Price Guide for 1979 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 – $5,463.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.99 – $2,429.90
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,995.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $775.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $3,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $99.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $2,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,819.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $207.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $125.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $77.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.99 – $406.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00
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eBayCirculated: $112.37Uncirculated: $13.50 – $52.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.97
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $1,800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1979 Cent
The 1979 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. The coin maintained its role as a staple in everyday commerce and remained a popular collectible among numismatists.
1979 was a year of economic challenges, with high inflation rates affecting the United States. The cent’s composition of primarily copper was becoming increasingly expensive, foreshadowing future changes to the coin’s metallic content in the coming years.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1979 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command a premium, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly desirable.
For circulation strikes, coins with full red luster (RD) are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration. Strike quality is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Lincoln’s hair and the Lincoln Memorial columns being more sought after.
For proof coins, the cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields adds value, with deep cameo (DCAM) examples being the most prized.
Mintage: 6,018,515,000
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 for complete date sets
Mintage: 4,139,357,254
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 for complete date sets
Mintage: 3,677,175
Rarity Scale: Common for proof issues
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Errors and varieties, while not common for 1979 cents, can significantly increase value if found. These may include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, or off-center strikes.
The overall preservation of the coin’s surface is crucial. Coins free from contact marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable. For copper coins like the 1979 cent, attractive natural toning can sometimes enhance value, especially if it results in rainbow colors.
While not particularly rare, original rolls or bags of uncirculated 1979 cents may command a premium among collectors looking for quantity or potential high-grade examples.
