1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent Value Guide

The 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent is a staple of modern American numismatics, representing one of the final years of the high-copper alloy composition before the transition to zinc. Struck at the Denver Mint with a massive mintage exceeding 4 billion, it remains highly collectible in high-grade Mint State conditions or when featuring rare production errors.

What affects the value of 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Numerical grade from services like PCGS or NGC, with MS-67 or higher examples commanding significant premiums.
• The presence of original 'Red' (RD) luster versus 'Red-Brown' (RB) or 'Brown' (BN) environmental toning.
• Specific minting errors such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, or significant die cracks.
• Overall surface preservation, specifically the absence of carbon spots or contact marks from high-volume production bags.

How to Identify 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent?

• Locate the small 'D' mint mark positioned directly below the date on the obverse side.
• Verify the composition is 95% copper and 5% zinc, which distinguishes it from later 1982-1983 zinc-core issues.
• Check for the designer initials 'VDB' at the base of Lincoln's shoulder and 'FG' near the Memorial building on the reverse.
• Look for sharp details on the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial, which indicate a strong strike from the Denver dies.

History of 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent

Designed by Victor David Brenner for the obverse and Frank Gasparro for the reverse, the Lincoln Memorial Cent replaced the Wheat Penny in 1959. In 1979, the Denver Mint produced over 4 billion of these coins. While common in circulation, high-grade specimens and coins with specific minting errors attract collector interest.