The 1979 one cent coin value is a topic of considerable interest among coin collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. While the vast majority of 1979 Lincoln Memorial Pennies you might encounter in circulation are only worth their face value – a mere one cent – a select few can command prices ranging from a few dollars to well over $2,650, and in some exceptional cases, even higher. Understanding what drives this significant disparity in value requires a closer look at several key factors: mint marks, condition/grade, and the presence of rare errors.
The Basics: What is a 1979 Lincoln Memorial Penny?
The 1979 one-cent coin is a Lincoln Memorial Penny, a design that was in production from 1959 to 2008. The obverse (front) features the familiar bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. The reverse (back) prominently displays the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. These coins were struck in a copper-plated zinc composition starting in 1982, but the 1979 pennies were still composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, giving them a distinct reddish-brown hue.
Understanding the Factors that Determine Value
The 1979 one cent coin value is not static; it’s a dynamic assessment based on a combination of characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the most influential factors:
1. Mint Mark: Where Was It Struck?
The mint mark on a coin indicates where it was produced. For 1979 pennies, these marks are found below the date on the obverse. The presence or absence of a mint mark, and which mint mark it is, plays a crucial role in determining the 1979 one cent coin value.
No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint)
Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint typically do not carry a mint mark. This makes them the most common variety of the 1979 penny. While millions were produced, their value can still escalate significantly in higher grades.
- Circulated Condition: Most 1979 no mint mark pennies found in circulation will be worth only their face value.
- Mint State 65 (MS65): A well-preserved example, showing no signs of wear and retaining much of its original luster, can be worth around $18.
- Mint State 68 (MS68): Reaching this extremely high grade is rare for a common coin. A 1979 no mint mark penny in MS68 condition can be valued at approximately $2,650. This demonstrates that even common coins, when exceptionally preserved, can achieve remarkable prices.
“D” Mint Mark (Denver Mint)
The “D” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. These are also very common, but like their Philadelphia counterparts, their value is heavily tied to their condition.
- Circulated Condition: Similar to the Philadelphia mint, most 1979-D pennies in circulation are worth face value.
- Mint State 65 (MS65): A 1979-D penny in this condition might fetch around $28.
- Higher Grades (e.g., MS67+ Red): For collectors seeking the very best examples, a 1979-D penny in a pristine grade like MS67+ Red (indicating full original red luster) could potentially be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The highest recorded sale for a 1979-D penny reached nearly $4,000, highlighting the premium placed on top-tier specimens.
“S” Mint Mark (San Francisco Mint – Proof Issues)
The “S” mint mark on a 1979 penny indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, 1979 “S” pennies were produced exclusively as proof coins. Proof coins are specially struck for collectors, featuring sharper details, a mirror-like finish, and often a frosted design.
For the 1979-S proof penny, there’s an interesting distinction based on the “S” mint mark itself:
- Filled-S (Type 1): In this variety, the “S” mint mark appears somewhat filled or less distinct.
* PR69 DCAM (Proof 69 Deep Cameo): A coin in this near-perfect proof grade, with strong contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-like fields, is valued at about $20.
* PR70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo): This is the highest possible grade for a coin, indicating absolute perfection. A 1979-S “Filled-S” penny in PR70 DCAM condition can be worth around $2,750.
- Clear-S (Type 2): This variety features a sharper, more defined “S” mint mark.
* PR69 DCAM: Valued at approximately $22.
* PR70 DCAM: For the perfect “Clear-S” proof, the value is around $1,350.
The higher value of the “Filled-S” in PR70 DCAM compared to the “Clear-S” in the same grade suggests that the “Filled-S” might be scarcer in perfect condition, making it more desirable to top-tier collectors.
2. Condition and Grade: The Key to Premium Value
The condition of a coin, referred to as its “grade” in numismatics, is arguably the most critical factor determining its 1979 one cent coin value beyond its basic type. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect), with points in between.
- Circulated vs. Uncirculated (Mint State):
* Circulated coins show signs of wear from everyday handling. The more wear, the lower the grade and value. Most 1979 pennies found in circulation fall into this category and are worth very little.
* Uncirculated (Mint State – MS) coins show no signs of wear, even under magnification. They retain their original mint luster. Higher MS grades (e.g., MS65, MS67, MS68) represent increasingly pristine examples.
- Proof (PR) Coins: As discussed, these are specially struck for collectors and are graded differently. They are expected to be in much higher states of preservation than circulation strikes.
- Color Designation: For copper coins like the penny, color is a crucial grading factor, significantly impacting the 1979 one cent coin value.
* Brown (BN): The coin has largely toned to a brown color due to oxidation.
* Red-Brown (RB): A mix of original red luster and brown toning.
* Red (RD): The coin retains nearly all of its original bright red copper luster. This is the most desirable and valuable color designation for copper pennies, as it indicates exceptional preservation and minimal environmental exposure. A coin graded “MS65 Red” will almost always be worth more than an “MS65 Red-Brown” or “MS65 Brown” of the same year and mint mark.
