A 1959 penny… with a wheat reverse? That shouldn’t exist. And if it’s real, you might be holding a coin worth upwards of $50,000.
Let’s break down why this rare error is such a big deal, how to tell if your coin is real, and what you should do if you find one.
Why a 1959 Wheat Penny Is So Rare
From 1909 to 1958, U.S. pennies featured the classic “wheat ears” reverse. Starting in 1959, that design was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial reverse, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
So theoretically:
All 1959 pennies should have the Lincoln Memorial reverse
None should feature the wheat reverse
But one slipped through.
The Real One: A $48,300 Rarity
In 2019, a verified 1959-D Wheat Reverse penny sold at auction for $48,300.
Why it’s so valuable:
Confirmed authentic by experts (PCGS)
Struck at the Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
Believed to be a mint error, possibly made by an employee
Only one authenticated example has surfaced, making it one of the most mysterious Lincoln cents in existence.
How to Spot a Real One
Here’s what to check if you come across a 1959 penny with a wheat back:
Front of the Coin:
- “1959” date with or without a mint mark
- Sharp, well-aligned lettering (especially “TRUST” and “LIBERTY”)
- Lincoln’s bust should have smooth, even features
Back of the Coin:
- Classic wheat ears design
- Clear “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” text
- No signs of re-engraving, tooling, or alterations
Common Red Flags:
Lettering misaligned or oddly spaced
Lincoln’s face or details look “off”- Alterations visible under magnification
Most Are Fakes – Here’s Why
Many “1959 wheat pennies” seen online are manipulated coins, created by:
- Cutting a 1959 front and a pre-1958 back and fusing them
- Re-engraving or stamping a fake wheat reverse onto a real 1959 penny
- Casting copies from molds (usually lower quality)
In a recent TikTok video, one viewer shared a 1959 wheat penny find — but on closer inspection, the spacing on the letters looked wrong, and Lincoln’s features didn’t match authentic U.S. minting standards.
Expert opinion: Probably not real.
Think Yours Might Be Genuine?
Here’s what to do before selling or spending it:
- Use gloves – Oils from your hands can damage the surface
- Take high-res photos – Front and back, in natural light
- Send for authentication – PCGS or NGC are the most trusted grading companies
- Avoid eBay sales without verification – Scammers abound
- Never clean the coin – Cleaning destroys collector value
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Even if most of the “1959 wheat pennies” floating around are fakes, the real one proves it’s possible — and someone out there could still have another hidden in a drawer.
If you find one, verify it before assuming it’s fake
Compare closely to known genuine examples
Get it authenticated — it could literally be worth five figures or more
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