1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide (P, D, S Mint Marks)
1946 Lincoln Cent values range from $0.05 in circulated grades to $16,800 for gem MS-67+ specimens. Discover key varieties including the valuable 1946-S/D overmintmark.
The 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent is worth $0.05 to $16,800 depending on mint mark, condition, and variety.
- Circulated (G-4 to AU-50): $0.05 – $0.25
- Uncirculated (MS-63 to MS-66): $1 – $90 (standard issues)
- Gem MS-67 RD: $176 – $1,000+ depending on mint
- Top specimens: $16,800 (1946-S MS-67+ RD)
- Key variety: 1946-S/D FS-511 worth $59 – $3,173
Over 1.5 billion 1946 cents were minted, making them extremely common in circulated grades—but pristine gem examples and rare die varieties command substantial premiums.
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1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent: Overview and Historical Context
The 1946 Lincoln Cent features wheat stalks on the reverse, marking the first stable postwar production year.
The 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent represents a pivotal moment in American numismatics—the first full year of stable, peacetime coinage production following World War II. After the emergency steel cents of 1943 and the "shell case" brass cents of 1944-1945, the 1946 issue marked a return to normalcy with its 95% copper, 5% zinc brass composition.
With over 1.5 billion coins struck across Philadelphia (991.6 million), Denver (315.7 million), and San Francisco (198.1 million) mint facilities, the 1946 cent reflects a demobilizing nation's enormous demand for small change. This massive mintage makes circulated examples extremely common, worth just pennies above their copper melt value of approximately $0.033. However, pristine gem-quality specimens and rare die varieties can command prices from hundreds to thousands of dollars—with auction records reaching $16,800 for a 1946-S graded MS-67+ RD.
This guide examines every aspect of 1946 Lincoln Cent valuation, from identifying mint marks to spotting valuable varieties like the famous 1946-S/D overmintmark FS-511.
How to Identify Your 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint marks (D or S) appear on the obverse below the date. Philadelphia issues have no mint mark.
The 1946 Lincoln Cent features Victor David Brenner's iconic design introduced in 1909. The obverse displays Abraham Lincoln's right-facing profile with "LIBERTY" to the left, the date "1946" below, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" above. The reverse shows two wheat stalks flanking the denomination "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," with the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" centered at the top.
Identifying the Mint: The mint mark location is on the obverse (front) of the coin, below the date. Check this area carefully:
- No mint mark: Philadelphia mint (991,655,000 minted)
- "D" mint mark: Denver mint (315,690,000 minted)
- "S" mint mark: San Francisco mint (198,100,000 minted)
⚠️ Mint Mark Authentication Alert
The Philadelphia mint did NOT use a "P" mint mark on cents in 1946. Any 1946 cent with a "P" is a fraudulent alteration. In 1946, mint marks were hand-punched into dies, making them an integral part of the coin's field. An added mint mark may look "stuck on" or show discoloration around it.
Technical Specifications: All 1946 cents measure 19.05 millimeters in diameter, weigh 3.11 grams, and have a plain edge. While some general references list the 1909-1958 series composition as "95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc," the correct composition for 1946 specifically is 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (brass)—the same alloy used for the 1944-1945 "shell case" cents, with tin omitted.
No Proof Strikes: The U.S. Mint suspended proof coinage production after 1942 and did not resume until 1950. Any product marketed as a "1946 Proof Set" contains standard business-strike coins, not true proofs. Only regular circulation strikes exist for 1946.
1946 Lincoln Cent Value Guide by Mint and Grade
The value of a 1946 Lincoln Cent varies dramatically based on three factors: mint mark, grade (condition), and color designation. While circulated examples from all three mints are worth similar amounts, uncirculated specimens show significant value differences—but not always in the expected pattern.
💡 Understanding Color Designations
For uncirculated copper coins, professional grading services assign color designations: BN (Brown) = less than 15% original red; RB (Red-Brown) = 15-85% original red; RD (Red) = 85%+ original red. The value multiplier for color is exponential—an MS-67 BN 1946 (P) sold for $736, while an MS-67 RD brought $14,950.
