Here’s What To Look For On Your 1979 Pennies
The Surprising Value of 1979 Pennies
If you have a 1979 penny in your pocket change or coin collection, you might be sitting on a small fortune! While most 1979 pennies are worth just their face value, certain varieties and errors can be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
The Exciting News
Most 1979 pennies are worth at least 2x face value to collectors…
Learn how to identify the valuable varieties hiding in plain sight.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly what makes certain 1979 pennies so valuable and how to check your own coins for these rare characteristics.
Types of 1979 Pennies & Their Values
1979 Philadelphia Penny
(No mintmark)
Mintage: 6,018,515,000
Value: 2¢ to 10¢
Common in circulation
1979-D Denver Penny
(D mintmark)
Mintage: 4,139,357,254
Value: 2¢ to 25¢
Slightly scarcer than Philly coins
1979-S Proof Penny
(S mintmark)
Mintage: 3,677,175
Value: $2 to $5
Proof coins for collectors
Note: These values are for circulated coins in average condition. Uncirculated and specially preserved coins can be worth significantly more.
Valuable 1979 Penny Errors To Look For
The real treasure lies in finding error coins. Here are the most valuable 1979 penny errors:
- 1979-S Type 2 Proof Penny: This variety has a clearer “S” mintmark and different design details. In perfect condition, these can be worth $5,000 to $10,000+.
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Look for doubling in the date, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or Liberty’s profile. Values range from $50 to $2,500 depending on severity.
- Off-Center Strikes: Pennies that were misaligned during minting. Value depends on how far off-center: $5 to $500+.
- Broad Strikes: Coins that were struck outside the retaining collar, making them wider than normal. Worth $10 to $200.
- Repunched Mintmarks (RPM): Look for a secondary “D” mintmark slightly offset from the first. Values: $25 to $150.
Pro Tip: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (at least 5x magnification) to carefully examine your pennies for these errors.
How To Identify A 1979-S Type 2 Proof Penny
The 1979-S Type 2 proof penny is the “holy grail” for 1979 penny collectors. Here’s how to identify it:
- Look for the “S” mintmark: It must be a proof coin from San Francisco.
- Examine the mintmark style: Type 2 has a much clearer, more defined “S” with serifs (small lines at the ends of letter strokes).
- Check the date and lettering: On Type 2 coins, the date and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear sharper and more defined.
- Look at the wheat ears: The wheat ears on the reverse are more detailed on Type 2 coins.
If you think you have a 1979-S Type 2 proof penny, consider having it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. This can significantly increase its value and marketability.
Ready To Check Your 1979 Pennies?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to search through your coin collection or pocket change! Start by:
- Gathering all your 1979 pennies
- Sorting them by mintmark (no mintmark, D, or S)
- Carefully examining each coin with magnification for errors
- Comparing any S-mint pennies to the Type 2 characteristics
Remember: Even if you don’t find a $10,000 penny, many 1979 pennies are still worth more than face value to collectors!
FAQs About 1979 Pennies
Q: Are all 1979 pennies valuable?
A: No, most 1979 pennies are common and worth only 2-10 cents. Only specific errors and varieties command high values.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1979 penny?
A: The mintmark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date.
Q: How many 1979 pennies were made?
A: Over 10 billion 1979 pennies were minted across all mints, making it a very common coin overall.
Q: Should I clean my 1979 pennies?
A: Never clean collectible coins! Cleaning reduces their value significantly. If you find a potentially valuable coin, leave it exactly as is.
