Price Guide for 1973 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 – $4,993.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,080.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $4,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $163.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,960.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $207.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $460.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $4.99Uncirculated: $0.06 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,232.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $655.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $625.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00 – $404.00Uncirculated: $259.00 – $374.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.00 – $38.05
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $39.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $36.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.99 – $56.88
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $35.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.77 – $18.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $35.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $39.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $20.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $39.00
Design and Specifications of the 1973 Cent
The 1973 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This year marked the 164th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and the 64th year of the Lincoln Cent design. The coin maintained its role as a staple in everyday commerce, while also being of interest to collectors due to its historical significance and potential for varieties.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% 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 1973 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable than circulated examples. The highest premiums are reserved for gems in MS65 and above, with MS67 and MS68 examples being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, the degree of cameo contrast can greatly affect value. Deep Cameo proofs, with strong contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields, command higher premiums.
Mintage: 3,728,245,000
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: Low, primarily of interest to completionist collectors
Mintage: 3,549,576,588
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: Low, primarily of interest to completionist collectors
Mintage: 2,760,339
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR68, scarce in PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1973 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, particularly on Lincoln’s hair and the columns of the Memorial, are more desirable. Luster also plays a crucial role, with coins displaying full, original mint luster being more valuable.
Toning can add value to 1973 cents, especially for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning patterns can enhance a coin’s appeal and value. However, any signs of cleaning, environmental damage, or other impairments can significantly reduce value, even for otherwise high-grade examples.
