Price Guide for 1916 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: $1,900.00Uncirculated: $121.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $455.52 – $7,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $43.00 – $8,338.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.50 – $35.00Uncirculated: $43.20 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $34.00 – $62,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $0.95 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.50 – $142.39Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,182.57
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $87.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,200.00Uncirculated: $87.00 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $36.00Uncirculated: $179.99 – $22,326.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $2,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $133.49Uncirculated: $37.00 – $834.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $95.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $37.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $48.00 – $2,990.00
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eBayUncirculated: $115.05 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $875.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.00 – $53.00Uncirculated: $0.25 – $425.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $81.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $28.00Uncirculated: $30.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $431.00 – $5,520.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $7,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $31.17 – $8,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $775.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $2,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.64Uncirculated: $10.50 – $459.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $46.00 – $1,680.00
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eBayUncirculated: $72.20 – $955.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $368.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,999.00 – $4,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $43,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,035.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,651.00 – $23,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1916 Cent
The 1916 Lincoln Cent was part of the ongoing series that began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This year marked the continuation of the ‘Wheat Cent’ design, which would remain in production until 1958. The coin was minted during a period of increasing demand for small denomination coins due to economic growth and inflation following World War I.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Lincoln bust facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1916 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins grading MS65 or above are considered rare and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from marks, scratches, or other imperfections are highly sought after.
4. Color: Original red color is most desirable, followed by red-brown, and then brown.
Mintage: 131,833,677
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: 35,956,000
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: 22,510,000
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
Several factors can influence the value of 1916 Lincoln Cents beyond condition:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike characteristics: Coins with exceptionally sharp strikes or full details may command premiums.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics might appeal to specialists.
4. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can be more valuable.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices.
While not considered a key date, high-grade 1916 cents are scarce and in demand among collectors building high-quality Lincoln Cent sets.
