Price Guide for 1989 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1989 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.

1989-D Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $1,023.60
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $290.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $10,000.00

1989 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $4,113.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $2,605.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $3,250.00

1989-D Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $1.00
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $25.00

1989 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $276.00 - $920.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $12.95
    Uncirculated: $19.50

1989 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $25.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $925.00
    Uncirculated: $4.99 - $30.00

1989-S Penny, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $10.00 - $290.00
    Uncirculated: $7.00 - $1,380.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $525.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1.00 - $50.00

1989-D Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $3.25 - $52.50

Design and Specifications of the 1989 Cent

The 1989 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin was part of the Lincoln Memorial cent series, which began in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and continued until 2008.

The year 1989 marked the 30th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design. It was a time of significant global change, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, making these coins silent witnesses to pivotal historical events.

Weight 2.5 grams
Diameter 19.05 mm
Mint Marks P, D
Composition 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper
Obverse Design Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Design Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1989 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples in MS65 or higher can command premium prices.

Key factors affecting condition include:

- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
- Luster: Coins with original mint luster are highly prized.
- Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on Lincoln's cheek and in the fields, increase value.
- Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.

For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.

Philadelphia, P

Mintage: 7,261,535,000

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, primarily of interest to collectors building complete sets

Denver, D

Mintage: 5,345,467,111

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, primarily of interest to collectors building complete sets

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 3,220,194

Rarity Scale: Common (for proofs)

Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in most proof grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors

Additional factors influencing the value of 1989 Lincoln Cents include:

1. Full Steps: Coins showing complete steps on the Lincoln Memorial reverse are more valuable.
2. Die Varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1989, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Mint State Red: Uncirculated cents retaining full original red color are more desirable than those that have toned to brown.
4. Certified Coins: Examples graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices.
5. Historical Significance: As coins minted in a year of significant global change, they may hold additional interest for some collectors.

5/5 - (11 votes)

Helpful Resources

Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *