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The coin pictured is a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent, which holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history as the first year of issue for the Lincoln Memorial reverse design. This design replaced the long-standing wheat ear reverse, which had been in use since 1909. The obverse, featuring a bust of Abraham Lincoln, remained largely the same, but the reverse was a dramatic change, showcasing the iconic Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C. This new design was created by Frank Gasparro and was introduced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

The 1959 cent is a significant transitional coin, marking the end of one era of the penny and the beginning of another. It was minted in two locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D” mint mark), and both varieties are widely available to collectors. The composition of the coin was still 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin, a formula that would continue until the cent’s composition changed to copper-plated zinc in 1982.

While common in lower grades, higher-grade examples of the 1959 cent, particularly those in “Mint State” or “Red” condition, can be more valuable to collectors. Collectors often look for coins with a strong strike, a lack of blemishes, and good eye appeal. The coin’s status as the first year of the Lincoln Memorial series makes it a cornerstone piece for anyone building a collection of these cents. The 1959 penny is a reminder of a pivotal moment in American coin design and a testament to the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln. It is a perfect example of the kind of affordable and historically rich coin that can be found by shopping at online marketplaces like eBay.