1999 Penny Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The 1999 penny is a coin that is still in circulation today. Some coin collectors may be curious whether it is worth anything more than its one-cent face value. Although the 1999 penny isn’t especially rare or valuable in general, there are a few things that can change how much collectors value them. This article will examine the various factors, such as minting variations, errors, and conditions, that affect a 1999 penny’s value.
1999 Penny Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1999 No Mint Mark Penny Value | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.34 |
| 1999 Penny: Wide AM Value | $0.01 | $0.01
|
$0.01 | $572 |
| 1999-D Penny Value | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.34 |
| 1999-S Penny Value | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 1999-S Penny: Close AM Value | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
1999 No Mint Mark Penny Value
The 1999 no-mint mark penny is not a rare coin because it is a circulating coin that the United States Mint produced in Philadelphia, in large quantities. In reality, over 5 billion of these coins were produced in 1999, and many of them are still in use today.
The absence of a mint mark was the result of an error committed during production. As it had done with all US coins since 1980, the Mint planned to include a mint mark on the coins. The coins were created without a mint mark, however, because a die used to make them was improperly punched without one.
Despite its rarity, collectors, especially those who focus on error coins, still value the 1999 no-mint mark penny. A coin that was incorrectly struck and exhibits some deviation from the original design is known as an error coin. The 1999 no-mint mark penny has some added fascination because the lack of the mint mark can be viewed as an error.
A 1999 no-mint mark penny’s value will vary depending on its condition and collector’s desire, among other things, it is still a common circulating currency, so a coin that has been in circulation is only worth its face value or a few cents. However, an uncirculated example may be worth more. On the other hand, one collector spent $138,00 for one of the over 5 billion no-mint mark coins produced that year, making it the most expensive in a series.
1999 – D Mark Penny Value
The 1999 “D” penny is a relatively common coin, but it has an interesting history and can hold significant value for collectors. The “D” on the coin indicates that it was produced at the Denver Mint in 1999.
One of the most notable features of the 1999 D penny is the possibility of finding two different varieties: the Close AM and the wide AM varieties. On the back of the coin, the AM stands for “A” AND “M” in “America”. The letters are almost touching in the Close AM variant, while there is a clear gap between them in the Wide AM variant. Since the Close AM variant is regarded as rare, it is more expensive, particularly in top grades. It is a rare and sought-after discovery for collectors because this variety is the result of a die error.
In terms of value, the 1999 D penny is not particularly rare or valuable. It is not difficult to locate these pennies in circulation. With 6,360,065,000 Lincoln Memorial coins made in 1999, the Denver mint produced the most coins ever. While even beautiful pieces in an MS 69 grade can be found for $260, their average price ranges from $0.10 to $30. The 1999 D Penny with the highest priced tag is an exceptional coin with ban MS 69 grade and red toning that was sold at Heritage Auctions. It cost a collector $1,293 in 2013 to add it to his collection.
1999 – S Mark Penny Value
The San Francisco mint only made proof pennies in 1999. A total of 3,347,966 pieces, including the desirable red-tone close AM penny type, were struck.
The term “proof” describes a unique minting procedure that results in coins with a finer finish and greater detail than typical circulating coins. Planchets, or blank coins, are meticulously handled during the production of proof coins to prevent any blemishes or imperfections from marring the coin’s surface. The distinctiveness of the 1999 S Proof Penny comes from its special makeup. The coin was made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, as opposed to the majority of pennies, which are made of copper-plated zinc. This composition was intended as a nod to the penny’s original design, which saw copper-plated zinc replace pure copper in 1982 due to increasing production costs.
The 1999 S Proof penny was only included in the 1999 United States Mint Proof Set, which was sold directly to collectors. It is even more rare and valuable because it was not made available for purchase. The collection contained a total of five coins: a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar. The “S” mint mark appears on the obverse of every piece because they were all produced at the San Francisco Mint.
The 1999 S Proof Penny distinguishes itself from other pennies with several noteworthy characteristics. One feature is that it has a highly polished surface that resembles a mirror. The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is depicted on the reverse side of the coin in a sharper, more defined manner. The Lincoln Memorial is depicted on the reverse side, and it is more precisely defined and detailed than on normal circulation pennies.
The value of the 1999 S Penny has gradually risen over the years, with some specimens selling for thousands of dollars at auction. A 1999 S-proof coin is worth $0.50 to $4, but you should budget $25 to $130 for pieces with close AM. However, in 2021, a 1999 S Proof Penny that the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) had graded as a flawless Proof 70 was auctioned off at $4,800.
