Discovering the Value of the 1959 Wheat Penny
The 1959 penny transition has gotten complicated with all the variety claims, value misunderstandings, and date confusion flying around. As someone who has collected Lincoln cents comprehensively, I learned everything there is to know about this transitional year. Today, I will share it all with you.
The Important Fact
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—1959 was the first year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse. The wheat ears design ended in 1958. There is NO legitimate 1959 wheat penny.
The “Mule” Myth
That’s what makes 1959 wheat penny claims endearing to us skeptical collectors—periodically someone claims to have found a 1959 cent with the wheat reverse. These are invariably altered coins or misidentified dates.
Real 1959 Penny Value
- Circulated: Face value
- Uncirculated: $0.25-$2
- Proof: $3-10
What’s Actually Valuable
1958, the last wheat cent year, carries modest premiums in high grades. Genuine doubled dies, off-center strikes, and other documented errors from 1959 have value.
Be Skeptical
Anyone selling a “1959 wheat penny” is either confused or dishonest. No authenticated examples exist despite millions of collectors searching for decades.
