6 Proven Strategies To Value Your 1959 Penny

If you've found a 1959 penny in your collection or perhaps in a box of old coins you've inherited, you might be curious about its potential worth. While most pennies from this era are not exceedingly valuable due to their abundance, there are specific attributes and circumstances that can significantly increase a 1959 penny's value. Here are six strategies to help you determine just how much your 1959 penny might be worth.

1. Check the Condition

The condition of a coin plays a pivotal role in its valuation. Here's what you need to consider:

• Mint State (MS): Pennies in this condition look almost brand new, with no wear, but might have slight discoloration or tarnishing.

• About Uncirculated (AU): Very minor wear might be visible on high points but retains most of its original detail.

• Extremely Fine (EF or XF): Slight wear on high points but overall good detail retention.

• Very Fine (VF): More wear, with design details becoming less defined.

• Fine (F): A significant amount of wear where major design elements remain, but details are worn down.

• Poor (PO): Very heavy wear where even the date might be hard to read.

Example: A 1959 penny in Poor condition might fetch just a few cents, whereas the same coin in Mint State could be worth significantly more.

<p class="pro-note">🪙 Pro Tip: Invest in a coin magnifier to accurately assess the condition of your penny.</p>

2. Look for Errors

Coins with minting errors often fetch much higher prices due to their rarity. Here are some errors to look for in a 1959 penny:

• Double Die: The design elements appear doubled.

• Off-Center: The design is not centered on the coin, part of it might be missing.

• Planchet Errors: Issues with the coin blank, like clipped planchets or laminations.

• Die Breaks: Raised lines or "spikes" on the coin due to breaks in the die.

Scenario: If you find a 1959 penny with a notable error like a double die, it could be worth upwards of $100 in excellent condition.

3. Rarity and Varieties

Specific varieties or rarities can greatly increase the value of your 1959 penny:

• 1959-D and 1959-S: The Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints produced fewer pennies than Philadelphia (no mint mark).

• 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent: This was the second year of issue for the Memorial reverse design, making it slightly less common than its predecessors.

Example: A 1959-D penny in MS65 condition might be worth around $20.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Always check for mint marks, which are small letters found near the date indicating the mint that produced the coin.</p>

4. Color and Toning

Pennies can come in different colors due to the copper content, with collectors often seeking specific colorations:

• Red: Bright, untarnished copper color.

• Red and Brown (RB): A mix of red and brown tones.

• Brown: Fully oxidized or toned, often still attractive if the toning is even.

Note: The toning must be natural; artificially toned coins are typically less valuable.

5. Proof Sets and Commemorative Editions

In 1959, the US Mint also produced special coins:

• Proof Sets: These are specially struck for collectors, featuring coins with high-quality finishes.

• Commemorative Editions: Sometimes released for special occasions or anniversaries.

Example: A 1959 Proof Lincoln cent can be worth significantly more than its circulated counterparts.

6. Historical Significance and Provenance

Coins tied to historical events or figures can command higher prices:

• Link to a Historical Figure: A coin from a collection owned by a notable person.

• From a Historic Event: Coins from treasure hoards or notable events.

Important Notes: Documenting provenance can greatly enhance the value of your coin by providing a narrative or historical context.

As we conclude this exploration into valuing your 1959 penny, remember that while the face value might be one cent, the real worth can be much more due to the factors we've discussed. Keep exploring different tutorials and guides on coin collecting to enhance your knowledge and collection.

<p class="pro-note">🚀 Pro Tip: Join a coin collecting community for support and to exchange information on current market values and collecting trends.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What Makes a 1959 Penny Valuable?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Condition, errors, mint marks, variety, color, and historical significance all contribute to a penny's value.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How Can I Tell If My 1959 Penny Is in Mint Condition?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Look for no wear on high points, lustrous copper finish, and a lack of any scratches or discoloration not in line with age-related toning.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is There a Way to Clean My 1959 Penny?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Cleaning can significantly reduce the coin's value. Unless it's necessary for preservation, avoid cleaning the coin. Consult with a professional if unsure.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I Sell My Valuable 1959 Penny Online?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, several platforms like eBay, CoinWorld, and Heritage Auctions provide avenues for selling rare coins. Make sure to accurately grade and describe your penny for the best outcome.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How Do I Know If My Coin Has a Minting Error?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Errors often include doubled images, misaligned designs, or unusual strikes. Use a coin error guide or consult with a numismatist for verification.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>