1946 Lincoln Cent (Philadelphia, No Mint Mark)
Despite having the highest mintage (991.6 million), the Philadelphia 1946 cent is paradoxically the most valuable in top grades. The reason: condition rarity. Branch mints suffered from poor quality control, with worn dies producing weakly struck coins. Finding a perfectly struck and preserved Philadelphia cent is extremely difficult.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.10 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.15 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $1.00 | $5.00 | $6.00 |
| MS-64 | $2.50 | $7.50 | $15.00 |
| MS-65 | $5.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| MS-66 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $90.00 |
| MS-67 | $32.50 | $55.00 | $1,000 |
Auction Record:$14,950(PCGS CoinFacts, 01/2006) for MS-67 RD
1946-D Lincoln Cent (Denver Mint)
The Denver mint struck 315.7 million cents in 1946. Quality issues were significant—coins often show "die erosion and incomplete striking." This affects high-grade values substantially. An MS-67 RD 1946-D is valued at just $300 compared to $1,000 for the Philadelphia issue.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.10 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.15 – $0.20 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $1.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| MS-64 | $2.50 | $7.50 | $17.00 |
| MS-65 | $5.00 | $7.50 | $24.00 |
| MS-66 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| MS-67 | $32.50 | $115.00 | $300 |
Auction Record:$3,120(PCGS CoinFacts, 01/2025) for MS-67+ RD
1946-S Lincoln Cent (San Francisco Mint)
The San Francisco mint produced 198.1 million cents—the lowest mintage of 1946. However, quality control was even worse than Denver. Numismatic sources note the mint "ran the dies way too long," resulting in a "loss of all shallow design features." This creates extreme condition rarity for well-struck examples.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.10 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.20 – $0.25 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $1.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| MS-64 | $2.50 | $7.50 | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| MS-65 | $5.00 | $12.50 | $13.00 – $20.00 |
| MS-66 | $12.50 | $25.00 | $26.00 – $35.00 |
| MS-67 | $30.00 | $57.00 | $176 |
Auction Record:$16,800(PCGS CoinFacts, 12/2022) for MS-67+ RD
The counterintuitive pricing—where the highest-mintage Philadelphia coin brings the most money in top grades—demonstrates that original mintage figures matter far less than the practical difficulty of finding perfectly preserved specimens. This "condition rarity" principle drives the entire 1946 cent market at gem grade levels.
Grading Your 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Grade dramatically affects value—circulated examples are worth cents, while gem uncirculated specimens command hundreds to thousands.
Understanding how to grade a 1946 Lincoln Cent is essential for determining its value. Grading evaluates the coin's condition on a 70-point scale, from Poor-1 (barely identifiable) to MS-70 (perfect). For copper cents, color designation adds a critical additional layer to value assessment.
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-50): These coins show wear from circulation. Key diagnostic points include:
- Lincoln's Cheek and Jaw (Obverse): In Good (G-4) grade, these high points are flat and merged together. As grade improves through Very Fine (VF-20) to Extremely Fine (XF-40), the separation between cheek and jaw becomes more distinct, and finer details in Lincoln's hair emerge.
- Wheat Stalk Lines (Reverse): The defining feature for circulated grades. In Good condition, the lines at the top of both wheat stalks are completely worn smooth. By Very Fine, some lines become visible. In About Uncirculated (AU-50), most lines are sharp but light wear appears on the highest points.
Check Lincoln's cheek, jaw, and hair details on the obverse, and wheat stalk lines on the reverse to determine grade.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70): These coins have no wear from circulation. Grading focuses on strike quality, luster, and surface preservation.
- MS-60 to MS-62: Uncirculated but with noticeable contact marks or bagmarks from coins hitting each other during minting and storage.
- MS-63 to MS-64: Choice uncirculated with fewer marks and better eye appeal. Original mint luster present.
- MS-65 to MS-66: Gem uncirculated with minimal marks and strong luster. These grades show significant value jumps.
- MS-67 and above: Superb gem quality with virtually perfect surfaces and full, blazing luster. Exceptionally rare for 1946 cents due to poor strike quality from worn dies, especially at branch mints.
