Price Guide for 1984 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 – $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.49 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $5,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $9,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $173.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $903.60
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eBayUncirculated: $110.50 – $118.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $21.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $500.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $3,910.00
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eBayUncirculated: $91.00 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $403.00
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eBayUncirculated: $88.00 – $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $789.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $135.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $155.10Uncirculated: $0.01 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $5.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $47.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.75Uncirculated: $10.50 – $24.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $201.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 – $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $12.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $240.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $129.50 – $185.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $90.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $193.88
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $73.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $21.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $100.00 – $216.00
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eBayUncirculated: $112.51 – $485.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $100.00 – $2,280.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.50 – $1,006.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $5,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $12.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $209.00 – $330.00
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eBayUncirculated: $50.00 – $284.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $114.00 – $188.00
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eBayUncirculated: $187.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $72.00 – $1,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1984 Cent
The 1984 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin was part of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design series, which began in 1959 and continued until 2008. 1984 marked the 75th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent, first introduced in 1909.
Despite its copper appearance, the 1984 cent was actually composed of a copper-plated zinc core, a change implemented in 1982 due to rising copper prices. This composition change made the 1984 cent slightly lighter than its pre-1982 counterparts.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (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 a 1984 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value, particularly for circulation strikes. Uncirculated coins in MS63 or below are common, but specimens in MS65 or higher grades become increasingly scarce and valuable. For circulation strikes, factors such as full strike, strong luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial for achieving higher grades and values.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can significantly enhance value. Perfect PR70 specimens, especially with deep cameo contrast, are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 7,673,787,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, except for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 5,569,238,800
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, except for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 3,065,110
Rarity Scale: Common (for proof coins)
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Toning can play a role in a coin’s desirability, particularly for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning can increase a coin’s appeal and value. For circulation strikes, fully red (RD) coins are more valuable than red-brown (RB) or brown (BN) specimens.
While not particularly rare, 1984 cents in top grades can command premium prices due to their popularity among registry set collectors. Additionally, error coins, such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, or other mint mistakes, can be valuable to specialists and error coin collectors.
