with “United States Mint Proof Set” — this represented the 22nd consecutive year of proof penny production at the San Francisco Mint.

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — it refers to proof coins that show a dramatic contrast between frosty, textured portrait devices (Lincoln’s bust, the Memorial) and deeply mirrored background fields. CAM (Cameo) designations indicate lighter contrast and are less valuable. Always look for DCAM when buying 1989-S proof cents for maximum collectible appeal.

Auction records show the consistent performance of 1989-S DCAM Penny examples across major sales venues.

Market Activity data reveals a fascinating spike in March 2025 when trend data more than doubled to over 40, followed by renewed vigor in July-August 2025 near 40 — savvy collectors might consider timing their purchases during quieter months when competition is less intense.

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

 

Rare 1989 Penny Error List

Despite being a modern coin struck by the tens of billions, the 1989 penny comes with a surprisingly rich error and variety landscape. Here are the most important ones to look for.

1. Off-Center Strike

This error happens when a planchet is improperly positioned under the die at the moment of striking, producing a shifted design. The offset is measured as a percentage of the total design area that has been displaced.

Coins with 3–5% off-center are the cheapest, typically worth a few dollars. The collector sweet spot is 45–65% off-center with the date still fully visible — these range from $75 to $200. Dramatic examples with 75–80% displacement and a visible date can reach $150–$300 at specialized error coin auctions. Any off-center coin where the date is missing drops significantly in value, usually fetching only $10–$30 regardless of displacement.

2. Struck on a Dime Planchet

Sometimes a dime planchet accidentally entered the penny production press, creating a coin that looks strange immediately on inspection. These wrong-planchet errors weigh only 2.268 grams (vs. the normal 2.5 grams) and measure 17.91 mm in diameter (vs. 19.05 mm for a normal penny).

The smaller planchet means design elements are incomplete, with inscriptions cut off at the edges. The silver-colored clad composition makes these instantly recognizable among copper-toned pennies. A 1989 penny struck on a dime planchet graded MS66 has sold for $998 at auction, with typical examples ranging from $300 to $1,500 depending on planchet type and condition.

3. Struck on a Copper (Bronze) Planchet

This is the most valuable 1989 error — a Denver cent struck on a leftover pre-1983 bronze planchet. These coins weigh approximately 3.1 grams instead of the standard 2.5 grams, making a precise digital scale the most reliable identification tool.

The color difference is also visible: copper planchet errors have a richer, deeper orange-brown tone than standard zinc-core cents. A sound test can help too — copper pennies ring with a higher pitch when dropped on a hard surface, while zinc pennies produce a duller sound. Verified examples range from $3,525 (Stack’s Bowers, 2016) to $7,500 (2018, MS65 grade). Only a handful are confirmed to exist.

4. Wide AM Variety

This is a significant variety not covered in many older guides. The 1989-D Wide AM occurs when a proof reverse die — which features wider spacing between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA — was accidentally used to strike regular circulation coins instead of the intended Close AM business-strike die.

To identify it, examine the word AMERICA on the reverse under 10x magnification. On a normal 1989 penny, the bases of the A and M nearly touch. On the Wide AM variety, there is clear daylight between them. Genuine doubled dies show crisp, well-defined doubling, while worthless “machine doubling” looks flat and shelf-like. Wide AM varieties for this era can command strong premiums depending on condition.

5. Doubled Die Obverse or Reverse (DDO / DDR)

A Doubled Die error happens during the die-manufacturing process when design elements are impressed twice at slightly different positions, creating duplicated images on the struck coin. Doubling can appear on the date, letters like LIBERTY or IN GOD WE TRUST, or Lincoln’s portrait details.

A DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) affects the front of the coin; a DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) affects the back. Subtle doubling may add $10–$50, while prominent examples with strong, clearly separated doubling can command significantly more. Always compare under magnification against verified reference images to distinguish a true doubled die from post-mint damage.

6. Fold-Over Strike

These deformed pennies occurred when a planchet was positioned in an unusual orientation, causing the coin to bend or fold during the striking process. The result is a dramatically distorted coin that bends back on itself.

These are relatively rare and attract serious error coin collectors. Prices range from $960 to over $1,200 depending on the severity of the fold and the coin’s overall grade.

7. Improper Annealing

The annealing process involves repeatedly heating and cooling planchets to make them appropriately malleable for striking. When this process was performed incorrectly at the Denver Mint in 1989, the produced pennies showed partial discoloration — unusual dark or streaky patches on the surface that standard coins do not have.

These improperly annealed cents are worth more than standard examples due to their unusual appearance, though values depend heavily on the extent and distinctiveness of the discoloration.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1989 Penny?