The Luster Test: A genuine uncirculated 1946 cent displays original mint luster—not to be confused with artificial shine from cleaning. True mint luster creates a "cartwheel" effect when the coin is tilted under light, with bands of brightness rotating around the coin's surface. This luster is a metallic sheen from the minting process itself. A cleaned coin may appear shiny but lacks this characteristic rotating pattern and shows hairline scratches under magnification.
Color designation is critical for value—RD (Red) specimens bring exponentially higher prices than BN (Brown) examples.
Color Designations for Mint State Coins:
- RD (Red): Retains 85% to 90% or more of its original red copper color. These command the highest premiums.
- RB (Red-Brown): Shows 15% to 85% original red, with the remainder displaying brown oxidation.
- BN (Brown): Less than 15% original red; mostly brown from oxidation.
The value difference is dramatic. For a 1946 (P) cent, an MS-67 BN is worth $32.50, while an MS-67 RD brought $14,950 at auction—a 45,900% premium for original red color.
Strike Quality Considerations: Many 1946 cents, particularly from Denver and San Francisco, suffer from weak strikes due to overused dies. A coin can technically grade MS-65 or higher based on lack of wear and good surfaces, but if the wheat lines are indistinct due to weak strike (not wear), savvy collectors will pay less. Conversely, a sharply struck 1946-S—even at MS-64—can command a premium because sharp strikes are so scarce from that mint.
Valuable 1946 Lincoln Cent Die Varieties
Die varieties—errors created during the die-making process—represent the most significant opportunity for finding valuable 1946 cents. These varieties can transform a common coin into a specimen worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. "Cherrypicking" refers to the practice of searching through common coins for these rare varieties.
The 1946-S/D FS-511 variety shows a clear raised arc beneath the S mint mark—evidence of the underlying D.
1946-S/D Overmintmark (OMM) FS-511
This is the most famous, desirable, and valuable 1946 cent variety. The error occurred when a working die intended for Denver (already punched with a "D" mint mark) was mistakenly sent to San Francisco and then punched with an "S" mark directly over the "D."
Identification: Look for a clear "raised arc beneath the lower left of the 'S,'" which represents the upper curve of the underlying "D" mint mark. This diagnostic feature is visible with a 10x magnifying glass.
Value Impact: This variety dramatically increases value at every grade level:
| Grade | Standard 1946-S | 1946-S/D FS-511 |
|---|---|---|
| XF-45 RD | $0.10 | $129 |
| MS-65 RD | $13 – $20 | $500 |
| MS-66 RD | $26 – $35 | $1,200 |
Auction Record:$3,173(PCGS CoinFacts, 09/2019) for MS-66+ RD. Additional auction results include $978 (01/2010), $1,998 (06/2014), and $1,920 (06/2020), demonstrating consistent strong demand.
DDO varieties show pronounced doubling on LIBERTY and the date—look north of the B and E letters.
1946 (P) Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Varieties
The Philadelphia mint produced at least 11 different DDO varieties in 1946, occurring when the die received a slightly shifted second impression during the hubbing process. The two most significant are:
FS-101 (DDO-001): Shows "pronounced doubling north of the 'B' and 'E' in 'Liberty'" and also doubling on the "6" in the date. This is the strongest and most visible 1946 DDO.
FS-102: Displays doubling on the "B" and "E" in "Liberty" and also affects the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Value: PCGS-certified Mint State examples of both FS-101 and FS-102 trade for under $300, representing a significant premium over the $20 value of a standard MS-65 RD 1946 (P) cent.
1946-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Varieties
A Repunched Mint Mark occurred when the "D" mint mark was hand-punched into the die, misaligned, and then struck again in a slightly different position. At least 20 different RPM varieties exist for the 1946-D cent.
1946-D RPM-001 (D/D South): This is the most significant 1946-D RPM, listed as one of the "Top 50 Lincoln Cent RPM Varieties," making it highly sought-after by specialists. The diagnostic shows the first "D" punch displaced to the south of the final "D" position.
Value: As a "Top 50" variety, RPM-001 carries a strong premium over standard 1946-D cents, though exact values vary with grade and strength of the repunching.
