Price Guide for 1912 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $2,530.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.55 – $231.09Uncirculated: $67.00 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $205.00Uncirculated: $215.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $19.00 – $431.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $225.09Uncirculated: $16.00 – $559.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $42.00Uncirculated: $44.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $192.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $1,540.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $249.19Uncirculated: $66.00 – $685.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $225.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00 – $805.00Uncirculated: $135.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00 – $47.50Uncirculated: $305.00 – $14,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $310.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $92.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $17.50Uncirculated: $389.99 – $9,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $155.00 – $546.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayUncirculated: $157.50 – $9,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $7,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.50 – $576.00
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eBayUncirculated: $37.00 – $385.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $28.00 – $4,049.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $104.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $161.84 – $1,399.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $5,175.00
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eBayUncirculated: $169.00 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $693.00Uncirculated: $144.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $388.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $385.00 – $37,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $5,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1912 Cent
The 1912 Lincoln Cent was part of the early years of the Lincoln Cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatics, as it was one of the first U.S. coins to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure.
1912 marked the fourth year of Lincoln Cent production, and by this time, the design had become well-established in circulation. The coin’s popularity continued to grow, cementing its place in American pocket change for decades to come.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), S, D |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1912 Lincoln Cents. Coins in circulated condition are relatively common and affordable, but prices increase significantly for uncirculated examples, especially those with original mint luster.
For all mint marks, coins graded MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) or higher are considered scarce to rare. The San Francisco issue, in particular, is challenging to find in high grades, making well-preserved specimens highly sought after by collectors.
Factors such as strong strike, full luster, and absence of notable marks or blemishes can greatly enhance a coin’s desirability and value. Attractive, original toning can also add to the appeal of high-grade specimens.
Mintage: 68,153,060
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,431,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 10,411,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, increases with grade
Mint mark rarity plays a significant role in the value of 1912 Lincoln Cents. The San Francisco (S) issue, with its lower mintage, is generally more valuable than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add interest and value. Collectors should look for doubled die varieties or other minor minting anomalies that might increase a coin’s worth.
The overall quality of the strike is important, with well-struck coins commanding premiums. This is particularly true for the San Francisco issue, which often suffers from weak strikes.
Lastly, original, uncleaned surfaces are highly prized by collectors. Coins that have retained their original color and luster without harsh cleaning or artificial toning are typically more valuable than those that have been altered.
