1979 Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1979 Lincoln Cent is a significant piece of American numismatic history, representing one of the final years the penny was struck with a high copper content before the 1982 transition to zinc. Collectors prize this year for its classic Lincoln Memorial reverse design and the historical legacy of being the first U.S. coin series to feature a real historical figure.

What affects the value of 1979 Lincoln Cent?

• The presence of a 'S' mint mark indicating a Proof strike intended for collectors rather than circulation.
• The overall strike quality and preservation of the original red copper luster versus brown oxidation.
• Specific minting errors such as double dies or off-center strikes which can increase value beyond the standard $0.05.
• The coin's grade on the Sheldon scale, with uncirculated specimens fetching the highest premiums.

How to Identify 1979 Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the 1979 date located on the right side of the obverse profile of Abraham Lincoln.
• Check for the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below the date, or the absence of a mark indicating the Philadelphia mint.
• Confirm the composition is 95% copper and 5% zinc, which gives the coin a distinct weight of 3.11 grams.
• Inspect the reverse for the detailed Lincoln Memorial design, which was the standard from 1959 through 2008.

History of 1979 Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The reverse design, initially featuring two wheat stalks, was changed in 1959 to depict the Lincoln Memorial and in 2010 to a Union Shield. The coin's composition has also changed over time, from predominantly copper to a copper-plated zinc core in 1982.