Price Guide for 1976 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1976 Cent variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1976-D Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $998.75
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $10.00 - $500.00

1976 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3.00 - $7,931.25
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2.75 - $260.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3.00 - $4,500.00

1976-D Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $8.09 - $22.50

1976-D Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $207.00
    Uncirculated: $27.00 - $1,265.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.04

1976-S Penny, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $300.00
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $1,208.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2.25 - $217.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4.00 - $10,000.00

1976-S Penny, RD (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $138.00 - $207.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $15.50
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $46.50

1976-S Penny LB Treasure Hunt, RD (Proof)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $9.01

1976 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $0.95
    Uncirculated: $7.77 - $295.00

1976 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2.00 - $122.50

1976-S Penny LB Treasure Hunt, DCAM (Proof)

  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $36.01 - $51.01

1976-S Penny, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 - $117.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.04 - $48.21

Design and Specifications of the 1976 Cent

The 1976 Lincoln Cent was minted during the United States Bicentennial year, although it did not feature any special Bicentennial designs like some other denominations. This coin continued the long-standing tradition of the Lincoln Cent, which had been in circulation since 1909. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was still in use and would continue until 2008.

Weight 3.11 grams
Diameter 19.05 mm
Mint Marks P (no mint mark), D, S
Composition 95% copper, 5% zinc
Obverse Design Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Design Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1976 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are extremely common and generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) condition or higher are more desirable to collectors.

For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the fields and devices can significantly increase value. Pristine PR69 and PR70 examples are highly sought after by collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 4,674,292,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets

Denver, D

Mintage: 4,221,592,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 4,149,730

Rarity Scale: Common for proofs

Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in PR70

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors

Copper content is an additional factor that can affect the value of 1976 Lincoln Cents. As the coin is composed of 95% copper, its melt value can sometimes exceed its face value, depending on the current price of copper. However, it's important to note that melting U.S. coins for their metal content is illegal.

Full strike and strong luster are desirable attributes that can increase a coin's appeal and value. Red coins (those that retain their original copper color) are generally more valuable than brown examples. Toning, if attractive and natural, can also enhance a coin's desirability among collectors.

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