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 “ghost” coins. This remarkable piece features a 1959-D obverse paired with a Wheat reverse – a design combination that should never have existed, as the U.S. Mint officially transitioned to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.

The Discovery

In 1986, retired police officer Leon Baller stumbled upon the only known specimen, purchasing it for approximately $1,500. This extraordinary find has ignited decades of passionate debate within the numismatic community about its authenticity and mysterious origins.

Authentication Guide: Key Diagnostic Points

Weight Verification

Genuine 1959-D Lincoln cents should register approximately 3.11 grams on a precision scale. Any significant deviation from this standard immediately raises suspicion. For accurate verification, use a scale measuring to at least 0.01 grams.

Magnetic Properties

Standard 1959-D Lincoln cents contain 95% copper and 5% zinc (pre-1982 composition). These classic copper cents should exhibit absolutely no magnetic attraction. If your coin is strongly drawn to a magnet, you’re either examining a copper-plated steel counterfeit or an altered piece.

Die Markers and Design Elements

The reverse design serves as the most critical diagnostic point for 1959-D cents. Every genuine 1959-D cent should display the Lincoln Memorial reverse – NOT the Wheat reverse. If you encounter a Wheat reverse on a 1959-D coin, you’re likely looking at:

• A damaged 1958-D cent with the last digit altered
• A counterfeit creation
• A mechanical error coin (as discussed in collector forums)

Common Fakes and Alterations

The most prevalent counterfeit technique involves taking a genuine 1958-D cent and altering the final digit from “8” to “9.” Examine the date area under magnification, watching for:

• Tool marks or filing around the date
• Displaced metal where the alteration occurred
• Inconsistent font style between the altered digit and surrounding numerals

Testing Methods

Professional authentication employs several sophisticated testing methods:

1. Visual Inspection: Examine under 10x magnification for alteration signs, particularly around the date and mint mark areas.
2. Specific Gravity Test: Copper-alloy cents should demonstrate specific gravity of approximately 8.8-8.9 g/cm³.
3. Die Clash Analysis: Compare the coin’s details against known genuine examples. Altered coins frequently display mismatched die characteristics.
4. Professional Grading: Submit to reputable third-party graders like PCGS or NGC, though controversial pieces like the 1959-D mule often receive no certification.

The PCGS Certification Controversy

Recent forum discussions uncovered a certified 1959-D Wheat cent that raised serious authenticity questions. The certification number verified as valid, yet the coin’s characteristics contradicted those of a genuine 1959-D issue. This appears to be a case where the grading service certified a damaged coin without recognizing that 1959-D cents should feature the Memorial reverse.

Common Mechanical Damage

Forum experts identified the coin as exhibiting “common mechanical damage” – specifically coin rolling damage or damage from coin-operated machines that can cause displaced metal. This type of damage is frequently mistaken for more valuable errors by inexperienced collectors.

Known Authentic Specimen

The only authenticated 1959-D mule cent was owned by Stewart Blay in pristine mint state condition. This singular example underwent examination by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Forensic Services Division, which declared it genuine based on composition analysis and absence of tool marks. Nevertheless, major grading services still refuse certification due to the existence of only one specimen.

Forger Claims

Convicted forger Mark Hofmann once claimed he created the authentic mule using a “spark erosion” process, though the Secret Service found no merit to this specific claim. This controversy adds another fascinating layer of complexity to authentication efforts.

Auction History and Value

Despite its disputed status, the authentic 1959-D mule 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

Authentication Checklist

When examining a potential 1959-D Wheat cent, use this comprehensive checklist:

1. Verify the reverse design is Lincoln Memorial, not Wheat
2. Check the weight (should be 3.11 grams)
3. Test for magnetism (should not be magnetic)
4. Examine the date area for signs of alteration
5. Compare die characteristics to known genuine examples
6. Consider professional authentication for high-value specimens

Conclusion

The 1959-D Lincoln cent mule remains one of numismatics’ greatest mysteries. While only one genuine specimen is known to exist, the market continues to see altered and counterfeit examples. By understanding the specific diagnostic points covered in this guide – particularly the critical detail that 1959-D cents should have a Memorial reverse – collectors can protect themselves from costly mistakes. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, especially a 1959-D with a Wheat reverse, it probably warrants extreme skepticism and thorough authentication before any significant investment is made.

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