2019 Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S”, “W” & No Mint Mark Worth)

While most 2019 pennies trade at face value, the 2019 year marked a historic milestone that savvy collectors recognized immediately—the debut of the first-ever West Point minted Lincoln cents bearing the “W” mintmark. These special 2019-W pennies were distributed exclusively through U.S. Mint sets, creating immediate scarcity compared to the billions of regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver.

Beyond the groundbreaking West Point issue, 2019 pennies encompass multiple varieties across four different mints, each with distinct characteristics and collecting appeal. Different versions have different values, with regular Philadelphia and Denver coins ranging from $0.14 to $10.04 in top condition, while the coveted West Point specimens command $14.59 in Mint State and reach $18.00 for the reverse proof variety.

From common circulation finds to premium proof specimens, understanding which 2019 pennies hold value above face value requires knowing exactly what to look for. Let’s explore the hidden treasures that could be sitting in your pocket change.

 

2019 Penny Value By Variety

The 2019 penny series showcases significant value differences across mintage and quality, as shown in the chart below. 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 6 Most Valuable 2019 Penny Worth Money

The Most Valuable 2019 Penny Chart reveals the dramatic impact of condition and mintmark on modern Lincoln cent values.

Leading the rankings is the 2019-W Shield RD 70, commanding an impressive $3,606 and demonstrating how West Point’s inaugural penny production created immediate numismatic significance. This perfect MS70 Red designation represents the pinnacle of preservation, with full original copper color and flawless surfaces.

The Philadelphia specimens show remarkable strength, with a 2019 Shield RD 69 reaching $2,575, proving that even circulation strikes can achieve substantial premiums in exceptional condition. Denver Mint examples also perform well, with the 2019-D Shield RD 69 fetching $1,400.

Specialized finishes demonstrate their own market dynamics. The 2019-W Shield DCAM 70 proof achieved $467, reflecting collector appreciation for these innovative minting techniques.

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

 

History of the 2019 Penny

The 2019 penny marked a watershed moment in American numismatics when the United States Mint celebrated the 110th anniversary of the Lincoln cent series. The U.S. Mint made history in 2019 by announcing that special Lincoln cents would be issued to honor this significant anniversary.

The defining achievement of 2019 came with the West Point Mint’s unprecedented production of Lincoln cents, marking the first time that facility had ever struck a 1-cent coin. These special edition pennies were created with three distinct finishes—proof, reverse proof, and uncirculated—each featuring a unique finish that corresponded to the specific annual set it accompanied.

Besides, the 2019-W cents were released exclusively through the Mint’s annual collector sets and were never available individually from the Mint.

Beyond the groundbreaking West Point issues, 2019 pennies continued the Union Shield reverse design introduced in 2010. The year’s production encompassed four mint facilities, with Philadelphia and Denver producing billions of circulation strikes while San Francisco and West Point created premium collector specimens with limited mintages. This multi-facility approach established 2019 as a pivotal year that bridged traditional penny production with innovative numismatic commemorative offerings.

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

 

Is Your 2019 Penny Rare?

Verify the complete rarity profile for any 2019 penny variety in your collection through our CoinValueChecker App comprehensive assessment tools.

 

Key Features of the 2019 Penny

Let’s examine these obverse and reverse characteristics that help collectors distinguish between circulation strikes and the coveted West Point commemorative varieties that marked this historic anniversary year.

The Obverse Of The 2019 Penny

The obverse showcases Victor David Brenner’s iconic left-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln that has remained virtually unchanged since 1909, making it the longest-running design in U.S. Mint history.

The inscription “LIBERTY” appears along the left rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves around the upper portion above Lincoln’s head. The year “2019” is positioned on the right side, with the mintmark appearing directly below the date.

The Reverse of The 2019 Penny

The reverse features Lyndall Bass’s Union Shield design, introduced in 2010, which depicts a shield with 13 vertical stripes representing the original states unified under the federal government’s horizontal bar above.