Whether you’ve found a copper planchet error worth thousands or a pristine high-grade specimen hiding in pocket change, the 1989 penny proves that even modern coins struck by the billions can become genuine numismatic treasures. Value isn’t always about age — it’s about recognizing the exceptional within the ordinary.

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

 

1989 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1989 Penny Value

1. What is the most valuable 1989 penny ever sold?

The highest known sale for a 1989 penny is $8,400, achieved by a 1989-D MS69 Red specimen at Heritage Auctions in July 2025. PCGS had graded only four coins in that top grade for the Denver mint, making this a condition rarity of the highest order despite the massive original mintage of over 5.3 billion coins.

2. How do I know if my 1989 penny is copper or zinc?

Weigh your coin on a precise digital scale. A standard 1989 zinc-core penny weighs exactly 2.5 grams. If your coin weighs approximately 3.1 grams, you likely have the extremely rare copper (bronze) planchet error from the Denver Mint. You can also drop the coin on a hard surface — copper produces a higher-pitched ring, while zinc produces a duller sound. Always confirm with an accurate weight measurement before drawing conclusions.

3. What does DCAM mean on a 1989-S penny?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo. It describes proof coins — like the 1989-S — that display a strong contrast between frosty, textured raised design elements (Lincoln’s portrait, the Memorial) and deeply mirrored, glass-like background fields. DCAM is the most desirable and valuable designation for proof coins. A lighter version of this effect is called CAM (Cameo). Standard proof coins without either designation have mirror fields but little or no frosting on devices.

4. What is the 1989 Wide AM penny and how do I spot it?

The 1989-D Wide AM is a variety caused by a proof reverse die being accidentally used to strike regular business-strike coins. On a normal 1989 penny, the letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA nearly touch at their bases — this is called Close AM. On the Wide AM variety, visible daylight separates the two letters. Use a jeweler’s loupe at 10x magnification and compare to verified reference photos online. This variety is actively sought by Lincoln cent variety collectors and can command a meaningful premium in higher grades.

5. Which 1989 penny is worth the most money among common grades?

Among non-error examples, the 1989-D in MS69 Red is the ultimate prize, with only four PCGS-graded specimens at that level. For more accessible collecting, both the 1989 Philadelphia and 1989-D Denver cents become meaningfully valuable at MS67 Red and above. The 1989-S PR70 DCAM (graded PR70 — essentially perfect) has sold for $1,380 and represents the top of the proof series for this year.

6. Are all 1989 pennies made of zinc?

Nearly all of them are. Since mid-1982, U.S. pennies have been made of a zinc core (97.5%) with a thin copper plating (2.5%). The 1989-D copper planchet error is a rare exception — a tiny number of leftover pre-1983 bronze planchets accidentally entered the Denver Mint’s production line seven years after the composition change. These are extremely rare and worth $3,500 to $7,500 depending on grade.

7. What does the color designation RD, RB, or BN mean for 1989 penny values?

When PCGS or NGC grades a copper-plated zinc cent, they assign a color designation based on how much original red mint luster survives. RD (Red) means 95% or more of the original surface color remains — the most valuable. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–94% original color — moderate value. BN (Brown) means less than 5% original color — lowest value. A coin’s grade alone doesn’t tell the full story: a 1989-D MS65 BN is worth far less than a 1989-D MS65 RD. Always prioritize red examples for investment purposes.

8. How many 1989-S proof pennies were made and how many survive today?

The San Francisco Mint produced exactly 3,220,194 proof pennies in 1989. Because these were intentionally made for collectors and carefully preserved in sealed proof sets, an estimated 85.5% of them still exist — roughly 2.75 million surviving examples. This high survival rate makes the 1989-S widely available in most proof grades, though perfect PR70 DCAM examples remain scarce and command the strongest premiums.

9. Can I find valuable 1989 pennies in pocket change?

It is unlikely but not impossible. Most 1989 pennies you’ll encounter in circulation are heavily worn and worth only face value. However, coins pulled from rolls at the bank or found in lightly circulated condition could still grade MS63–MS65 RD, worth a few dollars. Error coins like off-center strikes occasionally turn up in circulation. The copper planchet error and Wide AM variety are essentially impossible to find accidentally — they require deliberate searching with a scale and magnifying glass.

10. What is the 1989 penny’s melt value?

The melt value of a 1989 copper-plated zinc penny is approximately $0.0079 to $0.0089 — well under one cent. Unlike pre-1982 copper pennies (which contain about 2 cents’ worth of copper), the zinc core of post-1982 cents means the metal value is essentially zero above face value. Never melt legal tender U.S. coins, as it is illegal under U.S. law. The numismatic (collector) value of high-grade or error 1989 pennies always vastly exceeds any possible melt value.