Price Guide for 1988 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 – $2,990.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $7,040.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $699.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $275.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $3.89 – $205.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $5.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $661.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $22.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $6.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.03 – $4.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $15.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,438.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $598.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $64.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $108.27 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $240.00
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eBayUncirculated: $200.00 – $890.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $2,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.00
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eBayUncirculated: $110.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $140.50 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $135.00 – $2,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1988 Cent
The 1988 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This coin marked the 79th year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which was introduced in 1959. The year 1988 was significant as it was the 200th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, though this was not directly reflected on the cent.
| 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 1988 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Uncirculated examples with full original luster and no contact marks are highly sought after by collectors. For circulation strikes, coins graded MS65 or higher can command premium prices due to their scarcity.
Proof coins are expected to have sharp strikes and mirror-like fields. The most valuable proofs are those graded PR69 or PR70, with deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Mintage: 6,958,385,000
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, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 5,253,740,443
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, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 3,262,948
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most proof grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1988 cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns, are more desirable. Luster plays a crucial role in determining value for uncirculated coins, with coins exhibiting full, original cartwheel luster being most prized.
While not typically known for attractive toning, some 1988 cents may develop appealing colors over time. Naturally toned examples with rainbow hues can command a premium among certain collectors. Additionally, any major mint errors or die varieties, though rare for this year, could significantly increase a coin’s value if discovered.
