Price Guide for 1986 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: $10.00 – $311.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.32 – $7,840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $107.00 – $285.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.99 – $112.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00 – $1,553.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.99 – $65.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.97 – $710.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $260.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $15.09
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $305.50
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eBayUncirculated: $6.00
Design and Specifications of the 1986 Cent
The 1986 Lincoln Cent continues the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 77th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. The coin features the zinc-based composition that was adopted in 1982 to reduce production costs, with a thin copper plating to maintain its traditional appearance.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| 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 1986 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable than circulated examples. Red coins, which retain their original copper color, are the most desirable, followed by Red-Brown, and then Brown examples.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can increase value. The highest grades (PR69 and PR70) command significant premiums.
Mintage: 4,442,866,698
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,304,465,796
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 3,010,497
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
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
Strike quality is an important factor for 1986 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Lincoln Memorial columns, are more desirable. Luster plays a crucial role in determining the grade and value of uncirculated coins, with bright, satiny luster being ideal.
While not typically known for attractive toning, some 1986 cents may develop appealing colors over time, which can enhance their value to certain collectors. Error coins, such as off-center strikes or die cracks, while rare for this year, can command significant premiums if found.
