1979 Lincoln Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
1979 penny errors worth money: Type 2 Clear S Proof ($3,800+), RPM-001, dime planchet ($3,000+), off-center strikes ($400+). Verified auction records, full diagnostics & grading guide.
Most 1979 Lincoln Cents are worth face value, but the right error or variety commands anywhere from $40 to over $3,800.
- 💎 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) Proof:$40–$60 in PR69 DCAM; up to $3,800+ in flawless PR70
- 🔍 1979-D RPM-001 (FS-501):$5–$100+ — a secondary D punched to the southeast
- ⚡ Struck on Dime Planchet:$1,200–$3,000+ — silver-colored and weighs just 2.27g
- ↗ Off-Center Strike (40–65% with date):$200–$400+
⚠️ Flat, shelf-like doubling on the date is almost always worthless Machine Doubling. A silver-colored coin weighing ~3.1g is a plated novelty — weigh any oddity before celebrating.
1979 Lincoln Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are estimated retail prices as of 2026-01 based on verified auction records from Heritage, Stack's Bowers, and PCGS price guides.
Error and variety coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, strike quality, and current market demand.
Professional authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for any coin suspected of being a valuable error or variety.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like doubling) has ZERO numismatic premium — it is NOT the same as a Doubled Die. Most 'doubled' 1979 cents are machine doubling.
The 'Floating Roof' anomaly on 1979 cents is a common die polishing artifact worth $1–$5 at most. Do not overpay for these listings.
Silver-colored 1979 cents weighing ~3.1g are plated novelty coins with no numismatic value. Genuine wrong planchet errors weigh ~2.27g (dime) or other non-standard weights.
Your 1979 Lincoln Cent is one of more than 10 billion struck that year — yet some of those coins are worth thousands. A mid-year punch change at the San Francisco Mint created a scarce Proof variety that reaches $3,800 in perfect condition. Planchets (blanks) meant for foreign orders slipped into the penny press, producing silver-colored cents that collectors pay $3,000+ to own. This guide tells you exactly what to look for, what tools to use, and which common oddities to ignore. See our complete 1979 Lincoln Cent value guide →
1979 Lincoln Cent Specifications & Mintage
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Lincoln Memorial Cent |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (solid alloy — NOT the zinc-core penny of 1982+) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams (tolerance ±0.13g) |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Thickness | 1.52 mm |
| Edge | Plain / Smooth |
| Philadelphia Mintage | 6,018,515,000 — no mint mark |
| Denver Mintage | 4,139,357,254 — D mint mark |
| San Francisco Mintage | 3,677,175 — Proof only (S mint mark) |
ℹ️ No "P" Mint Mark in 1979
Philadelphia cents carry no mint mark in 1979 — the P was not added to Lincoln cents until 2017. The San Francisco Mint produced only Proof coins that year; any S-mint coin that lacks a mirror-like Proof surface should be examined closely for a counterfeit or added mint mark.
For standard circulation values by grade, visit our complete 1979 Lincoln Cent value guide.
1979 Lincoln Cent Quick Checks: Valuable Errors Worth Finding
1979 Lincoln Cent Quick Checks: Valuable Errors Worth Finding
Run through these checks in order. You need only a digital scale (accurate to 0.01g) and a 10x loupe (a small magnifying glass).
Check 1 — Weight Test (Wrong Planchet Detection)
Place the coin on a digital scale calibrated to 0.01g. Standard weight for a 1979 cent is 3.11g (±0.13g).
A weight of 2.27g = dime planchet error ($1,200–$3,000+). A weight of 2.70–2.80g = likely foreign planchet error ($300–$600+). The coin may also appear silver-colored or slightly undersized.
A weight of ~2.50g is a post-1982 zinc cent, not a 1979 error. A silver-colored coin weighing ~3.1g is a plated novelty (a classic high-school chemistry experiment) with no collector value.
Weight is the key test: 2.27g (left) = dime planchet error worth $1,200+. 3.11g (right) = normal copper cent.
Check 2 — 1979-S Type 2 Clear S (Proof Coins Only)
The S mint mark below the date on the obverse (front) of Proof coins. Use 10x or greater magnification.
A sharp, typographically correct S with bulbous serifs clearly separated from the body, and flat mirror fields visible inside both loops of the S. This is the scarce Type 2.
Type 1 (Filled S) has a blob-like appearance — the serifs merge into the body and there is no flat field inside the loops. Type 1 is common. The definitive marker for Type 2 is clear, flat fields inside both loops.