1946-S Repunched Mint Mark Varieties
RPM-27 (S/S): This recognized Cherrypickers' Guide variety shows a repunched "S" mint mark. An ANACS-graded MS-66 RB example has been valued in the $150 – $300 range.
💡 Variety Hierarchy
Note the value difference between error types: A 1946-S RPM-27 (S/S) in MS-66 RB is worth $150-$300, but a 1946-S/D OMM FS-511 (S/D) in similar grade (MS-66 RD) is worth $1,200. Overmintmarks (where two different mint marks appear) are much rarer and more desirable than repunched mint marks (where the same letter is punched twice).
1946 Lincoln Cent Mint Errors
Beyond die varieties, individual "error coins"—one-of-a-kind minting mistakes—can add significant value to 1946 cents. These errors occur during the striking process rather than the die-making process.
Lamination Errors: Caused by impurities in the brass alloy, lamination errors appear as flaking or peeling of the coin's surface. The brass composition (95% copper, 5% zinc) used in 1946 was more susceptible to lamination issues than the earlier bronze alloy. These errors "can add significant value" depending on severity and eye appeal.
Off-Center Strikes: These occur when the coin blank (planchet) is improperly seated in the collar die during striking, resulting in a portion of the design missing and a blank crescent on the opposite side. Value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible:
- 10%-20% off-center: Approximately $50
- 30% or more off-center:$200 or more
An example of a 1946 (P) cent struck 30% off-center and graded MS-65 Brown has been documented at auction, demonstrating that these errors occur across all three mints.
Broadstrikes: A coin struck outside of its retaining collar, resulting in a wider diameter and a "spread-out" appearance. The coin has full design details but exceeds the normal 19.05mm diameter. Broadstrike examples are known for both 1946 (P) and 1946-S cents and are collectible errors, though less valuable than dramatic off-center strikes.
💡 Error Coin Values
Error coin values are highly variable and depend on the specific characteristics of each individual coin. Dramatic, eye-catching errors with good eye appeal command the highest premiums. A minor lamination flaw may add little value, while a coin struck 40% off-center with full details could bring several hundred dollars.
Authentication and Problem Coins
Cleaned coins show unnatural brightness and hairline scratches—avoid these damaged examples.
Authentication is critical when dealing with 1946 cents, especially high-grade specimens and valuable varieties. "Problem coins"—those that have been cleaned, polished, or altered—are considered damaged by the numismatic community and lose almost all collector value beyond their copper melt worth.
Detecting Cleaned Coins: Cleaning is the most common form of damage. There are two types to watch for. Abrasive cleaning (polishing) leaves tiny, parallel "hairlines" or circular "swirls" on the coin's surface, often from a polishing cloth or jewelry cleaner. The luster will appear artificially bright and fake rather than showing the natural cartwheel effect of mint luster. Chemical cleaning (dipping) produces a "lifeless" or unnaturally uniform brightness. The original mint luster is stripped away completely. A key diagnostic: when the coin's shine doesn't match its wear level—for example, a shiny coin with the flat, worn details typical of VF-20 grade.
Counterfeit Detection for Varieties: The valuable 1946-S/D overmintmark has spawned forgeries. Examine any S/D carefully under magnification. The "S" and underlying "D" should be punched into the die with consistent depth and integral to the coin's field. An added mint mark may look "stuck on" or be surrounded by discoloration or tooling marks from a forger's tool.
Added Mint Marks: A common fraud is adding a "D" or "S" mint mark to a common Philadelphia 1946 cent. Remember that in 1946, mint marks were hand-punched into working dies, making them an integral part of each struck coin. An added mint mark will show incorrect font, inconsistent depth, or evidence of tooling around it. Also remember: Philadelphia did NOT use a "P" mint mark on cents in 1946—any "P" is guaranteed fake.
When to Buy Certified: For any 1946 cent valued above $50, purchase coins certified and encapsulated by professional grading services (PCGS, NGC, or ANACS). Certification guarantees authenticity, protects the coin, and provides an impartial grade assessment. For valuable varieties like the 1946-S/D FS-511, certification is essential—PCGS specifically attributes this variety on the holder label.
