The 1959 D penny, also known as the Lincoln Memorial penny or the Lincoln Memorial Cent, is a coin that holds significance for collectors and numismatists. Minted at the Denver Mint in 1959, this penny is part of the long-running Lincoln cent series that has been in circulation since 1909. While it may not be considered extremely rare or valuable compared to some other coins, there are a few unique aspects that make the 1959 D penny special.
Design and Composition:
The design of the 1959 D penny features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, on the obverse side. This design was created by Victor David Brenner and has been a prominent feature of Lincoln cents since their introduction in 1909. The reverse side of the 1959 D penny showcases the Lincoln Memorial, which was designed by Frank Gasparro.
One of the distinctive aspects of the 1959 D penny is its composition. This penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, which gives it a unique reddish-brown color. However, starting from 1982, the composition of the Lincoln cent changed to 97.5% zinc with a copper plating, making the 1959 D penny one of the last cents to be made of nearly pure copper.
Mintage and Rarity:
The mintage of the 1959 D penny was relatively high compared to some other years in the Lincoln cent series. According to the records, around 1,515,298,000 Lincoln cents were minted at the Denver Mint in 1959, making it a relatively common coin. However, finding a 1959 D penny in mint condition can be challenging due to the large number of coins produced and the wear and tear that circulated coins typically experience.
Varieties and Errors:
Like many other coins, the 1959 D penny also has some known varieties and errors that make it unique and collectible. One such variety is the “Weak D” variety, where the “D” mintmark on the obverse side of the coin appears to be weaker or less distinct compared to other mintmarked coins from that year. This variety is relatively scarce and is sought after by collectors who specialize in varieties and errors.
Another notable error associated with the 1959 D penny is the “Filled B” error, where the “B” in “LIBERTY” on the obverse side of the coin appears to be filled or clogged. This error occurred during the minting process and is considered rare, making it highly sought after by error coin collectors.
Collectibility and Value:
The collectibility and value of the 1959 D penny largely depend on its condition, rarity, and demand from collectors. As mentioned earlier, finding a 1959 D penny in mint condition can be challenging due to its large mintage and the wear and tear that circulated coins typically experience. However, well-preserved examples of this coin in uncirculated condition can still be found and are highly desirable among collectors.
In terms of value, the 1959 D penny is generally not considered extremely valuable, with most circulated examples worth only a few cents. However, uncirculated examples of the “Weak D” variety or the “Filled B” error can command higher prices due to their scarcity and demand from collectors. It’s important to note that the value of a coin can fluctuate over time due to various factors, such as market conditions, collector demand, and coin grading.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
While the 1959 D penny may not have a significant historical or cultural significance on its own, it is part of the larger Lincoln cent series that has a rich history and cultural significance in the United States. The Lincoln