Price Guide for 1959 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $230.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $6,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $5,886.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,708.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $23.00 – $48,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.85 – $1,872.00Uncirculated: $1.30 – $104.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $657.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $17.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $139.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.99 – $134.99Uncirculated: $1.25 – $574.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $38.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $63.00 – $818.88
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14.00 – $19,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.25 – $822.50
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eBayUncirculated: $14.00 – $254.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $2,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $85.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $460.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $638.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,820.00
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eBayUncirculated: $180.00
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eBayUncirculated: $189.00 – $259.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $192.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.99 – $285.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $22.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.37 – $115.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $40.00 – $192.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.58 – $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $140.00
Design and Specifications of the 1959 Cent
The 1959 Lincoln Cent marked a significant change in the design of the penny. This year saw the introduction of the Lincoln Memorial reverse, replacing the Wheat Ears design that had been in use since 1909. The new reverse was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This change represented a notable shift in American coinage, as it was the first time a building appeared on a circulating U.S. coin.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1959 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for higher grades. While these coins are common in circulated conditions, uncirculated examples in MS65 and above can command premium prices.
Collectors particularly value coins with sharp strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks. The quality of the strike on the Lincoln Memorial columns on the reverse is a key factor in determining the coin’s grade and value.
Mintage: 609,715,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,279,760,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Red copper coins (those that retain their original mint luster) are the most desirable and valuable. Red-Brown coins are less valuable, while fully Brown coins are typically the least valuable unless in exceptionally high grades.
Some collectors seek first-year-of-issue examples in top condition, which can increase demand for high-grade 1959 cents. Additionally, coins with exceptional eye appeal, such as those with attractive toning or exceptional luster, may command premiums above their typical grade-based values.
