Price Guide for 1948 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: $1,210.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $3,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 – $1,934.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $489.00 – $1,351.25Uncirculated: $7.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.75 – $1,560.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.39Uncirculated: $4.25 – $72.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $601.20
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eBayCirculated: $12.97Uncirculated: $7.50 – $145.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $690.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.24 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $1,399.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $65.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $204.04
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $36.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $179.00
Design and Specifications of the 1948 Cent
The 1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent continued the long-standing design that had been in use since 1909. This year marked the 39th year of the Lincoln cent, which was first introduced to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the post-World War II economic boom.
| 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 | Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, designed by Victor David Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1948 Lincoln cents significantly impacts their value. While circulated examples are generally worth only slightly more than face value, uncirculated specimens can command substantial premiums. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is crucial for high-grade examples.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
3. Contact marks: Fewer marks and blemishes result in higher grades and values.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 317,570,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 172,637,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 81,735,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher than other mints due to lower mintage
Several factors can influence the value of 1948 Lincoln cents beyond their condition:
1. Mint mark: San Francisco (S) mint coins, having the lowest mintage, may command slight premiums.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1948, minor die variations can interest specialized collectors.
3. Full Steps: Examples with fully defined steps on the Lincoln Memorial (for later dates) are valued higher.
4. Preservation: Original, uncleaned coins are preferred over those that have been improperly cleaned or damaged.
5. Historical significance: As part of the post-WWII era, these coins may appeal to collectors interested in this historical period.
