Are you a coin collector looking to expand your collection? Or perhaps you’ve found a vintage penny and are curious about its value. Then take a look at the 1959 penny. Given its distinctive appearance and historical significance, it is understandable that people are always interested in its value.
The fascinating history and significance of the 1959 penny will be examined in this article, from its design to its scarcity and market demand. Join us as we explore the world of antique coin collecting and learn the mysteries of the 1959 penny, whether you’re an expert collector or new in the coin world.
1959 Penny Details
- Denomination: 1 cent
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Minted in: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco
- Total mintage: 1,672,670,000 (Philadelphia), 800,953,300 (Denver), 657,796,796 (San Francisco)
For many coin collectors, the 1959 penny has a particular place in their hearts. With a weight of 3.11 grams and a diameter of 19.05 mm, this modest one-cent coin is distinctive in its make-up. It is a coin that is both attractive and useful. It is made of 95% copper, with the remaining 5% consisting of tin and zinc.
The 1959 penny has a traditional and timeless appearance due to its simple edge. Frank Gasparro, who was renowned for his talent for creating exquisite and intricate designs, created it. The 1959 penny is a great collector’s item because to Gasparro’s design work, which shows evidence of his talent as a designer.
Philadelphia produced 1,672,670,000 1959 pennies, Denver produced 800,953,300, and San Francisco produced 657,796,796. The 1959 penny was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Despite having a large total mintage, this coin is nevertheless in high demand because of its historical significance and exquisite design.
1959 Penny Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1959 No Mint Mark Penny Value | $0.01 | $0.03 | $0.10 | $0.25 |
| 1959 Denver Mint Mark Penny Value | $0.01 | $0.02 | $0.05 | $0.20 |
1959 Penny Value and Varieties Guides
1959 No Mint Mark Penny Value
- Type: Penny
- Mark Category: No mint mark
- Materials: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark: None
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Year of Minting: 1959
- Face Value: 1 cent
- Price: $0.01 to $0.25 depending on condition
- Quantity: 609,715,000 minted
- Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
The 1959 San Francisco Mint Mark Penny is a highly sought-after coin for collectors due to its rarity. Minted in San Francisco, California, in 1959, this has a face value of just one cent, this penny may seem like an insignificant piece of currency. The 1959 penny without a mint mark is not very rare, given the fact that over 609,715,000 of them were made.
The obverse of the 1959 cent without a mint mark depicts a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with the words “In God We Trust” above him and the date below. The Lincoln Monument is shown on the coin’s reverse, which is also inscribed with the words “United States of America” and “One Cent.”
The most desirable 1959 no-mint mark pennies are found in good condition with little to no wear or damage, which can go up to $0.25, and even more in very rare condition. There have been some notable transactions of 1959 pennies without the mint mark in the past. For instance, a 1959 penny with no mint mark that PCGS rated as “Proof-67+ Red Cameo” in 2018 was auctioned off for $2,400.
Beyond its value, this penny is a fascinating piece of American history.
1959 Denver Mint Mark Penny Value
- Type: Penny
- Mark Category: Denver Mint Mark
- Materials: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark: D
- Place of Minting: Denver, Colorado, United States
- Year of Minting: 1959
- Face Value: 1 cent
- Price: $0.01 to $0.20 depending on the condition
- Quantity: 1,279,760,000 minted
- Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
The 1959 Denver Mint Mark Penny is a true treasure for many. This penny was struck in Denver, Colorado, in 1959, and it features the recognizable “D” mint mark.
Its face value is just one cent, and there are 1,279,760,000 of them in circulation. The value of a 1959 Denver Mint Mark Penny can range from $0.01 to $0.20, depending on its condition. Given that more than 1 billion of the 1959-D pennies were minted, they are not typically seen as rare coins.
There are a few exceptions, such as coins with unusual eros or that are in exceptionally good condition, that can get really expensive. As an example, a 1959-D Lincoln cent with a doubled die obverse (DDO) defect may be worth several thousand dollars.
This coin, created by renowned artist Frank Gasparro, is priceless and lovely. Intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail were trademarks of Gasparro, and this is seen in his design of the 1959 Denver Mint Mark Penny.
Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)
1959 Penny History
The 1959 penny was the final one to be manufactured of pure copper, signaling the end of an era. A blend of copper and zinc was added to the formula the following year, in 1960.
Prior to 1959, 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc were the main elements of coins.
The penny’s distinctive reddish-brown color comes from this composition, which has made it a popular coin among coin collectors. The United States Mint discovered that it was becoming too expensive to create the penny, though, as the price of copper started to rise.
