
Most 1979 Lincoln pennies are worth only face value (1Β’)β¦ but a few rare errors and varieties can sell for $5,000β$7,000+ at auction! π€
Hereβs everything you need to know to check if the penny in your pocket change is a jackpot coin.
π 1979 Penny Value Chart (2024 Update)
Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Record Sale |
---|---|---|---|
Normal (No Mint Mark) | 1Β’ β 25Β’ | $1 β $5 | β |
Near Date Variety | $10 β $50 | $100 β $300 | $550 (MS65) |
Type 2 Proof | N/A | $25 β $150 | β |
Double Die Obverse | $250 β $5,580 | $1,000 β $7,000 | $7,050 (MS64) |
π Key Insight: Only 2 known 1979 Double Die pennies have sold for more than $5,000, but even minor errors can be worth $50+.
π How to Spot Valuable 1979 Pennies
1οΈβ£ Check the Date Position
- Near Date Variety β Date closer to LIBERTY = π΅ $10β$300
- Far Date (Normal) β No extra value
2οΈβ£ Look for Doubling (Error Coins)
- Double Die Obverse β Clear doubling on LIBERTY & date = π΅ $250+
- Machine Doubling β Flat, shelf-like doubling = β No added value
3οΈβ£ Examine the Mintmark
- No Mint Mark = Philadelphia (most common)
- βDβ Mint Mark = Denver (no premium)
- βSβ Mint Mark = San Francisco (proofs only)
π Grading & Condition Value
β Premium Coins:
- MS65+ Red β $5 β $300
- Proof Coins (mirror finish) β $25 β $150
β οΈ Circulated Coins:
- XF40 (light wear) β 5Β’ β 50Β’
- G4 (heavy wear) β Face value
π Pro Tip: Use a 10x magnifying loupe π to check for doublingβtrue errors show clean separation lines in the letters.
π Top 3 Most Valuable 1979 Penny Varieties
- Double Die Obverse (FS-101)
- Value: $250 β $7,000
- ID: Strong doubling on LIBERTY
- Near Date Variety
- Value: $10 β $300
- ID: Date almost touches the rim
- Type 2 Proof
- Value: $25 β $150
- ID: Sharper, crisper details than Type 1
π¦ Where to Find Valuable 1979 Pennies
β Best Places:
- Bank penny rolls (avg. 1 error per $25 box)
- Old family coin collections
- U.S. Mint proof sets (for Type 2)
π« Avoid:
- βRare pennyβ eBay lots (many misidentified)
- Overpriced βuncirculatedβ rolls
π Market Trends (2024 Update)
- πΌ Double Die prices up 45% since 2020
- π Registry set collectors increasing demand
- π₯ TikTok coin hunters creating new hype
π‘ Prediction: High-grade Double Dies could hit $10,000+ by 2026!
π― Final Verdict
β
Most 1979 pennies = 1Β’
β
Near Date / Double Die = $10 β $7,000+
β
Takes just 30 seconds to check your pocket change!
π¬ βThat ordinary 1979 penny in your drawer could be hiding a down payment on a car!β ππ¨
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