Price Guide for 1979 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1979 Cent variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1979 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 - $5,463.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2.99 - $2,429.90
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 - $2,000.00
1979-D Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $3,995.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1.25 - $775.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 - $3,900.00
1979-S Penny Type 1, DCAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $10,925.00
-
eBayCirculated: $99.99Uncirculated: $0.99 - $2,600.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 - $2,700.00
1979-S Penny Type 2, DCAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $3,819.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $3,050.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 - $1,450.00
1979-S Penny Type 2 FS-501, DCAM (Proof)
-
eBayUncirculated: $9.97
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 - $1,800.00
1979-D Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
-
eBayUncirculated: $3.99 - $406.00
1979-D Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00
-
eBayCirculated: $112.37Uncirculated: $13.50 - $52.00
1979 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $207.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $5.00 - $125.00
1979 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $77.00
Design and Specifications of the 1979 Cent
The 1979 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. The coin maintained its role as a staple in everyday commerce and remained a popular collectible among numismatists.
1979 was a year of economic challenges, with high inflation rates affecting the United States. The cent's composition of primarily copper was becoming increasingly expensive, foreshadowing future changes to the coin's metallic content in the coming years.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1979 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command a premium, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly desirable.
For circulation strikes, coins with full red luster (RD) are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration. Strike quality is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Lincoln's hair and the Lincoln Memorial columns being more sought after.
For proof coins, the cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields adds value, with deep cameo (DCAM) examples being the most prized.
Mintage: 6,018,515,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest for complete date sets
Mintage: 4,139,357,254
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest for complete date sets
Mintage: 3,677,175
Rarity Scale: Common for proof issues
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Errors and varieties, while not common for 1979 cents, can significantly increase value if found. These may include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, or off-center strikes.
The overall preservation of the coin's surface is crucial. Coins free from contact marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable. For copper coins like the 1979 cent, attractive natural toning can sometimes enhance value, especially if it results in rainbow colors.
While not particularly rare, original rolls or bags of uncirculated 1979 cents may command a premium among collectors looking for quantity or potential high-grade examples.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge
Coin Value Checker
Free US coin value lookup with real-world market prices
Coin Analysis Tool
Identify, value, grade, and authenticate your coins instantly
Auction Records Tool
Access comprehensive US coin auction data
Quarter & Penny Value Guides
Find detailed value guides for both modern and classic quarters and pennies
2024 Quarter Values
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2022 Quarter Value Guide
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2023 Quarter Values
Complete Value Guide & Price Chart
Post-2000 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
Post-1965 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Quarters Guide
60s & 70s Penny Values
Top 50 Most Valuable Finds
Error Coin Guides
Discover comprehensive guides about rare minting errors and valuable mistakes
2024 Quarter Error Guide
In Cod We Trust, Doubled Dies & Values
2023 Quarter Error Guide
Die Breaks, Cuds, and Rare Minting Errors
2022 Quarter Error Analysis
Die Breaks, Cuds & Clash Marks
2021 P&D Quarter Errors
Crown Die Chip, Crossing Delaware Errors
Bessie Coleman Quarter Errors
IN COD WE TRUST, Die Chip Values
Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Wrong Planchet, Off-Center & Die Cracks
Essential Coin Collecting Guides
Access comprehensive resources for identifying, grading, and selling your coins
Coin Designation Guide
Comprehensive Guide To Grading, Errors, Mint Marks, And Certification Terms
Selling Coins Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Selling Coins: Maximizing Your Returns
Key Date U.S. Coins
A Chronological Checklist for Collectors
Coin Value Guide
Expert Methods to Identify, Grade, and Sell Your Numismatic Treasures
U.S. Mint Marks Guide
Complete History of American Coin Mint Marks (1793-Present)
Coin Condition & Grading
Ultimate Guide: Sheldon Scale Explained with Photos
US Coin Specifications
Explore detailed physical characteristics and specifications for all US coin denominations
US Coin Weight Guide
Complete US Coin Weight Guide: Measure Penny, Quarter, Nickel & Dime Weight in Grams
US Coin Metal Composition
What Are Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars & Dollars Made Of
US Coin Size Guide
Complete Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Diameter Chart
US Coin Thickness Chart
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Dimensions
Who is on US Coins?
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Portraits
Complete Specifications
Comprehensive guide to all US coin measurements and specifications
