Price Guide for 1985 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1985 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.
1985 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 - $5,875.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 - $3,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 - $15,500.00
1985-D Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $5,635.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.60Uncirculated: $0.99 - $2,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 - $2,500.00
1985-S Penny, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 - $276.00Uncirculated: $6.00 - $1,610.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $511.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 - $200.00
1985-D Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00 - $81.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.40 - $73.00
1985-D Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $110.00
1985 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00Uncirculated: $89.00 - $978.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 - $512.55
1985 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $27.00 - $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 - $99.95
Design and Specifications of the 1985 Cent
The 1985 Lincoln cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America's 16th president. This coin marked the 76th year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which was introduced in 1959. The zinc-based composition, adopted in 1982 due to rising copper prices, remained in use, maintaining the coin's familiar appearance while reducing production costs.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1985 Lincoln cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While these coins are abundant in circulated conditions, specimens in pristine uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) are considerably scarcer and more valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
- Luster: Coins with original mint luster are preferred.
- Surface preservation: Absence of contact marks, scratches, or spots enhances value.
- Color: For copper-plated zinc cents, original red color is most desirable, followed by red-brown, and then brown.
Mintage: 5,648,489,887
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, except for highest grades
Mintage: 5,287,339,926
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, except for highest grades
Mintage: 3,362,821
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate for high-grade specimens
Additional factors that can affect the value of 1985 Lincoln cents include:
1. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, any discovered could command a premium.
2. Errors: Significant mint errors such as off-center strikes, double dies, or wrong planchets can be valuable.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal, especially for proof issues.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices.
5. Complete sets: Collectors assembling date and mint mark sets may pay premiums for high-grade examples to complete their collections.
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