Price Guide for 1931 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: $59.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $81.00 – $18,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $71.00 – $145.00Uncirculated: $116.50 – $3,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $10,063.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.00 – $42.00Uncirculated: $153.65 – $4,151.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $2,128.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $1,323.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $255.02Uncirculated: $75.00 – $935.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $170.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.65 – $13,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.00 – $7,112.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $920.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.01 – $107.00Uncirculated: $12.50 – $535.77
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $67.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $120.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.00 – $33.88Uncirculated: $14.52 – $203.51
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $20.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $75.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $969.38
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eBayUncirculated: $12.50 – $175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.35 – $1,323.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.49 – $1,424.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $196.00Uncirculated: $0.45 – $2,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $67.88 – $880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $1,100.00
Design and Specifications of the 1931 Cent
The 1931 Lincoln Cent was minted during the Great Depression, a time of severe economic hardship in the United States. This year saw a significant reduction in coin production across all denominations due to decreased demand for currency in circulation.
The Lincoln Cent, first introduced in 1909, was in its 22nd year of production. It continued to feature Victor D. Brenner’s iconic design, which would remain largely unchanged until 1959.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln profile 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 1931 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for the scarcer Denver and San Francisco issues. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
Full Red (RD) examples, which retain their original mint luster and copper color, are particularly valuable. Even small differences in grade (e.g., MS65 vs. MS66) can result in large price differences for this year.
Mintage: 19,396,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage for the series
Mintage: 4,480,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, considered a key date for the series
Mintage: 866,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very high, one of the key dates for the series
Strike quality is an important factor for 1931 cents. Well-struck coins with full details on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat ears are more desirable. Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning sometimes enhancing a coin’s appeal.
Due to their age and relative scarcity, 1931 cents are prone to environmental damage such as spotting or corrosion. Coins free from these issues command higher premiums. The San Francisco issue, in particular, is known for often having a weaker strike, making well-struck examples even more valuable.
