In 1959, the U.S. Mint replaced the Wheat reverse design with the new Lincoln Memorial reverse, rendering Wheat pennies obsolete that year. So when a 1959‑D Lincoln cent surfaced with a Wheat reverse, collectors were stunned.
This impossible mule error has sold multiple times above $50,000, commanding attention and commanding headlines.
What Is a Mule Error—and Why This One Is Unique?
- A mule occurs when a coin’s obverse and reverse don’t match, usually from mismatched die pairing.
- Struck in 1959 at the Denver Mint, this penny features a Lincoln Memorial obverse (1959‑D) and an old Wheat reverse—a clear mismatched mule. It never should have been possible.
- Post-discovery, the U.S. Treasury’s Forensic Services Division declared it authentic–not counterfeit.
- However, the major coin grading services refused to certify it due to lack of documented evidence it originated officially, resulting in a “No Decision” grade.
Ownership, Authentication, and Auction Triumphs
| Year | Action | Outcome | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Discovered by retired officer Leon Baller | Sent for Treasury authentication; returned authentic | — |
| 2002 | Resubmitted for formal review | Treasury and Secret Service reaffirmed authenticity | — |
| 2003 | Sold via Goldberg’s Auction | $48,300 | |
| 2010 | Resold | $27,000 | |
| 2019 | Sold again at Goldberg’s (MS60 grade) | $50,000 |
- Ink-stamped by radiation, plastic encapsulated by Goldberg Auctioneers.
- Despite grading bodies’ refusal, collectors trusted its story and visual inspection.
Why This Penny Demands a High Price
A. Rarity & Intrigue
This mule error is singular—only one known example exists. As a unique oddity, it genuinely defies minting norms.
B. Government Authentication
Despite grading houses’ hesitancy, the U.S. Treasury and Secret Service verified that it’s genuine—a powerful confirmation.
C. Market Demand for Unique Errors
Collectors prize one-of-a-kind discoveries. Its blend of official validation, a collector-friendly story, and publicized sales attracted heated bidding.
Lincoln Cent Mules That Spark Collector Craze
| Mule Type | Description | Known Quantity | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959-D Wheat reverse | Memorial obverse + old wheat reverse | 1 | $27K–$50K+ |
| 1943-D Bronze cent | WWII copper error | ~1 | $840K |
| 1974 Aluminum cent | Proposed coin, illegal issue | ~10–20 | $250K–$2M |
| 1955 Double‑Die cent | Date doubling error | ~20,000 | $4,000–$16,000 |
Risks and Debate Among Experts
- No mint documentation exists to confirm intent or accidental pairing. Grading agencies require explicit mint records to certify.
- Counterfeit fears: Despite the Treasury confirming authenticity, grading houses are cautious about approving history-age anomalies.
- Market fluctuations: Without grading support, the coin trades largely on its provenance and narrative.
Collector Tips: Spotting and Validating a Mule
- Examine both sides carefully: Identify mismatched obverse/reverse.
- Seek official stance: Treasury or Secret Service documentation matters.
- Review auction history: Bidders at Price Realized platforms like Goldberg provide value context.
- Provenance is key: History—who found it, when it sold—adds depth.
- Prepare for grading issues: Mules often face “No Decision.” Private authentication can help.
The 1959‑D Wheat Penny Mule is more than a coin error—it’s a piece of numismatic history. Its combination of extreme rarity, official authentication, and rich provenance pushed it to a five-figure price tag.
While grading agencies may hesitate, the collector market has spoken: the impossibility of this coin makes it priceless to those who care about stories etched in metal and mystery.
FAQs
Q1: How many 1959-D wheat penny mules exist?
Only one known example exists—making it a true numismatic anomaly.
Q2: Why won’t PCGS or NGC grade it?
They require mint documentation confirming deliberate die pairing. Without proof, they issue a “No Decision” status.
Q3: Can this coin be considered authentic without grading?
Yes. Treasury and Secret Service forensic analysis confirmed the coin is genuine U.S. Mint product.