Price Guide for 1950 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 – $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,349.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $10,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.99 – $1,442.90
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $19.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.99 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.26 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $38.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $64.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.25Uncirculated: $4.27 – $67.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $978.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $4,888.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.99 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $15.50 – $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,725.00 – $2,070.00Uncirculated: $64.00 – $1,208.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.47 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.15 – $5.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $798.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $489.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $117.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $98.51
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.99 – $100.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00Uncirculated: $22.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $145.00
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eBayUncirculated: $29.99 – $128.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $978.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $199.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $36.00 – $1,779.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $168.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $960.00 – $4,297.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $18,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1950 Cent
The 1950 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, first introduced in 1909. This year marked the midpoint of the 20th century, a time of post-war prosperity and economic growth in the United States. The Lincoln Cent, with its iconic design, remained a staple of American commerce and a popular coin among collectors.
| 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 the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1950 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are common and generally worth only slightly more than face value, uncirculated specimens can command premium prices. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are considerably scarcer and more valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is highly prized.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, and spots increases value.
4. Color: Original red color is most valuable, followed by red-brown, then brown.
Mintage: 272,686,386
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: 334,950,000
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: 118,505,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can further enhance the value of a 1950 Lincoln Cent:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on the Lincoln Memorial (introduced in 1959) are valuable, but this doesn’t apply to the 1950 Wheat Cent.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1950, minor doubled dies or repunched mint marks can add value.
3. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability among collectors.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices.
5. Historical significance: As a mid-century coin, it may appeal to collectors focusing on this era.