Check 3 — 1979-D RPM-001 (FS-501) Repunched Mint Mark
The D mint mark below the date. Look under 10x for a secondary D shape protruding to the southeast of the primary D.
A secondary D visible to the southeast, appearing as a vertical bar to the right and a curve along the bottom of the main D. Die scratches running east–west under LIBERTY confirm the specific die.
Machine Doubling on the mint mark looks flat and shelf-like — that is NOT an RPM. True RPMs show a fully rounded secondary image. Minor RPMs (RPM-002, etc.) exist but are less dramatic and less liquid.
Check 4 — Off-Center Strike
The overall alignment of the design. One side of the planchet (blank) will be completely unstruck and blank.
40–60% off-center with a fully readable date is the collector sweet spot ($200–$400+). Even 10–20% off-center with a visible date is worth $20–$50.
A misaligned die (MAD) where the full design is present but slightly off-center within the rim carries little premium. Post-mint damage from dryers, vending machines, or bending is not an off-center strike.
Trap — Machine Doubling (NOT Valuable)
The date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse.
Nothing — this is a trap. Machine Doubling has zero numismatic premium. There are no widely recognized major Doubled Die varieties for the 1979 Lincoln Cent.
True Doubled Dies show rounded secondary images that increase letter size with the same depth as the primary. Machine Doubling is flat, shelf-like, and reduces sharpness. Most doubling on 1979 cents is Machine Doubling.
1979 Lincoln Cent Errors & Values at a Glance
Highlighted rows indicate errors with dedicated guides below. Click an error name to jump to the full diagnostic.
| Error / Variety Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Clear S Proof | — | S | Scarce | $12–$3,800+ | $3,800+ (PR70) |
| Type 1 Filled S Proof | — | S | Common | $6–$150 | $150 (PR70) |
| RPM-001 (FS-501) | FS-501 | D | Uncommon | $5–$100+ | — |
| Dime Planchet Error | — | All | Rare | $1,200–$3,000+ | $3,000+ |
| Foreign Planchet Error | — | P | Very Rare | $300–$600+ | $300+ |
| Off-Center Strike | — | All | Uncommon | $20–$400+ | $400+ |
| Broadstrike | — | All | Uncommon | $100–$170 | $168 |
| Saddle / Multi-Strike | — | All | Very Rare | $50–$300+ | $300+ |
| Philadelphia MS68 Red | — | P | Very Rare | $2,000–$5,500 | $5,463 |
| Business Strike MS65 Red | — | P / D | Common | $7–$10 | — |
| Floating Roof | — | All | Common | $1–$5 | — |
| Machine Doubling | — | All | Very Common | Face Value | — |
1979 Lincoln Cent Valuable Errors: Detailed Guides
1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S)
Type 1 Filled S (left) shows a blob-like mintmark with merged serifs. Type 2 Clear S (right) shows sharp serifs and open loops.
Origin & Background
In the late 1970s, the S punch used at the San Francisco Mint was worn and filled with metal fatigue, producing a blob-like mint mark on Proof coins. When the Susan B. Anthony dollar launched in 1979, Mint officials ordered a new, sharper S punch to meet aesthetic standards. This new punch was introduced mid-year, affecting all Proof denominations. Because the Mint runs multiple dies simultaneously, both the old Type 1 (Filled S) and new Type 2 (Clear S) were released in 1979 Proof Sets. The Type 2 is estimated to comprise only 15–20% of total Proof mintage.
How to Identify
Type 2 Clear S under magnification: note the distinct bulbous serifs and open mirror fields inside both loops.
- Examine the S mint mark at 10x or greater magnification
- Type 2 (Scarce): Distinct, bulbous serifs clearly separated from the body; flat mirror fields visible inside both the upper and lower loops; high, sharp relief matching the date and lettering
- Type 1 (Common): Blob-like, no internal definition; serifs merged into body; no flat field visible inside loops; mushy profile even on Deep Cameo coins
- The definitive marker for Type 2 is clear open fields inside both loops — if you cannot see open space inside the loops, it is Type 1
False Positives to Avoid
Some intermediate die states can be confusing. A lightly worn S punch can partially open the loops without fully qualifying as Type 2. If the serifs are not clearly separated from the body and the loop fields are not mirror-flat, default to Type 1. When in doubt, compare to certified Type 2 images on PCGS CoinFacts.
Market Values
- • PR68 DCAM:$12–$20
- • PR69 DCAM:$40–$60 — 2×–3× premium over Type 1
- • PR70 DCAM:$1,100–$3,800+ — Registry Set territory; major rarity in flawless condition
Auction Record
$3,800+ for a PR70 DCAM example, per Heritage/PCGS verified records. Registry Set competition drives extreme price volatility in this top grade.
