Price Guide for 1952 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: $15.00 – $39.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $79.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $299.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.06Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $431.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $139.76
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $4,112.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $22.00 – $64,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $72,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.69 – $999.99Uncirculated: $5.00 – $11,249.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $805.00 – $2,702.50Uncirculated: $7.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $5,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,292.50Uncirculated: $74.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $14.95Uncirculated: $4.50 – $1,519.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,006.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $341.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $51.00
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eBayCirculated: $43.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $149.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $130.00
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eBayUncirculated: $44.99
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eBayUncirculated: $31.45 – $65.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57.00 – $528.75
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eBayUncirculated: $33.33 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $63.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.76 – $395.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $168.00
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eBayUncirculated: $19.99 – $1,899.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $45.00 – $3,680.00
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eBayUncirculated: $78.75 – $2,129.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $120.00 – $3,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1952 Cent
The 1952 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing design introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This year marked the 43rd year of the Lincoln Cent series, which would continue with the Wheat reverse design until 1958. The coin was minted during a period of post-World War II economic growth and increasing coin demand.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1952 Lincoln Cents. While these coins are common in circulated grades, their value increases significantly in higher mint state grades. Coins in MS65 and above are considerably more valuable, with MS67 examples being quite rare and sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from marks, scratches, and spots command higher premiums.
Mintage: 186,856,980
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 181,062,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 137,800,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Several factors can influence the value of 1952 Lincoln Cents beyond their condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s desirability and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Full Steps: For high-grade examples, full steps on the Lincoln Memorial (introduced in 1959) can significantly increase value, though this doesn’t apply to the 1952 Wheat reverse.
4. Mint set coins: Uncirculated coins from original mint sets may command a premium.
5. Historical significance: As part of the long-running Lincoln Cent series, these coins have broad appeal to collectors of American coinage.
