PCGS No: 

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 0
Proofs: 0

Designer: Victor David Brenner

Diameter: ±19 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - ±95%
Tin and Zinc - ±5%

Weight: ±48 grains (±3.1 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmark: "D" (for Denver) below the date

Images courtesy of Ron Guth

Notes:
The 1959-D Wheat Ears Reverse Cent is one of the most controversial coins to appear on the market in decades.  Many experts who have examined the coin are at a loss to explain its existence.  Several experts have stated that they believe the coin to be counterfeit, although they are unable to give specific reasons why.  On the other hand, the Secret Service has given the coin their stamp of authenticity - on at least two occasions!  The coin was scheduled to be sold in Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. "The Pre-Long Beach Auction", September 23-24, 2002 (see description below), but the coin was pulled from the auction at the eleventh hour when convicted forger Mark Hofmann claimed to have made the coin.  Subsequent investigation failed to confirm this claim and the coin was re-consigned to the Goldberg's "The Benson Collection Part III", February 24-25, 2003, Lot 159.  As of February 23, 2003, no major grading service had chosen to certify the coin as genuine.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"1959-D cent mule gets OK for sale" by Paul Gilkes, COIN WORLD, December 23, 2002, page 3