Standard 1959 pennies from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D” mark) are worth face value, but rare errors can command significant premiums. The most valuable is the 1959 “mule” error—a 1959-D obverse with wheat reverse—which sold for $50,000. Other valuable errors include the 1959-D triple repunched mint mark ($25+), 1959-D on silver dime planchet ($2,280+), and 1959 Philadelphia double die obverse showing doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date (up to $600 in MS66 condition). Wrong planchet errors and L-touching-rim varieties also increase value substantially beyond face value for both mint marks.
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What are the errors on a 1959 D penny?
Common errors on a 1959-D penny include a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) where the “D” is doubled or tripling, a Double Die Obverse (DDO) causing doubled lettering on the date and “LIBERTY,” laminations that appear as surface streaks, and off-center strikes where the coin isn’t struck perfectly in the center. Less common errors include wrong planchets (being struck on a dime or foreign coin blank) and die cracks, with a rare 1959 “mule” (a 1959-D obverse struck with a wheat reverse) also known.
How much is a 1959 penny worth with no mint mark?
A 1959 penny with no mint mark (from the Philadelphia mint) is generally worth only a few cents to a few dollars in circulated condition, as it is very common. However, its value can increase significantly if it is in uncirculated, high-grade condition (like an MS67 red, which sold for over $2,200) or has rare errors like a double die obverse (DDO).
What makes a 1959 D penny rare?
A 1959-D penny isn’t inherently rare; its value comes from specific mint errors or varieties, like a mule coin (struck with a different reverse), an off-center strike, or a double die error on the obverse. Collectors are interested in these unique errors and unusual coins, which can range in value from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the type and severity of the mistake.
What is a 1959 D Mule penny?
Department for authentication. By the Secret Service. As that falls within their purview There the coin was examined by a forensic lab authenticator.