Price Guide for 1962 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: $44.65Uncirculated: $6.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.79 – $5,655.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $8,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1.26 – $1,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00 – $1,840.00Uncirculated: $863.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.50 – $18.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.74 – $58.03Uncirculated: $0.99 – $499.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $275.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $780.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $10.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $138.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $44.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.47 – $29.99
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $38.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.65 – $235.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $178.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.99Uncirculated: $3.09 – $519.74
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $2,559.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,510.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $99.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.00 – $147.06
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $38.00 – $385.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.00
Design and Specifications of the 1962 Cent
The 1962 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the third year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which replaced the Wheat Ears design in 1959. The coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce and represented a period of relative economic stability in the early 1960s.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1962 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for high-grade specimens. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. Red (RD) coins, which retain their original mint luster, are particularly desirable and command higher prices compared to Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) examples.
Mintage: 606,045,000
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: 1,793,148,920
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
Strike quality is an important factor for 1962 cents, with well-struck coins featuring sharp details on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns being more desirable. Luster plays a crucial role, especially for uncirculated coins, with those displaying full, cartwheel luster being highly sought after. While not typically known for toning, some collectors may value attractively toned specimens. Die varieties, though not common for this year, can add value if discovered. Lastly, error coins such as off-center strikes, double dies, or repunched mint marks, while rare, can significantly increase a coin’s value to specialized collectors.
