1959 Lincoln Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1959 Lincoln Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Memorial Cents 1959-2008 series — the first year of the series. In 1959, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 1.9 billion. This ranks 43rd of 50 years by total mintage, above the series median of 3.7 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right and the reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial building in Washington, D.C.. First year of the Memorial reverse, commemorating the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 168 known die varieties for this date across 10 categories, including atypical die clash, bie die break cent, cud and 7 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $4 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $48K in MS60 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by Victor David Brenner/Frank Gasparro.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