3. Errors: The Hunt for Unique Anomalies
Beyond mint marks and condition, certain manufacturing errors can drastically inflate the 1979 one cent coin value. These errors occur during the minting process and make the coin unique and highly sought after by error coin collectors. While rare, finding an error coin can turn a common penny into a significant discovery.
Some common and valuable types of errors include:
- Double Dies: Occur when the die (the stamp that strikes the coin) has a duplicated image, resulting in a doubled appearance of letters, numbers, or design elements.
- Off-Center Strikes: The coin blank (planchet) is not perfectly centered when struck, resulting in a design that is partially off the edge.
- Clipped Planchets: A portion of the coin’s edge is missing, appearing as a straight or curved clip, due to an error in the blanking process.
- Struck on Wrong Planchet: A coin is accidentally struck on a blank intended for a different denomination (e.g., a penny struck on a dime planchet).
- Die Break/Die Crack: A crack or break in the die itself leaves a raised line or blob on the coin.
- Struck Through Errors: An object (like grease, cloth, or a foreign fragment) gets between the die and the planchet during striking, leaving an impression on the coin.
Here are some real-world examples of valuable 1979 error pennies:
- A 1979 penny with a diecut break error (MS64), indicating a significant break in the die that transferred to the coin, sold for a remarkable $1,020.
- A 1979-P penny struck through a Fragment Capi error (AU55), where a foreign fragment was impressed onto the coin, sold for $1,200.
- Perhaps one of the most exciting finds: a 1979-D penny struck on a 10-cent planchet (MS64). This rare error, where a penny die strikes a dime blank, resulted in a sale of $1,260.
- A 1979 D error penny with a double die variety can be a highly desirable piece, with some examples commanding prices around $1,000 USD.
Even less severe errors can add value. On platforms like eBay, you might find:
- A 1979 Lincoln Penny with a strike error (often minor off-center or die crack) listed for around $20 USD.
- A US Mint 1979 D Lincoln Penny Error Coin Off Center might be listed for about $11.72 USD.
While these online listings represent asking prices and not necessarily final sale values, they illustrate that even minor errors can lift the 1979 one cent coin value above face value.
How to Assess Your 1979 Penny
If you believe you have a valuable 1979 penny, here’s a basic guide on what to look for:
1. Check for a Mint Mark: Look below the date “1979” on the obverse.
* No mark: Philadelphia
* “D”: Denver
* “S”: San Francisco (likely a proof coin)
2. Examine the Condition:
* Is it shiny and new-looking, or dull and worn?
* Does it have its original red luster, or is it mostly brown?
* Are the details (Lincoln’s hair, the columns of the Memorial) sharp and clear, or worn down?
Avoid cleaning your coin!* Cleaning can drastically reduce a coin’s value.
3. Look for Errors: Carefully inspect both sides of the coin for any anomalies like doubling of letters, off-center strikes, unusual marks, or missing parts. Use a magnifying glass if you have one.
Professional Grading: The Ultimate Assessment
For any 1979 penny that you suspect might have significant value (hundreds or thousands of dollars), it is highly recommended to have it professionally graded by a reputable third-party grading service. The top two services are:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
These services will:
- Authenticate your coin.
- Assign an impartial, industry-standard grade.
- Attribute any known varieties or errors.
- Encapsulate the coin in a tamper-evident holder.
A professionally graded coin provides assurance of its authenticity and condition, which is crucial for maximizing its 1979 one cent coin value in the collector’s market. Without professional grading, even a genuinely valuable coin may struggle to achieve its full market potential.
Conclusion
The 1979 one cent coin value is a fascinating example of how rarity, condition, and unique characteristics can transform a common piece of currency into a valuable collectible. While the vast majority of 1979 Lincoln Memorial Pennies you encounter will only be worth their face value, the potential for discovering a gem is always present.
Whether it’s a perfectly preserved “no mint mark” penny reaching MS68 status, a high-grade Denver mint strike, a flawless San Francisco proof, or an error coin with a dramatic story, the journey from one cent to potentially over $2,650 (or even more) is what makes the hobby of coin collecting so engaging. So, before you dismiss that old penny in your change jar, take a moment to examine it – you just might be holding a hidden treasure.
How much is a 1979 one cent coin worth today?
The 1979 Lincoln penny with no mint mark is the standard Philadelphia coin with over 6 billion minted that year, so it’s a super common and recent coin. See attached. In circulated condition, it is under 10 cents and in high graded mint condition it can sell for a few dollars to up to $10 to $20.
What makes a 1979 penny rare?
1979 Penny Value Chart by Mint Mark and Grade
If you’re wondering what makes a 1979 penny rare, it mostly comes down to condition, mint mark, and any quirks or errors. Most 1979 pennies are still worth face value if they’re worn, but some higher-grade coins and proofs can be worth much more.
Which penny is worth $35000?
1982 penny Worth $35,000,00.
Do 1979 pennies have a mint mark?
Great question! The West Point Bullion Depository made circulating pennies from 1973 to 1986 and circulating quarters in 1976 to 1979. The San Francisco Mint also produced circulating pennies around this time. These coins did not have mint marks so that they couldn’t be distinguished from Philadelphia coins.