1959 Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1959 Lincoln Cent is a landmark issue in American numismatics, marking the transition from the Wheat Ears reverse to Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial design. This change commemorated the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 50th anniversary of the penny's initial 1909 release.

What Is 1959 Lincoln Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1959 Lincoln Cent is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original 'Red' (RD) mint luster significantly increases value over brown, circulated coins.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of contact marks or scratches on the Memorial steps.
• The specific mint of origin, though both Philadelphia and Denver produced high volumes in 1959.
• The presence of rare mint errors, such as the highly sought-after 1959-D 'Mule' cent featuring a Wheat reverse.

How to Identify 1959 Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the 1959 date on the obverse alongside Victor David Brenner's original bust of Lincoln.
• Check the reverse for the iconic Lincoln Memorial building, which replaced the previous 'Wheat' stalks.
• Confirm the bronze composition, as these coins were struck in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
• Look for the 'D' mint mark below the date for Denver strikes or no mint mark for Philadelphia issues.

History of 1959 Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln cent, originally designed by Victor David Brenner, was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 1959 issue is notable as it marked a significant design change: the reverse was updated from the Wheat Ears design to the Lincoln Memorial design, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and 50 years of the Lincoln cent. This new reverse was designed by Frank Gasparro. The change was implemented to modernize the coin's appearance and to honor one of America's most revered presidents with an iconic national monument.