Is there anything special about a 1959 memorial cent?

One of my friends asked me if there is anything special about a 1959 Memorial Cent. All I really know about it is that it was the first Memorial to come out and Lincoln is on it. If you have any additional info please reply I (and my friend) would like to know more about it.

-JefLinc

 

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Not really unless it's in a high grade.

 

Not really...
The 1959 Memorial Cent isn't that special, a rather large mintage...And if it isn't in a real high grade of uncirculated, it won't be worth much

 

You got it. Thats pretty much the only thing thats special about it. It was the first year with the memorial on the back instead of wheat ears.

 

if you buy the proofs graded or proof set then that's the only reason to get the coin.

 

Unless it is a 1959-D with a wheat reverse.

http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/wheat_ear_cents/1959d_one_cent_wheat_ears.htm

Secret service twice said was authentic , but forger Mark Hofmann says he made it.

Jim

 

I disagree. Although there is nothing overly valuable about this coin...it is still the first of the design and thus a series "landmark" to a lot of collectors. A BU example should cost a $1 or so and I think it's a coin certainly worth having.

 

Good advice noted above.

There is a history angle here also. The Memorial cent, designed by Frank Gasparro, was introduced to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. Back in 1909 the Lincoln cent marked the centennial.

In 2009 we will see 4 different reverse designs, and in 2010 a new permanent reverse will appear. So someone could collect high grade Lincoln cent reverses.

 

Now that is a cool coin! Learning something new everyday, I've never even heard of that!

 

Thanks everyone for the great information! When my friend Catbert asked me about the 1959 memorial Cent I thought of you smart people. I learn something new here everday now. Thanks again!

-JefLinc

 

No problem, we are always here for any more coin questions

 

That coin has a questionable history and has never been authenticated...but it is cool nonetheless.

 

So if it is authenticated....What is the value???
If it is the only one...In the millions? (33' Gaudens was 7.59 Mill, so what would that make this?)

 

Hard to say...I could see it easily being a $1 million+ plus coin...but I doubt it would top the '33 St. Gaudens. But, you never know.

I doubt it will be authenticated anytime soon though.

 

A good thread!

Speaking of the Lincoln Memorial, are there such things as "full steps" (or not) like what Jefferson Nickel collectors obsess about?

 

I'll authenticate it...

T$GS

T$ Grading Service

 

Someone brought it up one time (might have been Boss but I can't remember) but for me there are too many steps to tell if they are "full".