1979-D RPM-001 (FS-501) Repunched Mint Mark
Normal D mint mark (left) vs. RPM-001 (right), showing the secondary D protruding to the southeast.
Origin & Background
Until 1990, mint marks were not part of the master hub — they were hand-punched into each working die by Mint employees. If the punch shifted between blows or a second blow was needed, both D impressions were left on the die. Every coin struck by that die shows the same doubled mint mark — making this an attributable, collectible Repunched Mint Mark (RPM). The 1979-D RPM-001 is listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties as FS-501 and is the strongest and most liquid Denver RPM for this year.
How to Identify
- Use a 10x loupe on the D mint mark below the date
- Look for a secondary D to the southeast — visible as a vertical bar to the right of the main D and a curve along its bottom
- Confirm with die scratches running east–west through the field under LIBERTY — specific to this die
- In later die states (Stage B), die chips may appear inside the upper loop of the mint mark
- See the diagnostic images at Variety Vista and Wexler's Die Varieties
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling on the mint mark is flat and shelf-like — it does NOT produce a fully rounded secondary D. True RPMs show a rounded secondary image with the same depth as the primary. Minor RPMs (RPM-002, etc.) exist for 1979-D but are less dramatic and trade for lower premiums.
Market Values
- • Circulated (AU55):$2–$5
- • MS63–MS64:$10–$25
- • MS65+ Red (Early Die Stage):$40–$100+
PCGS Reference
See PCGS CoinFacts for the 1979-D Lincoln Cent for population and auction data.
1979 Lincoln Cent Struck on Wrong Planchet
Wrong planchet errors are the most dramatic — and most valuable — strikes in the 1979 Lincoln Cent series. They occur when a planchet (blank) intended for a different coin accidentally ends up in the penny press.
Struck on a Dime Planchet
1979 cent struck on a dime planchet: silver color, cut-off design edges, and clad sandwich layer visible on the edge.
- The coin is silver-colored — dime planchets are copper-nickel clad
- The design is often cut off at the edges — the dime planchet (17.9mm) is smaller than the cent die (19.05mm), so LIBERTY or the date may be partially missing
- Must weigh approximately 2.27g (the standard weight of a dime)
- The edge must show the copper-nickel clad sandwich layer — a thin copper core between two silver-colored layers
- Both the 2.27g weight AND the clad edge must be confirmed for genuine attribution
Struck on a Foreign Planchet
The Philadelphia Mint produced coins for foreign nations in 1979, and occasionally foreign planchets contaminated domestic production lines. A documented example is a 1979 cent struck on a Dominican Republic 10 Centavos planchet, which weighed 2.7g. These errors require precise weighing — a weight that matches no standard U.S. denomination (not 3.11g, 2.27g, or 2.50g) is a strong indicator.
False Positives to Avoid
A silver-colored coin weighing ~3.1g is a plated novelty — a classic high-school chemistry experiment (electroplating a penny in a zinc-sulfate solution) — with no collector value. Post-1982 zinc cents weigh 2.50g. Environmental damage and edge filing can alter weight slightly; ensure the coin is clean and undamaged before drawing conclusions.
Market Values
- • Dime Planchet (high-grade):$1,200–$3,000+
- • Foreign Planchet (Dominican Republic example):$300+
Auction Record
$1,260–$3,000+ for high-grade dime planchet examples (Heritage Auctions, verified). Over $300 for a verified Dominican Republic foreign planchet example. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before any sale.
1979 Lincoln Cent Off-Center Strike
1979 cent struck 65% off-center with the full date still visible — the collector sweet spot.
Origin & Background
An off-center strike happens when the planchet is not fully seated within the retaining collar when the dies impact. Part of the planchet is struck and part remains blank. The collar forms the rim, so a coin without proper seating results in a partial rim and a shifted design.
How to Identify
- One portion of the planchet is completely blank and unstruck
- Estimate percentage off-center by how much of the planchet surface is blank
- The date must be fully readable — coins with no date cannot be attributed to 1979 and lose significant value
- The collector sweet spot is 40–60% off-center with a full date
False Positives to Avoid
A Misaligned Die (MAD) strike shows the full design within the rim, just slightly off-center — this carries little premium. Coins squeezed in car doors, run over by vehicles, or damaged by laundry dryers are not off-center strikes; they show irregular, non-uniform distortion.
Auction Record
Over $400 for a 1979 Lincoln Cent struck 65% off-center with a full date visible (verified auction record).
