Price Guide for 1918 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: $6.00 – $2,070.00Uncirculated: $0.40 – $240.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $35.99Uncirculated: $7.50 – $411.28
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $34.00 – $325.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $310.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $98.00Uncirculated: $32.31 – $1,088.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $3,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,600.00Uncirculated: $130.00 – $45,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $198.97 – $3,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $95,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $57.00 – $37,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.19 – $35.00Uncirculated: $256.00 – $4,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $33,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $142.18Uncirculated: $1.65 – $805.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $164.64Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,204.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18.00 – $552.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.44Uncirculated: $19.99 – $749.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $24.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $78,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.99 – $12,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $67,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $280.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $4,620.00
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eBayUncirculated: $84.99 – $1,330.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $51.00 – $7,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $109.00 – $1,464.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $130.00 – $5,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1918 Cent
The 1918 Lincoln Cent was minted during the final year of World War I. This coin was part of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The 1918 issue continued to play a crucial role in everyday commerce during a time of significant historical importance.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
| 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
The condition of a 1918 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are common and generally affordable, uncirculated specimens can command substantial premiums.
Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original mint luster and the absence of significant contact marks or wear are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
For the 1918 issue, coins from the San Francisco mint tend to be the most valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and generally poorer strike quality.
Mintage: 288,104,634
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: 47,830,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 34,680,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1918 cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat ears, are more desirable.
Color also plays a significant role in valuation. Cents with original red color (RD) are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN) examples.
While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes or die cracks can add premium value to a 1918 cent. Additionally, coins with attractive, natural toning may command higher prices among discerning collectors.
