Price Guide for 1953 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 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.53Uncirculated: $0.98 – $3,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $3,410.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $912.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $748.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $3,580.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $280.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.76 – $150.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $62.58Uncirculated: $4.00 – $688.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $154.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $920.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $75.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $20.50Uncirculated: $1.25 – $228.38
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $742.90Uncirculated: $4.25 – $590.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $204.00 – $10,868.75
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eBayUncirculated: $480.00 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $437.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $76.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $119.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $38.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $33.09 – $215.06
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $2,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $220.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $432.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $410.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $528.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $103.03
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00 – $3,995.00
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eBayUncirculated: $22.50 – $5,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.55 – $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $170.00Uncirculated: $31.00 – $415.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $132.00 – $2,040.00
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eBayUncirculated: $166.66 – $3,691.60
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00 – $1,116.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $120.00 – $312.00
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eBayUncirculated: $39.99 – $1,299.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $37.00
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eBayUncirculated: $21.66 – $149.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $120.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $59.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $27.01 – $540.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $68.00 – $340.00
Design and Specifications of the 1953 Cent
The 1953 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing design introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This year marked the 44th year of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which would continue until 1958 before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse design in 1959.
The year 1953 saw significant political changes, including the end of the Korean War and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, providing an interesting historical backdrop for this coin’s production.
| 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 David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears, designed by Victor David Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1953 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for higher grades. While circulated examples are common and hold minimal premium over face value, uncirculated specimens in MS65 and above can command substantial premiums.
Coins with full original mint luster, sharp strike details (particularly on the wheat ears), and minimal contact marks are highly desirable. Red coins (those retaining their original copper color) are more valuable than brown examples, with Red-Brown specimens falling in between.
Mintage: 256,755,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 700,515,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 181,835,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher than Philadelphia and Denver due to lower mintage
Several factors can influence the value of 1953 Lincoln Cents beyond their condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the wheat ears, are more desirable.
3. Die State: Late die state coins with interesting die deterioration characteristics may appeal to specialists.
4. Mint State Color: Full Red coins are more valuable than Red-Brown or Brown specimens.
5. Certified Examples: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher premiums, especially in high grades.
