The 1959 D Mule Lincoln Penny is a very rare and valuable coin. It can be worth more than $31,000! But surprisingly, some of these coins are still found in everyday change.
What Is a Mule Coin?
A mule coin happens when the front (obverse) and back (reverse) of a coin come from different coin designs. This mistake makes the coin very rare and special for collectors.
History of the 1959 Lincoln Penny
- The Lincoln penny was first made in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln.
- The 1959 penny shows Lincoln’s head on the front.
- The “D” means the coin was made in Denver.
What Makes the 1959 D Mule Penny Special?
- This penny has the front from a 1959 penny but the back from a different year or design.
- This mistake happened because the mint accidentally used the wrong die on the back.
- This kind of coin is very rare.
How to Spot a 1959 D Mule Penny
Look for these signs:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Front (Obverse) | Lincoln’s head with the date “1959” and “D” mintmark |
| Back (Reverse) | The back looks like a different year’s design, not matching 1959 |
| Size & Weight | Same as a regular penny (small and light) |
Why Is It Worth So Much?
- It’s very rare because few were made.
- Collectors want it because of the mistake.
- If the coin is in good shape, it can sell for over $31,000.
- It tells a cool story about how coins are made.
Can You Still Find One in Change?
Yes! Sometimes people find this coin in their change because it looks very similar to a regular penny. Not everyone knows about the mistake, so some are still out there.
Tips for Collectors
- Use a magnifying glass to check pennies.
- Compare suspected coins with pictures online.
- Look closely at the date and mintmark.
- If you find one, get it checked by a coin expert.
Summary Table
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Year | 1959 |
| Mint | Denver (D) |
| Type | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Error | Front and back don’t match (mule) |
| Value | Up to $31,050 |
| Still Found | Sometimes in circulation |
Conclusion
The 1959 D Mule Lincoln Penny is a rare coin that can be very valuable. Even though it’s rare, some are still found in everyday change. If you collect coins, keep an eye out—you might find one!
FAQs
1. What is a mule coin?
A coin with the front and back from different designs because of a minting mistake.
2. How rare is this penny?
Very rare. Only a few exist.
3. Can I find one in my change?
It’s rare, but yes, some have been found in change.
4. How do I know if mine is real?
Have a coin expert check it.
5. Why are these coins still in circulation?
Because they look like normal pennies, some weren’t caught and were spent.
