Price Guide for 1915 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: $7.00 – $127.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $720.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $350.00Uncirculated: $23.95 – $599.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $364.89Uncirculated: $65.00 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $21.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $66.00 – $48,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.25 – $79.99Uncirculated: $124.50 – $7,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $51.00Uncirculated: $81.00 – $38,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $500.00Uncirculated: $63.77 – $17,122.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $135.00 – $82,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00 – $48,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,545.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $26,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $81.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $960.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.18 – $121.00Uncirculated: $17.50 – $699.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $242.00 – $11,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $293.00 – $4,086.16
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.25 – $736.00
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eBayUncirculated: $54.00 – $628.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.70 – $1,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $69.11 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $86.00Uncirculated: $178.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $311.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $360.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $200.00 – $22,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $612.00 – $4,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $633.00 – $20,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,390.13 – $1,536.11
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $90,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1915 Cent
The 1915 Lincoln Cent was part of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin marked the seventh year of production for the series, which would continue until 1958. The Lincoln Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, breaking away from the allegorical figures used previously.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Two wheat ears flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1915 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. Uncirculated examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original mint luster and absence of contact marks are crucial factors in determining the grade and value of these coins.
For circulated coins, the level of detail remaining on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks on the reverse are important indicators of condition. Coins with sharp details and minimal wear command higher premiums.
Mintage: 29,796,000
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: 22,050,000
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: 4,833,000
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
Several factors can enhance the value of a 1915 Lincoln Cent:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can increase a coin’s desirability and value.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable than weakly struck examples.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds may appeal to variety collectors.
4. Preservation: Coins with original, undamaged surfaces free from cleaning or other alterations are highly prized.
5. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can command a premium.
