The 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a significant coin in U.S. numismatics, as it marks the first year of the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, replacing the previous wheat ears reverse design.
The obverse (front) features the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. This design has been in use since 1909, the centennial of Lincoln's birth, and it remains on U.S. pennies today.
San Francisco (S Mintmark): The “S” mintmark is used for coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, but in 1959, these coins were primarily struck in proof form, making them highly desirable for collectors.
With a combined total of over 2.5 billion coins, the 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent is relatively common, making it less rare in circulated grades but still significant to collectors.
The composition of these cents remained unchanged from previous years, and the coin retains its familiar weight and size, which has been consistent for U.S. pennies for many years.
Like many coins, the value of the 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent depends heavily on its condition. The coin is typically found in circulated condition, but higher-grade examples are prized by collectors.
Given the large mintage of this coin, it’s more accessible compared to other rarer coins in the Lincoln Cent series.
For collectors, the 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent is a must-have. Whether you’re interested in building a complete set of Lincoln cents or focusing on the history of U.S. coins, this coin is a key piece in the series.