1979 Lincoln Cent Broadstrike
1979 broadstrike: the full design is present but the coin is oversized with no rim — metal flowed outward unrestricted.
How to Identify
- The coin is larger in diameter than 19.05mm — metal flowed outward unrestricted because the retaining collar was missing or failed
- The rim is absent or completely pancaked (flattened outward)
- All design details must be fully present — if any element is cut off, it is an off-center strike, not a broadstrike
- True broadstrikes have uniform metal flow and consistent strike quality across the full design
False Positives to Avoid
Coins damaged by dryers, vending machines, or other machinery may appear flattened or spread. True broadstrikes show clean, uniform surfaces and consistent strike quality — post-mint damage is irregular and often shows scratches, gouges, or uneven metal flow.
Auction Record
$150–$168 for Mint State examples at Stack's Bowers. Uncentered broadstrikes in higher Mint State grades command the top of this range.
1979 Lincoln Cent Common Traps: What Looks Valuable But Isn't
1979 Lincoln Cent Common Traps: What Looks Valuable But Isn't
These are the most common reasons collectors get disappointed. Know these traps and you'll save yourself from overpaying or from chasing dead ends.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD)
Apparent doubling on the date, LIBERTY, or IN GOD WE TRUST — letters or numbers seem to have a shadow or shelf running alongside them.
The die is slightly loose in the press. On impact, it bounces or slides, shearing the metal and creating a flat, step-like secondary impression.
- Machine doubling looks flat and shelf-like — it reduces the size and sharpness of the original letter
- A genuine Doubled Die (DDO) is rounded, has the same relief as the primary image, and increases the apparent letter size (e.g., split serifs)
- There are no major recognized DDO varieties for the 1979 Lincoln Cent — most doubling you find is MD
Value: Face value only. Zero numismatic premium.
Machine Doubling (left) shows flat shelf-like shearing. A true Doubled Die (right) shows rounded, raised doubling.
⚠️ The Floating Roof
On the reverse, the roof of the Lincoln Memorial appears to hover above the columns, disconnected — as if floating in the field.
When dies developed clash marks (damage from hitting each other with no coin in between), Mint employees polished the die face. The shallow lines connecting the roof to the cornice were polished away.
- This is a very common die state anomaly for late 1970s cents — not a rare error
- It is worth only $1–$5 regardless of condition
- Do not overpay for online listings advertising this as a major variety
Value: $1–$5. Common die polish artifact.
Normal reverse (left) with connected roof lines vs. Floating Roof (right) where die polishing erased the connecting lines.
⚠️ Plated Novelty Coins (Silver-Colored, ~3.1g)
A silver-colored 1979 cent that looks like it could be a wrong planchet error.
A common high-school chemistry experiment involves electroplating a penny in a zinc-sulfate bath, leaving a silver-colored coating over the copper cent.
- Weigh it: A plated novelty still weighs ~3.1g (the original cent weight). A genuine dime planchet error weighs 2.27g
- Check the edge: a plated coin has no clad sandwich layer; the entire edge is coated
- The magnet test: a genuine 1979 cent is non-magnetic. If it sticks, it's a steel-core fake
Value: Face value only. No numismatic value.
1979 Lincoln Cent Grading: How Condition Affects Value
1979 Lincoln Cent Grading: How Condition Affects Value
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale (1–70), where 70 is perfect. For copper cents, a color designation also applies: RD (Red — 95%+ original copper color), RB (Red-Brown), or BN (Brown). The RD designation is critical for high value.
MS65 Red (left) vs. MS68 Red (right): the condition rarity cliff is dramatic — MS68 is exponentially scarcer.
| Grade (RD) | Philadelphia | Denver | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS60–MS66 | $0.25–$10 | $0.25–$10 | Very abundant; often less than grading cost |
| MS67 | $50–$70 | ~$50–$70 | Populations thin; value rises notably |
| MS68 | $2,000–$5,500 | See PCGS | Condition rarity cliff — $5,463 PCGS auction record for 1979-P |
The MS68 cliff exists because copper is a soft metal — it scratches easily and develops spots over time. An MS68 Red 1979 cent must have virtually flawless surfaces and blinding luster. Per PCGS auction records, a 1979-P in MS68 RD has sold for $5,463. Always have a coin you believe grades MS67+ professionally evaluated before selling.
