Price Guide for 1945 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: $2,115.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $20,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.38 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.76 – $545.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,173.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $748.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $34.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.50 – $306.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.04 – $8,370.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $920.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $260.00Uncirculated: $3.26 – $86.75
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $251.00
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eBayUncirculated: $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $399.50 – $1,410.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $575.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $199.99
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eBayUncirculated: $10.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $36.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $242.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $63.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.60Uncirculated: $3.84 – $225.00
Design and Specifications of the 1945 Cent
The 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent was minted during the final year of World War II. This coin is part of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which began in 1909 and continued until 1958. The year 1945 marked a significant moment in American history, as it represented the end of the war and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, 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 1945 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. While these coins are generally common, specimens in high grades (MS65 and above) can command premium prices. Collectors particularly value coins with:
– Full original luster
– Sharp strike details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks
– Minimal contact marks or blemishes
– Attractive, original color (red or red-brown toning is preferred over full brown)
Coins in circulated condition are generally worth only slightly more than face value, unless they exhibit exceptional preservation for their grade.
Mintage: 1,040,515,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 266,268,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 181,770,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors that can affect the value of a 1945 Lincoln Cent include:
1. Mint mark: While not rare, San Francisco (S) mint coins are sometimes slightly more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics can appeal to specialized collectors.
4. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance value, especially for uncirculated coins.
5. Historical significance: As a coin from the end of World War II, it may hold additional appeal for history enthusiasts and collectors of WWII memorabilia.
While not particularly rare, high-grade examples of 1945 Lincoln Cents are sought after by collectors assembling high-quality sets of Lincoln Wheat Cents or focusing on WWII-era coinage.