History of the 1999 Penny
The Lincoln Penny has been a staple of American currency since its introduction in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Over the years, the design of the penny has undergone several changes, with one of the most notable being the release of the 1999 Lincoln Memorial penny.
The term “Wheat Penny” was given to the penny because its reverse originally featured two wheat stalks. It was the first American currency with a real person on the obverse rather than fictitious figures like Lady Liberty or an American Indian. That choice was debatable at the time, and many traditionalists recalled George Washington’s opinion that it was excessively monarchical.
However, the intention was to pay tribute to the most illustrious American President. So, in 1909, the year that the country honored Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the coin was put into circulation. Unexpectedly, Americans loved their new penny.
The 1999 Lincoln penny, in particular, has some interesting features that make it stand out from other coins in the series. The 1999 penny’s design is among its most noteworthy features. The 1999 penny has a modified reverse design in contrast to the majority of other coins in the series. The Lincoln Memorial on the reverse has been moved slightly to the right, which gives the design a more balanced and centered appearance.
The makeup of the 1999 penny is another distinguishing quality. Lincoln pennies were mainly made of copper from 1909 to 1982. But in 1982, a copper-plated zinc coin was substituted for the penny due to rising copper costs.
1999 Penny Grading
Grading a coin is a process of assessing its condition, rarity, and other factors that determine its value. Professional coin grading businesses that adhere to rigid guidelines and standards set by the numismatics industry typically carry out the grading procedure. These companies use a scale of 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect coin with no flaws, and 1 being a heavily damaged coin.
For more information on what to look out for when grading your penny, watch the video below.
Rare 1999 Penny Error Lists
As a small denomination of money, the penny is often disregarded despite being one of the most common coins in circulation in the United States. Nevertheless, due to mistakes made during the minting process, some pennies from 1999 have grown quite valuable. Different 1999 penny errors will be covered in this section, along with their importance to collectors.
1. 1999 Wide AM Reverse Error
Wide AM Reverse is one of the most common 1999 penny mistakes. The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” should meet at the base on the coin’s reverse side. However, some coins were produced with a wider space between the letters, resulting in a space that is twice as wide as it should be.
Even in the lowest quality, these coins are highly prized and are worth about $100. The best-preserved items can sell for up to $3,000, while those in good shape range from $150 to $300.
2. 1999 Penny Double Die Obverse Error
The Doubled Die Obverse error happens when the picture is stamped twice on the coin, producing a slightly distorted or doubled image. Even though it is not unique to 1999 pennies, this mistake stands out in some of them. The value of this coin varies depending on the degree of doubling, it can be worth anywhere from $5 TO $10.
3. 1999 Penny Die to Crack Error
A cracked die led to the production of this Lincoln coin. The coin’s surface has some imperfections because they are not as flawless as they should be. However, because collectors don’t gather these items, their price is low.
4. 1999 Roosevelt Penny back and 1999 Lincoln Penny Front Error
The world of numismatics, or coin collecting, is full of surprises and anomalies. The 1999 Lincoln penny with a Roosevelt dime reverse is one such anomaly that has lately come to light, and its origin remains a mystery. According to experts, it might have been a mistake at the Mint or even intentional vandalism by a Mint staffer. Regardless of the circumstances, this coin serves as a testament to the mystery and irrationality of the world of coin collecting. There is currently only one such currency, and its value is still unknown.
5. 1999 Penny Off-Center Error
An off-center error occurs during the minting process when the coin is struck off-center, meaning that the design is not properly aligned with the rim of the coin. As a consequence, the coin appears uneven or lopsided.
The off-center error of the 1999 penny was particularly notable because it affected numerous coins. In reality, there may be some off-center error in as much as 5% of all 1999 pennies. Compared to other off-center errors on U.S. coins, this is a relatively high proportion. Coins with this error are typically valued at $5 to $6.
Watch this video to learn more about 1999 penny errors.
FAQs
1. What 1999 Penny Variation Is The Most Expensive?
The Philadelphia Mint Lincoln penny is the most valuable. At an auction in 2006, it achieved an unbelievable sum of $138,000.
2. Is A 1999 Penny Rare?
The majority of 1999 Lincoln coins are common, but those with a broad AM RD are rare and can be pricey in higher grades.
Conclusion
Finally, the 1999 penny holds a special spot in the hearts of numismatists and collectors, as it marks the end of an era and was the last of the Lincoln Memorial pennies to be minted before the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial pennies. Its unique design and low mintage make it a sought-after coin among collectors.
Aside from its collectible worth, the 1999 penny serves as a reminder of the significance of history and Abraham Lincoln’s enduring impact.
Overall, the 1999 penny is a reminder of the people and events that have shaped our world.