The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears on the horizontal bar, meaning “out of many, one,” while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the upper rim. A decorative scroll drapes across the shield bearing the denomination “ONE CENT”. The design symbolizes Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single, unified country during the Civil War era.

Designer initials “LB” for Lyndall Bass and sculptor Joseph Menna’s “JFM” appear on the scroll ends, completing this emblematic representation of American unity.

Other Features of the 2019 Penny

The 2019 penny maintains standard specifications with a 19.05-millimeter diameter and 2.50-gram weight. The composition consists of copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), continuing the formula adopted in 1982.

All 2019 pennies feature a plain edge design typical of modern Lincoln cents, allowing the focus to remain on the coin’s commemorative significance and varied mintmark designations across the four producing facilities.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2019 Penny Value 

Color designation determines much of your 2019 penny’s collector value. Red specimens retaining original mint brilliance command substantial premiums over red-brown or brown examples, yet distinguishing these categories accurately requires trained evaluation. The 2019-W varieties add complexity with their specialized proof and reverse proof finishes that differ markedly from standard strikes.

Contact marks on Lincoln’s facial features and overall luster quality further influence grading, with premium mint state examples showing minimal imperfections. These combined factors create valuation ranges that vary significantly based on precise condition assessment.

For instant grade assessment of your 2019 pennies, use our CoinValueChecker App to quickly evaluate condition and potential value without the guesswork.

 

2019 Penny Value Guides

The 2019 penny series encompasses six distinct varieties that marked a watershed moment in Lincoln cent history, celebrating the 110th anniversary with unprecedented production diversity.

Unlike typical years with standard circulation and proof offerings, 2019 introduced the historic West Point facility as a penny producer for the first time, creating multiple specialized finishes alongside traditional Philadelphia and Denver strikes. The West Point varieties alone represent three different finishes—uncirculated, standard proof, and innovative reverse proof—while San Francisco contributed Deep Cameo proofs and the two major mints produced billions of circulation pieces.

2019 Penny Types:

• 2019 No Mint Mark Shield Penny (Philadelphia)
• 2019-D Shield Penny (Denver)
• 2019-W Shield Penny (West Point）
• 2019-W Reverse Proof Shield Penny (West Point)
• 2019-W DCAM Shield Penny (West Point)
• 2019-S DCAM Shield Penny (San Francisco)

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

 

2019 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

The 2019 Shield Penny from Philadelphia represents the most common variety of the commemorative year, with a massive mintage of over 3.5 billion pieces produced for general circulation.

Market data from recent years shows the dramatic impact of condition on pricing. Circulated examples remain at face value, while uncirculated specimens in typical MS63-65 grades trade for modest premiums of 10-30 cents.

According to auction records, top-tier examples demonstrate substantial collector demand. MS69 Red specimens have achieved realized prices approaching $2,500-$2,600, while perfect MS70 examples represent the pinnacle of preservation. The emphasis on Red (RD) color designation proves critical, as these coins retain at least 95% of their original mint color compared to Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) alternatives.

Market engagement remains steady with consistent activity patterns reflecting ongoing collector interest in high-grade specimens.

 

2019-D Shield Penny Value

The 2019-D Shield Penny represents Denver Mint’s contribution to the commemorative 110th anniversary year, distinguished by the prominent “D” mintmark positioned below the date on Lincoln’s chest. With a production total of 3,497,600,000 pieces, Denver actually struck slightly fewer cents, creating a minor production advantage.

Denver’s Lincoln cent production has historically faced quality challenges, with industry observations noting that many Denver examples “didn’t produce the best quality strikes” and “haven’t aged gracefully” compared to Philadelphia counterparts. This striking disparity becomes particularly evident in high mint state grades, where Denver pennies often exhibit weaker details and less consistent preservation.

Current market data reflects this condition sensitivity dramatically. While circulated 2019-D pennies trade at face value, uncirculated specimens in typical grades bring modest premiums of 10-30 cents. However, the grade ladder shows exponential jumps—MS67 Red examples can reach $30, while exceptional MS69 Red specimens have achieved $1,400 at auction according to recent market activity.

Therefore, the emphasis on full Red (RD) color designation proves crucial for Denver cents, as the facility’s production characteristics make pristine copper preservation particularly challenging. Brown (BN) examples command significantly lower premiums, reinforcing the importance of original mint color retention for serious collector value.

Professional auction records reveal the dramatic premium structure that rewards exceptional preservation.

Market activity shows consistent collector particular emphasis on superior striking quality and color retention.

 

2019-W Shield Penny Value

The “W” mintmark identifying West Point production appears in the traditional location directly below the date “2019” on the obverse, positioned between Lincoln’s chest and the coin’s rim. This placement follows the established mintmark convention used since 1909, making identification straightforward for collectors. The “W” itself represents the West Point Mint facility in New York, historically known as the “Fort Knox of Silver” due to its precious metal storage capabilities.

This uncirculated variety was distributed exclusively through 2019 Uncirculated Mint Sets, packaged separately in clear U.S. Mint plastic wrapping alongside the standard 20-coin collection. The satin finish distinguishes these coins from both circulation strikes and proof specimens, creating a unique middle ground that appeals to collectors seeking premium quality without proof pricing. Never released into general circulation, these coins maintain their pristine condition and commemorative significance.

Auction records demonstrate the immediate market recognition this historic variety achieved. A grade MS70 Red example reached $3,606 in June 2019, establishing the benchmark for almost absolute perfection in this inaugural West Point cent. Lower grades maintain solid collector interest, with baseline estimates suggesting uncirculated specimens trade for $12 or more in typical mint state conditions.

Certified auction results showcase the immediate market recognition this milestone variety achieved.

Collector enthusiasm remains high with market action reflecting sustained appreciation for this numismatic landmark.

 

2019-W Reverse Proof Shield Penny Value

The 2019-W Reverse Proof represents the U.S. Mint’s most innovative striking technique of the commemorative year, featuring frosted background fields contrasted against mirror-like design elements—the complete opposite of traditional proof finishes. This groundbreaking approach created a visual effect resembling a photographic negative, where Lincoln’s portrait and the Union Shield details gleam with brilliant reflectivity against textured surfaces.

According to official production data, the reverse proof carried a mintage of 412,708 specimens. Besides, distribution occurred exclusively through 2019 Silver Proof Sets, where each reverse proof penny was individually packaged in separate U.S. Mint plastic wrapping alongside the standard 10-coin silver proof collection.

Market recognition developed quickly as collectors appreciated both the innovative finish and historical significance. Professional grading services have documented consistent premium performance. Current baseline estimates suggest typical examples PR68 value $18, while exceptional preservation commands substantially higher premiums.

Market activity reflects steady demand from proof collectors who value both traditional quality and commemorative importance.

 

2019-W DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2019-W Deep Cameo proof penny represents West Point’s mastery of traditional proof striking techniques. The DCAM designation signifies frosted design elements against deeply mirrored fields, creating a dramatic visual effect.

Rarity analysis reveals the 2019-W DCAM as the most accessible West Point penny variety, distributed through standard proof sets rather than limited silver sets. The production volume exceeded other West Point varieties due to broader proof set sales, creating moderate scarcity compared to circulation strikes.

Meanwhile, market trends demonstrate steady collector demand driven by the historic “first West Point penny” narrative. Early 2019 pricing established premium levels when perfect examples reached $467 according to PCGS auction records.

Auction venues have consistently recognized the unique appeal and technical achievement this finish represents.

Market patterns show strong collector interest in this distinctive and historically significant proof innovation.

 

2019-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2019-S DCAM Shield Penny carries the prestigious San Francisco Mint designation, identified by the “S” mintmark positioned below the date on Lincoln’s chest. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates frosted design elements contrasting against deeply mirrored fields, creating dramatic visual appeal that distinguishes these coins from circulation strikes.

