Price Guide for 1946 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: $3.00 – $16,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,800.71
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $1,739.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.00Uncirculated: $1.61 – $979.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $126.00 – $468.00
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eBayUncirculated: $32.00 – $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.25Uncirculated: $228.00 – $3,172.50
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eBayUncirculated: $330.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $51.00Uncirculated: $11.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $38.00Uncirculated: $1.99 – $736.24
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $61.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $40.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $15.50Uncirculated: $3.91 – $134.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $470.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.80 – $249.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $86.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $134.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $130.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $145.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $32.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $204.25
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eBayUncirculated: $179.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00
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eBayCirculated: $107.50 – $140.00Uncirculated: $3,181.48
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $340.75
Design and Specifications of the 1946 Cent
The 1946 Lincoln Cent marked the first full year of peace-time coin production following World War II. This year saw a significant increase in coin production as the economy began to recover and demand for circulating coinage grew. The Lincoln Cent, featuring Victor D. Brenner’s iconic design, had been in circulation since 1909 and continued to be a staple of American commerce.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 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 1946 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. While these coins are common in circulated grades, they become increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in MS65 and above can command substantial premiums, especially those with full red color (designated as RD).
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
– Color: Full red specimens are the most valuable, followed by red-brown, and then brown.
Mintage: 991,655,000
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: 315,690,000
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
Several factors can influence the value of 1946 Lincoln Cents beyond mintage and condition:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Die characteristics: Sharp die polishing lines or interesting die states may attract variety collectors.
3. Historical significance: As the first post-war issue, these coins hold special interest for some collectors.
4. Set completion: Demand may increase for high-grade examples needed to complete registry sets.
While not rare, well-preserved 1946 cents with original surfaces and attractive color can be quite valuable to discerning collectors.
