Price Guide for 1949 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: $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.97Uncirculated: $3.51 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $18.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $385.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $5,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,745.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $633.00 – $1,762.50Uncirculated: $6.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $2,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $552.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,035.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.48 – $1,399.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.50 – $89.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $16.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.05 – $133.77
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $881.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $748.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.00 – $280.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $63.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $75.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $99.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $82.25 – $949.00
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eBayUncirculated: $173.00 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $900.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $210.00
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eBayUncirculated: $53.53
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $80.00 – $900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.50 – $999.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1949 Cent
The 1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent continued the long-running series that began in 1909. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Lincoln cent, which had become a staple of American commerce. The coin’s design remained unchanged since its introduction, featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the distinctive wheat ears on the reverse.
1949 was a significant year in post-World War II America, with the country experiencing economic growth and technological advancements. The cent, while small in value, played a crucial role in everyday transactions during this period of prosperity.
| 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 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 1949 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. While these coins are generally common, finding them in high grades can be challenging due to their age and circulation history. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command a premium, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly desirable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Luster: Original mint luster is highly prized.
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase desirability.
– Color: Original red color is most valuable, followed by red-brown, then brown.
Mintage: 217,775,000
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: 153,132,500
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: 64,290,000
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 1949 Lincoln Cents beyond their condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, especially for collectors seeking eye appeal.
2. Die characteristics: Sharp die polishing lines or interesting die states may attract variety collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for more than raw coins.
5. Market trends: Fluctuations in the copper market can affect the base value of these coins.
While not particularly rare, high-grade 1949 cents from any mint can be valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions. Collectors often seek matched sets of high-grade coins from all three mints, which can drive demand for well-preserved examples.
