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1979-D

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,139,357,254
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-682

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About this coinHistory

Denver produced over 4.13 billion cents in 1979 with the "D" mintmark. The Three Mile Island nuclear accident in Pennsylvania in March raised alarms about nuclear power safety and influenced energy policy for a generation. Meanwhile, inflation continued to climb, and Americans waited in long lines for gasoline during the second oil crisis.

The 1979-D is common in all grades. Its large mintage ensures easy availability for collectors. The coin circulated widely during a year of considerable economic and geopolitical stress.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.01 $0.01
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.01 $0.01
F-12 Fine (F) $0.01 $0.01
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.01 $0.01
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.01 $0.01
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.01 $0.01
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.01, rising to roughly $0.01 in About Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
4,139,357,254 were struck.
What is a 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1979-D Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.