Price Guide for 1939 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 PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $11,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.59 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $3,966.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $26.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $829.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.75 – $971.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $15,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $493.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $140.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $40.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $20.99Uncirculated: $2.16 – $535.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $64.00Uncirculated: $19.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $137.51Uncirculated: $4.25 – $195.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $27.00Uncirculated: $8.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $24.49Uncirculated: $15.50 – $331.11
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $1,208.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $104.00
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eBayUncirculated: $39.00 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $80.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $920.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $84.00 – $216.00
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eBayCirculated: $36.00Uncirculated: $174.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $2,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $63.01 – $375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $31.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $10.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.03 – $104.56
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $29.00 – $207.89
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,086.88 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $288.85Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $299.00 – $4,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $2,650.00
Design and Specifications of the 1939 Cent
The 1939 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 was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Great Depression, just before the United States’ entry into World War II. The Lincoln Cent design remained largely unchanged since its introduction, symbolizing continuity and stability in American coinage.
| 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 | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears design, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1939 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly desirable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or above. Key factors include:
1. Original mint luster: Coins retaining their original shine are more valuable.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details command higher prices.
3. Color: Original red color is most desirable, followed by red-brown, then brown.
4. Surface preservation: Absence of contact marks, scratches, or other blemishes increases value.
Even in circulated grades, coins with minimal wear and attractive overall appearance are more valuable than heavily worn or damaged specimens.
Mintage: 316,466,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 15,160,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 52,400,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors affecting the 1939 Cent’s value include:
1. Mint mark: Denver (D) coins, due to lower mintage, often command a premium.
2. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, especially for uncirculated coins.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds may 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 sell for higher prices.
While not a key date, high-grade 1939 cents, particularly from Denver, can be quite valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions.
