Price Guide for 2016 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 2016 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.
2016-D Penny Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 - $875.00
2016 Penny Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 - $235.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 - $899.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 - $2,500.00
2016 Penny Shield First Strike, RD (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $10.76 - $705.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37.00
2016-S Penny Shield, BN (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $2.75 - $59.99
2016-S Penny Shield, RB (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 - $50.00
2016-S Penny Shield, RD (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 - $59.00
2016-S Penny Shield Birth Set, DCAM (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $4.25 - $69.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 - $55.00
2016 Penny Shield, BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $12.17 - $80.00
2016-D Penny Shield, BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $39.95
2016-S Penny Shield First Strike, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $33.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.16 - $129.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 - $55.00
2016-S Penny Shield First Strike Lyndall Bass Signature, DCAM (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99 - $10.50
2016-S Penny Shield, CAM (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $12.99 - $13.06
2016-S Penny Shield, DCAM (Proof)
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eBayCirculated: $2.25Uncirculated: $0.99 - $167.52
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 - $45.00
Design and Specifications of the 2016 Cent
The 2016 Lincoln cent continues the Union Shield design on the reverse, which was introduced in 2010 to commemorate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth and the centennial of the first Lincoln cent. This design symbolizes Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single country.
The obverse retains the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has been featured on the cent since 1909, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Union Shield, designed by Lyndall Bass |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 2016 cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. While common in lower grades, gems (MS65 and above) become increasingly scarce and valuable. For circulation strikes, look for coins with:
- Full, sharp strike details on both obverse and reverse
- Lustrous surfaces free from significant marks or blemishes
- No signs of wear on high points like Lincoln's cheek or hair
Proof coins are typically well-preserved but can vary in quality. Cameo and Deep Cameo contrasts between the fields and devices can add premium value to proof specimens.
Mintage: 4,698,000,000
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
Mintage: 4,691,600,000
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
Mintage: 1,299,346
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in PR65 and above, as most were well-preserved by collectors
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Toning can significantly affect a 2016 cent's value. Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal, while unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value. For circulation strikes, full red coins (those retaining their original mint luster) are most desirable and valuable.
Die varieties or errors, while not common for 2016 cents, can add substantial value if discovered. These might include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, or off-center strikes.
The overall market for modern cents is generally stable but not particularly strong. However, exceptional specimens, especially those graded at the highest levels by reputable grading services, can command significant premiums among specialized collectors.
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