The United States Mint made the decision in 1959 to modify the penny’s composition from 90% copper to 5% zinc. The penny’s production cost was reduced thanks to its improved composition, which also gave it a slightly paler hue than its forerunner. Despite this modification, the 1959 penny is a favorite among coin collectors partly because of its historical relevance.
About a billion coins were created for the 1959 penny in both Philadelphia and Denver, resulting in a high production rate. The Lincoln Monument may be seen on the reverse as well as the well-known portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. Frank Gasparro, who later designed the Eisenhower dollar and the Kennedy half-dollar, was the designer of the coin.
The 1959 penny is not often regarded as high-value because it is a very common coin. However, some outstanding 1959 pennies, particularly ones with unique qualities and rare errors, have sold for large sums at auction, up to $2,400.
With the introduction of the penny in 1959, a new era in the history of American coinage came to an end and a new one began. It is a well-liked coin that many collectors value because of its historical relevance as well as how readily available and inexpensive it is.
1959 Penny Grading
Coin collectors grade 1959 pennies in order to ascertain their general condition and value. The process of grading entails carefully examining the coin’s surface, texture, and other physical characteristics before assigning it a grade using a set scale.
A 1959 penny would be given a higher grade and hence attract a greater price than a penny that has been in circulation and has wear and tear. An uncirculated condition is defined as having never been used as money and having no evidence of wear.
If you would like to watch a video explanation of the grading of one 1959 penny, you can check out this video.
List of 1959 Penny Errors
Die clash error
When the design of the coin is imprinted onto the die, a faint impression of the design from the other side of the die will show on the coin’s surface. As a result, a ghostly picture can appear on the coin, which coin collectors might find intriguing and desired. Die clash errors can be brought on by a number of things, such as incorrect die alignment or a manufacturing defect. Die clash mistakes can give a coin personality and make it more appealing to collectors, but the degree of the mistake can also affect the coin’s value.
Off-center strike error
The design on the coin appears misaligned or unevenly scattered throughout the surface due to the coin being struck off-center. Off-center strike mistakes can range in severity from small alignment issues to serious mistakes that leave a significant area of the design blank. Off-center strike mistakes can give coins more personality and appeal to collectors, but the severity of the error can also affect how much the coin is worth.
Repunched mintmark error
This kind of mistake occurs when the coin’s mintmark is struck twice or three times, leaving a double or triple impression. Collectors may like the fuzzy or illegible appearance that this might give the mintmark. Repunched mintmark problems can result from a number of things, including a die alignment issue or a manufacturing error. Since repunched mintmark faults are uncommon and highly prized by collectors, they can significantly raise a coin’s value.
Lamination error
A lamination mistake happens when a tiny layer of metal on the coin’s surface separates from the remainder of the coin. This kind of mistake may cause the coin’s surface to peel or flake, which will lower the coin’s value.
Many things, including metal impurities or issues with the striking process, might result in lamination mistakes. Lamination flaws can give a coin personality and make it more fascinating for collectors, but the degree of the flaw can also affect the coin’s value.
Cud error
When a piece of the die breaks off and leaves a raised spot or blob on the coin’s surface, this is known as a cud mistake. It’s possible for this kind of inaccuracy to be uncommon and highly prized by collectors. Cud mistakes can be brought on by a number of things, including issues with the striking process or the age of the die.
1959 Penny FAQ
How do I know if my 1959 penny is rare?
A 1959 penny’s rarity will be determined by a number of elements, including the coin’s condition and any unique mint marks. Although 1950s pennies are not regarded as very rare in general, some faults or variants can make them more valuable to collectors.
Rare 1959 penny errors include large date/small date variants, repunched mint markings, and double die errors. If you’re unsure whether your 1959 penny is uncommon, you might choose to speak with a qualified coin assessor or search for coins that are similar to yours that have already sold at auction to get a better understanding of their potential value.
What is the 1959 D penny error?
The Denver, Colorado mint produced the Lincoln cent known as the 1959 D penny. The 1959 D penny has a few minor flaws that collectors could be interested in, such as tiny die chips or repunched mint markings, despite the fact that there were no significant flaws or variants.
How much is a 1959 D penny error worth?
The precise defect or variation and the coin’s condition will determine the value of a 1959 D cent error. Major faults like a double die or repunched mint mark may be valued substantially more to collectors than minor flaws or variants, which may only be worth a few dollars. Like with any collectible, rarity and condition are important determinants of price.
How much copper is in a 1959 penny?
The composition of a 1959 coin is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. A 1959 penny actually contains 3.11 grams (or 0.11 ounces) of copper, which is equal to 2.83 grams of pure copper. Even while a 1959 penny’s copper has some intrinsic value, the coin’s value as a collectible is often significantly larger than its metal value.