Price Guide for 1956 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: $11.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $18,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $57,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $499.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $58,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $576.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.16 – $183.00Uncirculated: $3.31 – $4,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $165.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $124.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $89.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $63.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $110.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.99 – $35.00Uncirculated: $1.99 – $95.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $62.00 – $16,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $160.00 – $2,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $134.00 – $360.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.50 – $1,187.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $374.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,610.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $17.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $870.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $819.89
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eBayCirculated: $4.25Uncirculated: $2.51 – $34.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $518.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $660.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $27.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $1,292.50
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eBayUncirculated: $22.50 – $443.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $195.00
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eBayUncirculated: $27.44 – $187.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $34.95Uncirculated: $46.00 – $63.00
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eBayUncirculated: $45.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00 – $1,620.00
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eBayUncirculated: $75.00 – $265.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18.36 – $1,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $94.99 – $99.99Uncirculated: $7.95 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11.00 – $900.00
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eBayCirculated: $28.62Uncirculated: $19.99 – $1,276.88
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.50 – $995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1956 Cent
The 1956 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 47th year of the Lincoln cent design, which had been in circulation since 1909. The reverse still featured the wheat ears design, as the Lincoln Memorial reverse would not be introduced until 1959.
1956 was a significant year in American history, marked by events such as Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, reflecting the cultural and social changes of the era. The cent, being the most widely circulated coin, played a crucial role in everyday transactions during this period of economic growth and societal transformation.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1956 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command premium prices, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially desirable.
For circulation strikes, key factors include:
– Luster: Original mint luster adds substantial value
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are preferred
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase desirability
For proof coins, cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly enhance value. Deep cameo proofs with strong contrast are particularly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 420,745,000
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 examples
Mintage: 1,098,201,100
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 examples
Mintage: 669,384
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR67, scarce in PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for cameo and deep cameo examples
Toning can play a role in the value of 1956 cents, particularly for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning can increase a coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Full Red (RD) designation for circulation strikes is crucial for maximum value. Coins retaining 95% or more of their original mint red color are classified as Full Red and command significant premiums over their Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) counterparts.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1956 cent can still be valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions. This is particularly true for coins grading MS67 or higher for circulation strikes, and PR68 or higher for proofs.
