The 1959 Wheat Cent Mystery: Preservation Secrets from a Rare ANACS Error

The Accidental Certification That Shook the Numismatic World

I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here’s how to keep your treasures safe for the next generation.

In 1973, something extraordinary happened at ANACS that would become one of numismatics’ most intriguing preservation lessons. A 1959 Wheat cent was accidentally certified as genuine, receiving certificate number 5022 – a simple number with no letters, representing the early days of third-party grading. This error certificate, documented in a 1975 ANACS publication, has remained a fascinating footnote in coin collecting history for nearly five decades.

Understanding the Metal Composition and Vulnerability

The 1959 Wheat cent, like all Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1982, was struck in bronze – a copper alloy typically containing 95% copper with tin and zinc making up the remainder. This composition makes these coins particularly susceptible to environmental damage and chemical reactions over time.

Why Bronze Coins Deteriorate

• Oxidation: Copper naturally reacts with oxygen, forming copper oxide which appears as a dull, darkened surface
• Environmental pollutants: Sulfur compounds in the air can create copper sulfide, leading to blackening
• Moisture exposure: Even small amounts of humidity can accelerate deterioration
• pH sensitivity: Acidic or alkaline environments can cause pitting and surface damage

The Critical Importance of Proper Storage

Given that this particular 1959 cent exists somewhere, likely still in its original ANACS paper certificate holder, understanding proper storage becomes crucial. The original holder, while historic, may not provide adequate protection after nearly 50 years.

Recommended Storage Solutions

“The coin and paper certificate are still out there somewhere.” – Tom DeLorey, former ANACS authenticator

For any bronze cent, especially one with historical significance like this accidental certification, consider these storage options:

Modern Preservation Methods

• Archival-quality holders: Use inert plastic holders specifically designed for coin preservation
• Temperature control: Maintain consistent temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
• Humidity management: Keep relative humidity below 50% using silica gel packets
• Avoid PVC: Never store coins in PVC-containing materials, which can cause irreversible chemical damage
• Acid-free materials: Use only acid-free paper and cardboard for any storage materials

The Toning Debate: To Clean or Not to Clean?

This is perhaps the most critical preservation decision for any bronze cent collector. The 1959 Wheat cent in question, if it ever surfaces, will likely show some degree of toning – a natural patina that develops over decades.

Understanding Coin Toning

Toning occurs when copper reacts with environmental elements, creating colorful patinas ranging from red to brown to blue-green. Many collectors prize attractive, even toning as it adds character and can actually protect the underlying metal.

The Cleaning Controversy

Professional conservators and experienced collectors overwhelmingly recommend against cleaning valuable coins. Here’s why:

• Surface damage: Cleaning can remove microscopic details and luster
• Value reduction: Cleaned coins typically sell for significantly less than naturally toned examples
• Irreversibility: Once cleaned, the original surface is permanently altered
• Risk of over-cleaning: Aggressive cleaning can create unnatural appearances that actually decrease eye appeal

If you absolutely must address toning, consult a professional numismatist or conservation specialist. Never use household cleaners, abrasives, or chemical dips on valuable coins.

Identifying Key Markers and Authentication

The 1959 Wheat cent represents an interesting transitional year in American coinage. While most 1959 cents feature the Lincoln Memorial reverse, the existence of a Wheat reverse from this year would be extraordinary.

Authentication Considerations

If this coin ever surfaces, authentication would be crucial. The original ANACS certificate number 5022 would be a key identifier, though the certification itself was later determined to be in error.

Physical Examination Points

• Date verification: Ensure the date appears consistent with 1959 minting techniques
• Reverse design: Confirm the Wheat ear reverse matches 1958 specifications
• Metal composition: Test for proper bronze content (95% copper)
• Surface characteristics: Examine for signs of alteration or tampering

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The forum discussion revealed interesting questions about the legal status of this coin. Unlike counterfeit currency, altered date coins remain legal to own, though their value and authenticity must be properly represented.

Disclosure Requirements

Any potential owner of this coin would have ethical obligations to disclose its history, including the accidental certification and subsequent re-evaluation by ANACS. Transparency maintains market integrity and collector trust.

Market Value and Investment Considerations

While the original owner declared a value of only $300 when submitting the coin, forum participants speculated about potential values exceeding $1 million if the coin were genuine. However, as one expert noted, “TPG guarantees don’t cover imputed value, especially of a fake coin.”

Factors Affecting Value

• Historical significance: The accidental certification story adds provenance value
• Condition: Original surfaces and preservation quality significantly impact worth
• Market demand: Collector interest in transitional errors remains strong
• Documentation: The original certificate and any subsequent documentation enhance value

Preservation Success Stories

The story of the 1823 half dollar submitted as an “1823-O” provides valuable lessons in preservation and documentation. Despite the owner’s insistence on the coin’s altered attribution, proper handling and certification preserved its true identity and value.

Key Takeaways from Preservation Cases

• Documentation matters: Keep all original paperwork and correspondence
• Professional opinions: Seek multiple expert evaluations when questions arise
• Proper attribution: Ensure coins are correctly identified and labeled
• Insurance considerations: Declare accurate values for insurance purposes

Modern Preservation Technologies

Today’s collectors have access to advanced preservation technologies that weren’t available in 1973:

Current Best Practices

• Inert holders: Modern holders use materials that won’t react with coin surfaces
• Environmental monitoring: Digital hygrometers and thermometers help maintain optimal conditions
• UV protection: Special materials block harmful ultraviolet light
• Air quality control: HEPA filtration systems remove damaging particulates

Conclusion: The Legacy of Preservation

The 1959 Wheat cent with ANACS certificate 5022 represents more than just a numismatic curiosity – it embodies the critical importance of proper preservation, documentation, and ethical collecting practices. Whether this coin ever surfaces or remains hidden for another generation, the lessons it provides about coin care, authentication, and market integrity remain invaluable.

For collectors today, the key takeaway is clear: proper preservation isn’t just about maintaining value – it’s about preserving history for future generations. Whether you’re caring for a potentially valuable error coin or a common date Wheat cent, the same principles apply: avoid cleaning, use proper storage materials, control environmental factors, and always prioritize the coin’s long-term preservation over short-term aesthetic preferences.

As Tom DeLorey noted in the forum, he still wants to be notified if the coin surfaces. This ongoing interest demonstrates how even accidental errors can become significant pieces of numismatic history when properly preserved and documented. The next time you handle a valuable coin, remember the lessons from this 1959 mystery – your preservation efforts today could be creating tomorrow’s historical treasures.

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