1979 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Get Certified
1979 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Get Certified
Professional grading services — primarily PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders ("slabs") with a guaranteed grade and variety attribution. Here's when it's worth the cost:
- Always submit if you believe you have a Type 2 Clear S Proof — the premium over Type 1 is significant and buyers expect a slab for high-grade examples
- Always submit any suspected wrong planchet error (dime or foreign) — these require expert authentication and a slab dramatically increases market acceptance and price
- Consider submitting RPM-001 in MS65+ Red — the grade and variety attribution together support the premium
- Generally not cost-effective for standard business strikes below MS67, or for Floating Roof and machine doubling finds
⚠️ Before You Submit
Do NOT clean your coin. Do NOT use acetone, water, or cloth on it. Handle by the edges only. Cleaning permanently reduces grade and can destroy numismatic value. Encapsulation in a PCGS or NGC slab is the only way to guarantee authenticity to a buyer for high-value errors.
For the 1979-S Type 2 Proof specifically, a PR70 DCAM slab from PCGS is essentially required to achieve the top price range. Raw (uncertified) Type 2s are discounted significantly due to buyer uncertainty.
1979 Lincoln Cent Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1979 penny with no mint mark worth anything?
Generally no — a no-mint-mark 1979 cent is from Philadelphia, which struck over 6 billion of them. In circulated grades it's worth face value. The exception is condition: a flawless MS68 Red example has sold for over $5,400. Also worth checking: weigh it (a 2.27g silver-colored coin is a dime planchet error worth thousands) and look for off-center strikes.
How do I tell if my 1979-S proof is Type 1 or Type 2?
Use a 10x loupe on the S mint mark. Type 2 (Clear S) has sharp, distinct bulbous serifs separated from the body and clear flat mirror fields visible inside both loops of the S. Type 1 (Filled S) looks like a rounded blob with no definition inside the loops. The definitive marker is open, mirror-flat fields inside both loops. When in doubt, compare to verified images on PCGS CoinFacts.
My 1979 penny is silver-colored. Is it worth a lot?
It depends entirely on the weight. Weigh it on a scale accurate to 0.01g. If it weighs 2.27g — and the edge shows a copper-nickel sandwich layer — it is likely a genuine dime planchet error worth $1,200–$3,000+. If it weighs ~3.1g, it is a plated novelty coin (common science experiment) with no numismatic value. A silver-colored 1979 cent that sticks to a magnet is a steel-core fake worth nothing.
Is doubling on my 1979 penny valuable?
Almost certainly not. The 1979 Lincoln Cent has no widely recognized major Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) variety. Most doubling seen on 1979 cents is Machine Doubling — a flat, shelf-like effect caused by a loose die — which carries zero numismatic premium. A genuine Doubled Die would show rounded, raised secondary images with the same relief as the primary. If the doubling looks flat and shelf-like, it is Machine Doubling.
What is the Floating Roof on a 1979 penny and how much is it worth?
The Floating Roof refers to the roof of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse appearing to be detached from the columns. It is caused by aggressive die polishing to remove clash marks — the shallow connecting lines were polished away. It is a common die state anomaly for late 1970s cents, worth only $1–$5. It is not a major error or valuable variety.
What tools do I need to check a 1979 penny for errors?
Three tools cover nearly everything: (1) a digital scale accurate to 0.01g — essential for detecting wrong planchet errors; (2) a 10x loupe — needed for Type 2 vs Type 1 identification and RPM detection; and (3) a strong magnet — to immediately rule out steel-core fakes. These three tools cost under $30 combined and are the foundation of any error-hunting kit.
How many 1979-S Type 2 pennies exist?
The Mint did not track variety breakdowns. The Type 2 is estimated to comprise approximately 15–20% of the 3,677,175 total Proof mintage — suggesting perhaps 550,000–735,000 Type 2 coins were produced. However, the number of Type 2s that have survived in flawless PR70 DCAM condition is extremely small, which is why that grade tier commands $1,100–$3,800+.
1979 Lincoln Cent Value Guide: Sources & Methodology
All prices in this guide are derived from verified auction records and established numismatic reference sources. Values reflect market data as of early 2026 and are subject to change with market conditions.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-S Type 2 DCAM (variety specifications and population data)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1979-P Lincoln Cent MS (MS68 RD auction records)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1979-D Lincoln Cent MS
- Variety Vista — 1979-D RPM-001 (diagnostic images and die marker documentation)
- Wexler's Die Varieties — WRPM-001 (die stage and marker documentation)
- Stack's Bowers Archive — Broadstrike examples (auction records for broadstrike errors)
Wrong planchet auction records sourced from Heritage Auctions verified sale results. Mintage figures from official U.S. Mint production data.
Dealer directory information not available. For purchasing or selling graded examples, consult PCGS-authorized dealers or Heritage Auctions.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
