The 1959 Penny That Sold for
One of the most controversial U.S. coins ever discovered is a penny that should not exist.
It already sold for $50,000, and experts believe that if another example were found today, it could bring over $100,000 💰
Let’s break down what makes this penny so special—and how to know if you’ve found one.
🔍 Step 1: Understand Normal 1959 Pennies
Before 1959:
- Pennies had wheat stalks on the back
- And the words “ONE CENT”
From 1959 onward:
- The design changed to the Lincoln Memorial
- Wheat pennies were discontinued
So in theory…
❌ There should be no 1959 wheat pennies
🚨 Step 2: The Impossible Coin – A 1959 “Wheat Penny”
A collector discovered:
- Date: 1959
- Mint mark: D (Denver)
- Reverse: Wheat design
- Text: ONE CENT
This design officially ended in 1958.
Yet somehow…
A 1959 version exists 😳
🧪 Step 3: Was It Fake?
At first:
- Many experts said it must be counterfeit
- Others called it altered or fabricated
The coin was submitted to:
- Multiple major grading companies
- Professional authentication labs
Result:
✅ Never proven fake
✅ Never declared altered
💵 Step 4: Auction Result – $48,000 to $50,000
The coin eventually sold at auction for:
💰 $48,000+ (nearly $50,000)
Today’s estimate:
📈 $100,000 or more if another example surfaced
🧠 Why This Penny Is So Valuable
- Uses a design not supposed to exist in 1959
- Denver Mint origin
- Only one confirmed example
- Fully authenticated history
- Legendary status among collectors
It’s often called:
“The most controversial Lincoln penny ever”
🔎 Step 5: How to Check Your Pennies
Grab your magnifier 🔍
Look for:
✔ Date: 1959
✔ Mint mark: D
✔ Reverse: Wheat ears
✔ Words: ONE CENT
If all match…
👉 Do NOT clean it
👉 Store safely
👉 Get it authenticated immediately
👥 Could Another One Exist?
At major coin shows alone:
- Over 2 million collectors actively search rare coins
That means:
Another one could still be out there…
In a jar.
In a collection.
In pocket change.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Most 1959 pennies are worth:
🪙 1 cent
But one version changed history:
💰 $50,000+
💰 Possibly $100,000+ today
Sometimes the rarest treasures…
…look like ordinary change.
So check your pennies carefully 👀
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