The 1979-D Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.01 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most of these Denver-minted pennies found in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can fetch a significant premium from collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average)	$0.01 – $0.05
Uncirculated (MS63 Red)	$0.25 – $1.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65 Red)	$5.00 – $15.00
Superb Gem (MS67 Red)	$150.00+

Identifying the 1979-D Lincoln Penny

The 1979-D Lincoln Penny is a common sight in American currency, but identifying its specific traits is the first step to determining if you have a treasure. If you are unsure about the details of your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark and strike quality. These pennies feature the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner. On the reverse, you will find the Lincoln Memorial, a design by Frank Gasparro that was used from 1959 until 2008.

The “D” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In 1979, the Denver Mint produced over 4.1 billion pennies, making it one of the most prolific runs in U.S. history. When you find one of these in your change, you are looking at a coin composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. This is a crucial detail because pennies minted after mid-1982 changed to a primarily zinc composition. For those looking for more help, CoinKnow offers a comprehensive database to track these composition differences.

Since so many were made, 1979-D pennies are not “rare” in the traditional sense. However, because they are made of copper, their melt value often exceeds their face value when copper prices are high. For collectors, the focus isn’t on the metal, but on the “Red” luster found on uncirculated coins. You can check the current market rates for 1979-D Red pennies to see how much of a premium these pristine versions command.

Grading and Color: Red vs. Brown Pennies

When determining 1979-D Lincoln Penny value, the color is everything. Grading agencies like PCGS and NGC categorize copper coins as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A “Red” coin retains at least 95% of its original mint luster. A “Brown” coin has oxidized over time due to exposure to air and moisture. Even if a coin is technically uncirculated, if it has turned brown, its value drops significantly.

Most coins you find in your pocket will be “Brown.” These are generally worth only a few cents. However, if you find a penny that looks like it just came off the press—bright, shiny orange-red—you might have something worth grading. Professional collectors use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. A 1979-D penny in Gem Condition (MS65 or higher) is quite desirable. Finding these requires a keen eye, which is why CoinKnow allows users to compare their coins against high-resolution images of various grades.

Color Designation	Appearance	Typical Value (MS65)
Red (RD)	Shiny, bright copper orange	$10 – $25
Red-Brown (RB)	Mix of mint luster and oxidation	$2 – $5
Brown (BN)	Chocolate or dark tan color	$0.10 – $1.00

Common Errors Found on 1979-D Pennies

While standard 1979-D pennies are common, mint errors can turn a pocket-change find into a valuable asset. Error hunters often look for “Double Dies,” though 1979-D does not have a famous major double die like the 1955 or 1972 versions. Instead, look for more subtle errors like “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM) or “Off-Center Strikes.” A 1979-D with a clearly visible second “D” stamped slightly off-alignment can be worth $10 to $50.

Another interesting error is the “Die Crack” or “Cud.” This happens when the metal die used to strike the coin breaks, leaving a raised blob of metal on the coin’s surface. Small die cracks on Lincoln’s head are common and add only a little value, but a large “Cud” that covers part of the rim can be worth significantly more. If you think you’ve found an error, check the detailed price profiles for 1979 penny errors to see what similar coins have sold for recently.

Off-center strikes are also popular. If the coin was fed into the press incorrectly, part of the design might be missing, and the coin will have a crescent-shaped blank area. A 10% off-center 1979-D penny might sell for $5 to $10, while a 50% off-center strike that still shows the date and mint mark can fetch $50 or more. Identifying these errors is much easier with the help of CoinKnow, which provides a library of known error types for every year.

The “Souvenir Set” and Specimen Coins

Some 1979-D pennies were released in Mint Sets or Souvenir Sets sold at the Denver Mint. These coins often have a better strike than those found in general circulation because they were handled with more care. Collectors often hunt through these sets hoping to find a “70” grade coin—the perfect score. While a “70” has never been officially graded for this year and mint, “67” and “68” grades exist and are highly prized.

In recent years, the market for high-grade modern coins has grown. Many people who grew up in the 70s are now entering the hobby and want the best possible examples of the coins from their childhood. This demand pushes up the price for pennies that have stayed in mint packaging for over 40 years. Always keep an eye out for “Proof-like” qualities on Denver-issued coins, even though the official Proof coins were only made in San Francisco that year.

Grade Level	Why it’s valuable	Recent Sale Trend
MS66 RD	Extreme luster, nearly no marks	$25 – $40
MS67 RD	Flawless to the naked eye	$150 – $450
Minor Errors	Clipped planchets or die cracks	$5 – $20

Why Copper Content Matters Today

Many people save 1979-D pennies not for their numismatic value, but for their metal content. Before 1982, pennies were made of 95% copper. Today, a copper penny contains about 2 to 3 cents worth of raw metal. While it is currently illegal to melt down U.S. pennies for their metal, many “pre-1982” hoarders collect these coins in bulk as a hedge against inflation. A single bag of 1979-D pennies might not be worth much, but $100 face value in copper pennies can be worth $250 or more in metal value.

This “intrinsic value” provides a floor for how much your 1979-D penny is worth. Even the most beat-up, brown Denver penny from 1979 is technically worth more than one cent in copper. However, for everyday Americans, it’s the hunt for that one perfect, shiny red coin or a strange-looking error that makes coin collecting truly exciting. Whether you are searching for copper or for a rare grade, keeping your coins organized is easier with tools like the CoinKnow mobile app.

Where to Sell Your 1979-D Penny

If you believe you have found a high-value 1979-D penny, you have several options. For common coins or low-level errors, eBay is the most popular marketplace. You can list the coin with clear photos and see what the market bears. If you have a coin you suspect is an MS67 or higher, it is worth paying for professional grading by PCGS or NGC. A certified high-grade coin is much easier to sell at a premium price than an “unprocessed” one.

Local coin shops are another great resource, though they may not offer top dollar for common 1979 pennies unless they are exceptional. Most shops will buy copper pennies in bulk (by weight). For those who want a quick estimate before driving to a shop, checking prices on online guides or using a valuation app can give you a realistic expectation of what a dealer might offer. Always remember that “asking price” and “sold price” are different things—look at completed auctions for the most accurate data.

FAQ

Q: Is there a 1979-D penny worth thousands of dollars?

A: While extremely rare, a 1979-D Lincoln Penny graded MS68 RD by a professional service could theoretically approach the $1,000+ mark at a high-end auction. However, such coins are incredibly rare and usually require a perfect strike and flawless preservation. Most 1979-D pennies are worth 1 cent to 25 cents.

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D penny is an error coin?

A: Look for things that don’t look “normal.” This includes parts of the design being chopped off (clipped planchet), the “D” mint mark looking like it was stamped twice (repunched mint mark), or the coin being struck off-center. Using a magnifying glass or a coin microscope is recommended to see these details clearly.

Q: What is the difference between 1979 and 1979-D pennies?

A: The difference is the mint location. The 1979-D was minted in Denver and features a small “D” under the date. The 1979 penny with no mint mark was minted in Philadelphia. Both have similar values, though the Philadelphia mint also produced “Proof” coins with an “S” mint mark in San Francisco, which are generally more valuable to collectors.

Q: Should I clean my 1979-D penny to make it “Red”?

A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer original patina and luster. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives will actually lower its value and can be easily spotted by experts. A “Brown” penny that has been cleaned to look “Red” is considered damaged and will lose its numismatic value.