Preservation and Storage
For any high-grade 1946 cent, the primary goal of preservation is protecting the "RD" (Red) color designation, as this is where the value lies. Copper is a highly reactive metal, and improper storage can cause a Red coin to deteriorate to Red-Brown or Brown, destroying hundreds or thousands of dollars in value.
Environmental Control: Store coins in a dry, stable-temperature environment. High humidity is the primary enemy of copper coins. A room with a dehumidifier is ideal. Keep copper coins away from sulfur gases, which are found in kitchens (from cooking), bathrooms (from cleaning products), and near industrial areas. These gases cause unwanted toning and accelerate oxidation.
Proper Holders: Use archival-safe, PVC-free holders. Standard options include Mylar flips or 2x2 cardboard holders with Mylar windows. Never use vinyl flips containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as PVC breakdown creates acids that cause green "PVC damage" on copper coins—an irreversible form of damage.
Handling: Never touch the coin's surfaces with bare fingers. Skin oils contain acids and salts that etch copper and leave fingerprints. When examining a coin, hold it by the edges only, or wear cotton gloves. Never clean or polish copper coins—cleaning destroys all numismatic value and cannot be reversed.
Professional Encapsulation: For any 1946 cent worth $50 or more, the best preservation is professional certification and encapsulation ("slabbing") by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. The inert, sealed holders provide long-term protection and help maintain the coin's grade and color designation.
Recent Auction Results and Market Trends
Recent auction data demonstrates strong and sustained demand for top-quality 1946 Lincoln Cents and rare varieties. The market shows particular strength for "Top of the Pop" specimens—the highest-graded examples certified by major grading services.
Top Auction Records:
- $16,800 for 1946-S MS-67+ RD (PCGS CoinFacts, 12/2022) — This recent record confirms sustained demand for the finest San Francisco examples.
- $14,950 for 1946 (P) MS-67 RD (PCGS CoinFacts, 01/2006) — While older, this record may be surpassed if a new "Top Pop" Philadelphia cent reaches market.
- $3,173 for 1946-S/D FS-511 MS-66+ RD (PCGS CoinFacts, 09/2019) — The strongest result for the famous overmintmark variety.
- $3,120 for 1946-D MS-67+ RD (PCGS CoinFacts, 01/2025) — This very recent record shows the market remains active at the highest quality levels.
Variety Market Strength: The 1946-S/D FS-511 variety shows consistent auction performance with multiple examples selling from $840 to $1,998 in MS-66 grade between 2014-2023, and $336 to $978 in MS-65 grade. This consistency indicates stable collector demand for this signature 1946 variety.
The "Value Cliff" Phenomenon: The data reveals steep value increases at the highest grades. For example, PCGS values a 1946-D MS-67 RD at $300, but an MS-67+ RD (just one half-grade higher) at $2,750—an 800% jump. This extreme premium reflects the rarity of truly perfect 1946 cents due to the widespread strike quality issues at all three mints.
The recency of auction records from 2019, 2022, and 2025 demonstrates that the high-end 1946 cent market remains active and strong. Collectors willing to pay substantial premiums for perfection ensure continued demand for "Top of the Pop" specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1946 wheat penny worth?
Most circulated 1946 wheat pennies are worth $0.05 to $0.25. The coin's base copper melt value is approximately $0.033. However, uncirculated examples in gem condition (MS-65 RD and higher) can be worth $20 to $16,800 depending on mint mark, grade, and color designation. The key is condition and color—a common circulated 1946-S is worth $0.10, but an MS-67+ RD example brought $16,800 at auction.
How do I identify the mint mark on a 1946 Lincoln cent?
Look on the obverse (front) of the coin, below the date "1946." If you see a small "D," the coin was minted in Denver. A small "S" indicates San Francisco. No mint mark means it was minted in Philadelphia. Never trust a "P" mint mark on a 1946 cent—Philadelphia did not use "P" on cents in 1946, and any "P" is a fraudulent alteration.
What is the 1946-S/D overmintmark variety and how valuable is it?
The 1946-S/D FS-511 is the most valuable 1946 cent variety. It occurred when a die meant for Denver (already punched with "D") was sent to San Francisco and overpunched with "S." The diagnostic is a clear raised arc beneath the lower left of the "S" mint mark, representing the upper curve of the underlying "D." Even in circulated grades like XF-45, this variety is worth $129. In gem MS-66+ RD condition, it reached $3,173 at auction.
