Price Guide for 1978 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 – $546.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.00Uncirculated: $2.40 – $255.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $4,259.38
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $7,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $661.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $192.50
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eBayUncirculated: $9.00 – $205.02
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $100.00
Design and Specifications of the 1978 Cent
The 1978 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of the Lincoln Memorial design, which had been in use since 1959. This year marked the 69th year of the Lincoln Cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
1978 was a significant year economically, with high inflation rates affecting the United States. The cent’s composition remained unchanged, although rising copper prices were beginning to make the production cost of the coin approach its face value.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco for proof coins) |
| 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 1978 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable than circulated examples. Pristine specimens in MS67 or higher are scarce and command premium prices.
For proof coins, the depth of the mirror-like fields and the frost on the devices are crucial factors. Cameo and Deep Cameo contrasts are highly desirable and can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 5,558,605,000
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 complete date sets
Mintage: 4,280,233,400
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 complete date sets
Mintage: 3,127,781
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Luster quality is an important factor for uncirculated coins. Pieces with full, original red color (RD) are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration. Strike quality also affects value, with well-struck coins featuring sharp details being more desirable.
While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes, double dies, or repunched mint marks can command significant premiums. However, major errors are uncommon for this year.
The 1978-S proof coins are generally more valuable than their circulation counterparts, with Deep Cameo examples being the most sought after by collectors.