San Francisco Mint struck 1,689,216 proof specimens of the 2019-S Lincoln Shield Cent, distributed exclusively through 14-coin proof sets. This controlled production approach ensures superior preservation compared to circulation strikes, as each coin undergoes careful handling throughout the manufacturing and packaging process.

Current market data shows the estimated value of 2019-S Lincoln Shield Penny proof coins is worth $4 or more, with premium examples commanding higher prices based on grade and preservation. Recent auction activity includes a specimen that sold for $273 in 2025, demonstrating steady collector interest in these proof coins.

Market dynamics show reliable collector engagement with proof specimens demonstrating exceptional visual contrast.

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

 

Rare 2019 Penny Error List

Despite their massive production numbers, 2019 pennies contain several valuable error varieties that can transform ordinary pocket change into significant collectible treasures for discerning collectors.

1.  Doubled Die Errors

Doubled die errors represent one of the most sought-after varieties in 2019 Lincoln penny collecting, occurring when the die strikes the planchet twice at slightly different angles.

In 2019 pennies, doubling most commonly appears on Lincoln’s bowtie, head, and face as well as on the words and year date on the obverse, with doubling also occurring on the reverse, mostly on the words and less on any of the shield’s elements.

The formation process involves the hubbing mechanism that creates the die—when the hub strikes the die multiple times in slightly different positions, it creates the characteristic doubled appearance. Values range from $50 to $100 depending on the intensity of the doubling, with stronger doubling commanding higher premiums.

2. Strike-Through Errors

Strike-through errors occur when foreign objects—including dust particles, debris, strings, wood fragments, or grease—come between the die and planchet during striking, leaving their impression on the coin’s surface.

These foreign objects typically fall off the planchet but leave behind distinctive impressions, with value depending on factors such as positioning, size, uniqueness, and quantity of the struck-through elements.

The most common type of strike-through error seen on 2019 Lincoln pennies appears on the BU letters on the reverse, with specimens selling for $5 in circulated condition and up to $30 for mint state examples.

3. Off-Center Strikes Errors

Off-center errors occur when the design is struck away from center and more toward the edge of the coin, with value depending on how far off from center the design is struck—the greater the percentage, the more valuable the coin.

On some 2019 Lincoln pennies, the shield on the reverse is struck slightly off-center, often showing a broad struck error whereby the coin’s diameter appears enlarged on one side, with values ranging from $18 for circulated specimens to $40 for uncirculated examples. This error occurs when the planchet is positioned incorrectly within the collar during striking.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 2019 Penny?

With comprehensive knowledge about 2019 penny varieties and their market potential, it’s time to capitalize on your discoveries by exploring the most effective platforms where collectors successfully monetize their Lincoln cent investments, from local coin shops to specialized online auction houses.

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

 

2019 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2019 Penny

1. What Makes A 2019 Penny Valuable?

The value of a 2019 penny depends primarily on its mintmark, condition, and color designation. West Point “W” mintmark specimens are the most valuable due to their historic status as the first Lincoln cents ever struck at that facility, with perfect MS70 Red examples reaching over $3,600. Regular Philadelphia and Denver circulation strikes gain value primarily through exceptional preservation and high grades.

2. How Can I Tell Which Mint Produced My 2019 Penny?

Look directly below the date “2019” on the obverse (heads side) of the coin. If there’s no mintmark, it was struck at Philadelphia. A small “D” indicates Denver Mint production. An “S” shows San Francisco proof coins, while the coveted “W” identifies the historic West Point specimens. The mintmark location has remained consistent since the Lincoln cent’s 1909 debut.

3. Are 2019-W Pennies Found In Circulation?

No, 2019-W Lincoln cents were never released into general circulation. These special commemorative coins were exclusively included as premium items in the U.S. Mint’s annual collector sets—proof sets, silver proof sets, and uncirculated sets. Each was individually packaged and shipped with the respective sets, making them available only to collectors who purchased these premium products.