Should I get my 1946 cent professionally graded?
If your coin appears to be in uncirculated condition with original red color, or if you believe you've found a valuable variety like the 1946-S/D overmintmark, professional grading is worthwhile. PCGS, NGC, and ANACS certification costs $20-$35 for standard service. For any coin potentially worth over $50, certification provides authentication, protection, and market credibility. Common circulated examples worth under $1 don't justify grading costs.
Were any 1946 proof Lincoln cents made?
No. The U.S. Mint suspended proof coinage production after 1942 to focus on wartime production and did not resume until 1950. Any product marketed as a "1946 Proof Set" contains standard business-strike (circulation) coins, not true proofs. Only regular circulation strikes exist for 1946—no proofs, SMS, or special strikes were issued.
Why is the 1946 Philadelphia cent more valuable than the lower-mintage San Francisco issue?
This counterintuitive pricing reflects "condition rarity" rather than mintage rarity. While Philadelphia struck 991.6 million cents (five times more than San Francisco's 198.1 million), quality control at the branch mints was poor. San Francisco "ran the dies way too long," producing weakly struck coins with diminished details. Finding a perfectly struck, gem-quality San Francisco cent is actually easier than finding a perfect Philadelphia cent, making the Philadelphia examples more valuable in top grades.
What's the difference between RD, RB, and BN color designations?
These designations describe how much original red copper color remains on an uncirculated coin: RD (Red) = 85% or more original red; RB (Red-Brown) = 15-85% original red; BN (Brown) = less than 15% original red. The value difference is exponential—a 1946 (P) MS-67 BN is worth $32.50, while an MS-67 RD brought $14,950 at auction. Original red color is the single most important value factor for high-grade copper cents.
How should I store my 1946 copper cents to preserve their value?
Store in a dry, stable-temperature environment away from humidity and sulfur gases. Use archival-safe, PVC-free holders like Mylar flips or 2x2 cardboard holders. Never touch the coin's surface with bare fingers—hold by edges only or wear cotton gloves. Most importantly, never clean copper coins as cleaning destroys numismatic value permanently. For valuable specimens, professional certification and encapsulation provides the best long-term protection.
What are the signs that a 1946 cent has been cleaned?
Look for tiny parallel hairlines or swirls on the surface (from abrasive cleaning), or an unnatural, lifeless uniform brightness (from chemical dipping). Cleaned coins lack the characteristic "cartwheel" luster effect of original mint state coins. A key diagnostic: shine that doesn't match wear level—for example, a shiny coin with worn details. Professional grading services will designate cleaned coins as "Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned," which severely reduces value.
Are off-center 1946 cents valuable?
Yes. Off-center strike errors can add significant value. A 1946 cent struck 10-20% off-center is worth approximately $50, while examples struck 30% or more off-center can bring $200 or more. The key factors are: the percentage off-center, whether the date remains visible, and the overall eye appeal. A 1946 (P) cent struck 30% off-center and graded MS-65 Brown has been documented at auction, showing these errors occur and are collectible.
About This Guide
This valuation guide synthesizes data from authoritative numismatic sources including PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, and specialized references on Lincoln Cent varieties. Price data reflects current market conditions as of late 2024/early 2025, incorporating both retail price guides and documented auction records.
Values for standard-issue coins are based on sight-seen pricing from third-party grading services PCGS and NGC. Variety attributions follow the Fivaz-Stanton (FS) numbering system used in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, with additional research from Variety Vista and CONECA. Technical specifications are verified against U.S. Mint historical records and authoritative references including LincolnCents.net.
Auction records cited throughout this guide are documented sales from major auction houses including Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Copper spot prices for melt value calculations are based on current London Metal Exchange data as reported by Money Metals.
💡 Market Conditions
Coin values fluctuate based on precious metal spot prices, collector demand, and market conditions. Values in this guide represent general market consensus but individual transaction prices may vary. Actual selling prices depend on specific coin quality, eye appeal, and current market dynamics at time of sale.
