Most people overlook pennies — but a 1979 Lincoln Memorial penny could be one of the biggest surprises hiding in your pocket change.
While the majority are worth just 1 cent, a few rare varieties and mint errors have sold for $5,000 to over $7,000 at auction. Even better, checking takes less than a minute.
Let’s break it down step by step, so you know exactly what to look for 👇
📊 1979 Penny Value Chart (2025 Updated Prices)
| Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (No Mint Mark) | 1¢ – 25¢ | $1 – $5 | — |
| Near Date Variety | $10 – $50 | $100 – $300 | $550 (MS65) |
| Type 2 Proof (S Mint) | — | $25 – $150 | — |
| Double Die Obverse (FS-101) | $250 – $5,580 | $1,000 – $7,000+ | $7,050 (MS64) |
📌 Key Insight: Only a small number of 1979 Double Die pennies exist, but even minor varieties can still be worth $50 or more.
🔎 Step-by-Step: How to Identify a Valuable 1979 Penny
Step 1️⃣: Check the Date Position
Look closely at how close the date is to the word LIBERTY.
- ✅ Near Date Variety → Date sits closer to LIBERTY
💰 Value: $10 – $300 - ❌ Far Date (Normal) → No extra premium
Step 2️⃣: Look for Doubling (Very Important!)
Use a magnifying glass 🔍 (10x is ideal).
- 💎 Double Die Obverse (FS-101)
Clear, raised doubling on LIBERTY and the date
💰 Value: $250 – $7,000+ - ⚠️ Machine Doubling
Flat, shelf-like edges — no added value
Step 3️⃣: Check the Mint Mark
Located below the date.
- No Mint Mark → Philadelphia (most common)
- D → Denver (typically no premium)
- S → San Francisco (proof coins only)
👉 Type 2 Proof “S” pennies are the ones worth checking carefully.
💎 Grading & Condition: Why It Matters
✅ Higher-Value Coins
- MS65+ Red (Uncirculated) → $5 – $300
- Proof Coins (Mirror Finish) → $25 – $150
⚠️ Circulated Coins
- XF40 (Light Wear) → 5¢ – 50¢
- G4 (Heavy Wear) → Face value
💡 Collector Tip: True doubling shows sharp separation lines, not blurry shadows.
🏆 Top 3 Most Valuable 1979 Penny Varieties
🥇 Double Die Obverse (FS-101)
💰 $250 – $7,000+
🔍 Strong doubling on LIBERTY and the date
🥈 Near Date Variety
💰 $10 – $300
🔍 Date nearly touches the rim
🥉 Type 2 Proof (San Francisco Mint)
💰 $25 – $150
🔍 Sharper, cleaner design than Type 1 proofs
🏦 Where to Find Valuable 1979 Pennies
✅ Best Places to Search
- Bank-wrapped penny rolls
- Old family coin jars
- U.S. Mint proof sets
🚫 What to Avoid
- “Rare penny” eBay listings
- Ungraded overpriced rolls
📈 1979 Penny Market Trends (2025 Update)
- 📈 Double Die prices up 45% since 2020
- 🏆 Registry collectors increasing competition
- 📱 Social media coin hunting boosting demand
🔮 Expert Outlook:
High-grade Double Die 1979 pennies may exceed $10,000 by 2026.
🎯 Final Verdict: Is Your 1979 Penny Valuable?
✔ Most are worth 1¢
✔ Rare varieties range from $10 to $7,000+
✔ Takes 30 seconds to check your change
💬 That ordinary penny in your drawer could be worth more than a used car down payment.
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