Lincoln Wheat Penny : Lincoln Wheat Penny collectors and casual coin holders alike are stunned by a rare penny that sold for an incredible $32,000. Found in everyday circulation, this tiny copper coin has made headlines in the collector world, not just for its value but also for its mysterious design that shouldn’t exist.
This article uncovers the story of the 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Penny, a one-of-a-kind coin that features a mismatched design from two different minting eras. We’ll explore why it’s so rare, how it came to exist, and what makes it worth tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, we’ll show you how to spot one and what to do if you think you have one in your pocket.
Overview Table: Key Facts About the 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Feature | Description |
| Coin Name | 1959-D Mule Lincoln Penny |
| Obverse (Front) Design | 1959-D date with Lincoln portrait |
| Reverse (Back) Design | Wheat ears (design retired after 1958) |
| Minted Location | Denver Mint (marked with a “D”) |
| Reason for Value | Mismatched front and back designs |
| Number of Known Coins | Only one known to exist |
| Verified by | PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Sold Price | $32,000 at auction |
| Circulation Status | Believed to still be in circulation |
The Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is what collectors call a “mule” — a coin created with mismatched dies from different designs. In this case, the front of the coin has the date 1959-D, which is normal. But the back side features the wheat ears design, which had already been retired after 1958. That mix-up makes this penny an absolute rarity.
Normally, a 1959 penny should show the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. So, the fact that this coin exists at all is shocking, even to experienced collectors.
How Did This Error Happen?
There are two main theories behind the creation of this rare Lincoln Wheat Penny. The most accepted theory is that an old reverse die was accidentally used during production, leading to the wheat design appearing on a 1959-D penny.
However, some experts believe this wasn’t a simple mistake. Since only one known coin has ever surfaced, there’s speculation that it might have been created intentionally or unofficially within the Mint. Whether accident or design, it remains one of the most mysterious coins ever discovered.
Despite the questions, the coin was professionally authenticated by the PCGS, confirming its legitimacy and skyrocketing its value.
A Penny That Sold for $32,000
This unique Lincoln Wheat Penny was sold at auction for a remarkable $32,000. For a coin that looks like everyday pocket change, that’s a massive payday.
Collectors were eager to get their hands on it due to its rarity, the mystery of its creation, and the official verification. The price reflects just how serious collectors are about rare error coins, especially when only one is known to exist.
Why the Reverse Design Changes Everything
What really sets this penny apart is the reverse design. In 1959, the U.S. Mint officially switched the back design of the penny from the wheat ears to the Lincoln Memorial. No coin from that year was supposed to have the older wheat design.
Yet this Lincoln Wheat Penny shows the wheat ears — a detail that instantly raises red flags for experts. That design error is what gives the coin its enormous value and legendary status in the collecting world.
What to Look For in Your Change
If you’re checking your coins for treasure, here’s what you need to look for in a potentially valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1959:
Key Features to Spot:
- The front shows “1959-D” clearly stamped.
- The reverse side has the wheat ears instead of the Lincoln Memorial.
- The coin appears normal in condition — no obvious signs of tampering.
Even if the odds are slim, it’s worth taking a look. After all, someone once found this exact coin in general circulation, and it turned out to be worth $32,000.
Tips for Coin Spotting
Here are two helpful tips to increase your chances:
- Use a magnifying glass: This will help you examine fine details like the date, mint mark, and reverse design.
- Compare coins: Look at a regular 1959 penny with the Lincoln Memorial on the back and compare it side-by-side with your find. If yours shows wheat ears, you might have something special.
If you spot these signs, don’t try to clean the coin. Cleaning can reduce its value. Instead, have it examined by a certified coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The Mystery Keeps Collectors Guessing
Even years after its discovery, the true origin of the 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is still debated. Was it a simple mistake, or a deliberate act by someone with access to mint equipment? Because only one example has been found, the mystery only deepens.
What isn’t up for debate is the coin’s value and place in history. It’s been professionally graded, sold at auction, and written into U.S. numismatic records. That alone makes it one of the most fascinating coins ever made.
FAQs
What makes the 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Penny so rare?
It has a design mismatch — the front has a 1959-D date while the back shows the wheat ears design, which was retired the year before.
How much did the rare penny sell for?
It sold at auction for an impressive $32,000.
How many of these coins exist?
So far, only one example has been discovered and officially verified.
Could it have been made on purpose?
It’s possible. Some experts believe it may have been made unofficially inside the Mint, but no one knows for sure.
Can I find one in my loose change?
While extremely unlikely, it’s not impossible. Always check both sides of your 1959-D pennies.
Final Thought
This rare Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that even something as small as a penny can be worth thousands — if it holds a unique history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who just wants to check their spare change, this story is a great reason to start looking a little closer.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your fellow collectors or drop a comment below. Want to uncover more surprises in your wallet? Explore our other coin guides or even take a peek at your horoscope — your next big find might be closer than you think
