Most 1979 Pennies Are Worth Just 1¢… But a Few Can Be Worth THOUSANDS! 
It’s true — while most 1979 Lincoln Memorial pennies are worth face value, a few rare errors and varieties have sold for $5,000–$7,000+ at auction! 
If you’ve got some old change lying around, this guide will show you exactly what to look for — step by step.
1979 Penny Value Chart (2025 Update)
| 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 | N/A | $25 – $150 | – |
| Double Die Obverse | $250 – $5,580 | $1,000 – $7,000 | $7,050 (MS64) |
Key Takeaway: Only two known 1979 Double Die pennies have sold for over $5,000, but even smaller errors can be worth $50+.
Step-by-Step: How to Spot a Valuable 1979 Penny
Check the Date Position
Near Date Variety → The date sits closer to the word LIBERTY = $10–$300
Far Date (Normal) → No extra value
Look for Doubling
Double Die Obverse (FS-101) → Clear doubling on LIBERTY and the date = $250–$7,000+
Machine Doubling → Flat, shelf-like appearance = 
No added value
Examine the Mint Mark
- No Mint Mark = Philadelphia (most common)
- “D” = Denver (no premium)
- “S” = San Francisco proofs only (Type 2 worth checking!)
Grading & Condition Value
Premium Coins
- MS65+ Red (uncirculated) → $5 – $300
- Proof Coins (mirror finish) → $25 – $150
Circulated Coins
- XF40 (light wear) → 5¢ – 50¢
- G4 (heavy wear) → Face value
Pro Tip: Use a 10x magnifying loupe 
to inspect LIBERTY and the date — true doubling shows clean separation lines, not blurry ones.
Top 3 Most Valuable 1979 Penny Varieties
Double Die Obverse (FS-101)
Value: $250 – $7,000+
ID: Bold doubling on LIBERTY and date
Near Date Variety
Value: $10 – $300
ID: Date almost touches the rim
Type 2 Proof (San Francisco Mint)
Value: $25 – $150
ID: Sharper, crisper details than Type 1
Where to Find Valuable 1979 Pennies
Best Places to Search:
- Bank-wrapped penny rolls (avg. 1 error per $25 box)
- Old family coin jars & collections
- U.S. Mint proof sets (for Type 2s)
Avoid:
- “Rare penny” eBay lots (often misidentified)
- Overpriced “uncirculated” rolls with no grading
Market Trends (2025 Update)
Here’s What’s Happening Right Now:
Double Die prices are up 45% since 2020
Registry collectors are pushing competition higher
TikTok coin hunters have created new hype
Expert Prediction:
High-grade Double Die 1979 pennies could break $10,000+ by 2026! 
Final Verdict
Most 1979 pennies: 1¢
Near Date or Double Die: $10 – $7,000+
Takes just 30 seconds to check your change!
“That ordinary 1979 penny in your drawer could be hiding a down payment on a car! 
”
