Price Guide for 1926 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: $12.00 – $470.00Uncirculated: $57.00 – $21,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.50 – $299.99Uncirculated: $99.95 – $2,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $235.00 – $2,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $25.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $408.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $55.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $315.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $14.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $90.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $780.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.41 – $164.99Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,923.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $82.00Uncirculated: $85.00 – $725.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $161.00 – $149,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $47.35Uncirculated: $650.00 – $6,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $120,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $430.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $38,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $127.27 – $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,900.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $90.00 – $144.26Uncirculated: $14.50 – $2,374.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.50 – $2,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.50 – $157.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $165.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $49.00 – $1,058.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $90.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $750.00 – $5,200.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $14,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $305.00 – $3,582.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $410.00 – $14,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1926 Cent
The 1926 Lincoln Cent was part of the ongoing series that began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin was minted during the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural dynamism in the United States. The Lincoln Cent had become a staple of American commerce and was widely used in daily transactions.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 a 1926 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated grades are relatively common and affordable, but the value increases dramatically for uncirculated specimens, especially those with original red color.
For Philadelphia and Denver mints, coins in MS65 Red condition are scarce and valuable. The San Francisco issue is particularly desirable in high grades, with MS65 Red examples being very rare and commanding substantial premiums.
Mintage: 157,088,000
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: 28,020,000
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: 4,550,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1926 cents, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Original mint luster adds significant value, especially for uncirculated coins. The presence of original red color is crucial for top-grade examples, with fully red coins commanding the highest premiums.
Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often selling for more than their untoned counterparts. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can severely decrease the coin’s value. For the San Francisco issue, its lower mintage makes it more valuable across all grades compared to its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
