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What to Look for on a 1989 Penny?

Published in 1989 Penny Value 4 mins read

To identify valuable or interesting 1989 pennies, focus on specific details like mint marks, known error varieties, and the coin's overall condition, paying close attention to both the obverse and reverse designs.

The 1989 Lincoln Cent, like other pennies from this era, typically has a face value of one cent. However, certain characteristics can make them worth significantly more to collectors.

1. Mint Marks

The first thing to check on any 1989 penny is its mint mark, located on the obverse (front) of the coin, below the date. This small letter indicates where the coin was minted.

  • "D" (Denver Mint): Pennies struck at the Denver Mint.
  • "S" (San Francisco Mint): Pennies struck at the San Francisco Mint. These are typically proof coins, minted for collectors with a shinier finish.
  • No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): Pennies struck at the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark.

Here's a general overview of 1989 penny values:

Mint Mark Type of Coin Typical Circulated Value Typical Uncirculated Value (MS-65) Potential Error Value (High Grade)
No Mark Business Strike $0.01 - $0.05 $0.50 - $2.00 Up to $100s+
D Business Strike $0.01 - $0.05 $0.50 - $2.00 Up to $100s+
S Proof (Frosted) N/A (not typically circulated) $1.00 - $5.00 Up to $100s+

Note: Values can vary significantly based on the coin's specific condition and the rarity of any errors.

2. Understanding the 1989 Penny's Design

The 1989 penny features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. Unlike the initial pennies minted for the first 50 years (which featured two wheat ears on the reverse), these from 1989 display the iconic Memorial.

  • Frank Gasparro, an inventive artist, designed the Lincoln Memorial reverse. A remarkable detail to look for on the reverse is the small statue of President Lincoln placed inside the Lincoln Memorial building itself, visible through the columns. This intricate detail is a hallmark of Gasparro's design and a testament to the artistry involved.

3. Key Errors and Varieties to Look For

Serious collectors often seek out 1989 pennies with minting errors or unique varieties, as these can significantly increase a coin's value. Here are some of the most common and valuable types of errors:

  • Doubled Die (DDO/DDR): This occurs when the coin die is struck twice by the hub at slightly different angles, resulting in a doubled image. Look for doubling on:
    • Obverse (DDO): Lincoln's bust, the date, or the word "LIBERTY."
    • Reverse (DDR): The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," or "ONE CENT."
  • Off-Center Strikes: When the coin blank (planchet) is not perfectly centered in the coining press, resulting in part of the design being missing and a blank area remaining.
  • Die Breaks and Cuds: These are raised areas or lumps of metal on the coin that result from cracks or chips in the coin die. A "cud" is a large die break that extends from the rim into the design.
  • BIE Errors: A specific type of die break common on Lincoln cents. It appears as a small vertical line (resembling the letter "I") between the "B" and "E" of "LIBERTY" on the obverse.
  • Struck on Wrong Planchet: Extremely rare and valuable errors where a penny is accidentally struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination (e.g., a dime or a foreign coin).
  • Mint Mark Errors: While less common for 1989, issues like repunched mint marks (where the mint mark was punched more than once) can add value.

4. Coin Condition (Grading)

The condition, or "grade," of a 1989 penny plays a crucial role in its value. Collectors prioritize coins with minimal wear and strong eye appeal.

  • Uncirculated (UNC or MS): Coins that have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster. Look for:
    • Full Red (RD): Coins that retain nearly 100% of their original copper color.
    • Red-Brown (RB): A mix of red and brown tones.
    • Brown (BN): Coins that have completely oxidized to a brown color.
  • Circulated: Coins that have been used and show wear. These are generally only worth face value unless they possess a significant error.

When examining a 1989 penny, use a magnifying glass (10x magnification is ideal) and good lighting to spot the subtle details, errors, and indicators of wear or preservation.