Can the 1959-D Wheat Cent Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

The 1959-D Wheat Cent Controversy

Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let’s look at the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making. The 1959-D Lincoln cent with a wheat reverse is one of the most controversial coins in American numismatics. Officially, the U.S. Mint transitioned from the wheat reverse to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959, making this combination theoretically impossible.

Historical Significance

Only one specimen is currently known to exist, discovered in 1986 by Leon Baller, a retired police officer. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Forensic Services Division examined the coin in 1987 and 2002, declaring it genuine based on its composition and lack of tool marks. However, major third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC refuse to certify it, arguing that since only one exists, it was likely a “clandestine” strike by a mint employee or a highly sophisticated forgery.

Metal Composition and Properties

Bronze Alloy Analysis

The 1959-D wheat cent, if genuine, would be composed of the standard bronze alloy used for Lincoln cents from 1909-1962: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc. This composition offers several advantages for jewelry crafting:

• Malleability: The copper-tin-zinc alloy is relatively soft and workable, making it ideal for coin ring creation
• Patina development: Bronze naturally develops a rich, warm patina over time that many jewelry enthusiasts find appealing
• Work-hardening: The metal can be work-hardened through repeated manipulation, increasing durability

Hardness Considerations

With a Rockwell hardness of approximately 60-70 on the B scale in its annealed state, this bronze alloy strikes a good balance between workability and durability. For comparison:

• Silver (sterling): 75-85 BHN
• Copper-nickel (clad): 80-90 BHN
• Gold (24K): 65-75 BHN

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

Wheat Reverse Characteristics

The wheat reverse design, created by Victor David Brenner, features two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This design offers several advantages for jewelry crafting:

The wheat stalks create a natural, organic border that frames beautifully when transformed into a ring. The detailed texture provides visual interest both on the exterior and interior surfaces of the finished piece.

1959-D Obverse Features

The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait with the date “1959” and mint mark “D” for Denver. The raised design elements create excellent depth for jewelry work, allowing for:

• Clear visibility of Lincoln’s profile when the coin is transformed
• Distinct date and mint mark details that add historical context
• Strong rim definition that provides structural integrity

Crafting Considerations

Ring-Making Potential

The 1959-D wheat cent, if authentic, would be an exceptional candidate for coin ring creation due to:

1. Size: The 19mm diameter provides adequate material for most ring sizes
2. Thickness: At 1.5mm, the planchet offers sufficient depth for structural integrity
3. Edge detail: The reeded edge adds texture and grip

Techniques and Tools

Creating a coin ring from this cent would involve:

• Center punching and drilling to remove the center
• Annealing to soften the metal for manipulation
• Using a ring stretcher or mandrel for sizing
• Polishing to achieve the desired finish

Authentication Concerns

Identifying Genuine vs. Altered Pieces

Based on the forum discussion, the coin in question appears to be a damaged 1958-D cent with the date altered to appear as 1959. Key indicators include:

• Displaced metal around the date area
• Possible “8” visible upon close examination
• Mechanical damage consistent with coin rolling or gumball machines

Professional Grading Issues

The discussion reveals that PCGS certified this coin as a 1959-D wheat cent, which is historically impossible. This error likely occurred because:

1. The grading service overlooked the wheat reverse design
2. The date alteration was convincing enough to pass initial inspection
3. Similar mistakes have happened before, as referenced in the ANACS 1973 incident

Market Value and Collectibility

Auction History

The genuine 1959-D wheat cent mule (if it exists) has commanded impressive prices:

• 2003: Sold for $48,300
• 2010: Resold for $31,050 (with “not guaranteed” disclaimer)
• 2019: Most recently sold for $50,000

Crafting Value

For crafting purposes, a damaged 1958-D cent with altered date would have minimal numismatic value but could still be valuable as:

• A practice piece for learning coin ring techniques
• A conversation starter due to its controversial nature
• A historical curiosity representing the 1959 design transition

Conclusion

While the 1959-D wheat cent remains one of the most controversial coins in American numismatics, its metal composition and design make it theoretically excellent for jewelry crafting. However, the coin in question appears to be a damaged 1958-D cent with altered date rather than the genuine article. For crafters, this means the piece would have limited value beyond its material worth and historical curiosity factor. Always authenticate coins before crafting, as genuine error coins or rarities could be worth far more to collectors than as jewelry pieces.

The controversy surrounding this coin serves as a reminder of the importance of proper authentication and the fascinating intersection between numismatics and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a collector, crafter, or both, understanding the history and properties of coins like the 1959-D wheat cent enriches the experience of working with these miniature works of art.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The 1959-D Wheat Cent Controversy: Proper Storage for a Mislabeled Treasure – Introduction: A Conservationist’s Warning I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or …
• Grading Breakdown: How Did This Get Graded? The Difference Between $10 and $1,000 – The Grading Mystery: When a Coin Gets Labeled Wrong Condition is everything. Here’s how to examine the high points…
• Is Your 1959-D Wheat Cent Real? How to Spot a Fake – Historical Significance The 1959-D Lincoln cent mule stands as one of American numismatics’ most legendary “…