Price Guide for 1974 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: $6.00 – $2,702.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1.69 – $1,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,938.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $518.00
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eBayCirculated: $950.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $140.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23.00 – $299.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.06 – $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $460.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.69 – $15,390.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $149.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $76.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.02 – $50.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $24.00 – $28.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.00 – $50.00
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eBayUncirculated: $40.00 – $550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $21.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $12.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.18 – $76.10
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $25.00
Design and Specifications of the 1974 Cent
The 1974 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This year marked the 165th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was in its 15th year of production. 1974 was a significant year for the cent, as it was one of the last years before the composition would change to copper-plated zinc in 1982 due to rising copper prices.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 1974 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, specimens in pristine, uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) can command premium prices. For circulation strikes, coins with full, original red luster (designated as RD) are more desirable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration.
For proof issues, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the fields and devices can significantly enhance value. The highest grades, such as PR69 and PR70, are particularly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 4,232,140,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 4,235,098,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 2,612,568
Rarity Scale: Common for proof issues
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1974 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the columns of the Lincoln Memorial, are more desirable. The presence of original mint luster can greatly enhance the appeal and value of uncirculated specimens.
While major errors are not common for 1974 cents, any significant mint errors, such as off-center strikes, double dies, or die cracks, could substantially increase a coin’s value. Additionally, coins with attractive, natural toning can command premiums, especially for proof issues where rainbow toning is highly prized by some collectors.
