Price Guide for 1989 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 – $1,023.60
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $290.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,113.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,605.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $25.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $276.00 – $920.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.95Uncirculated: $19.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $290.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $50.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00
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eBayCirculated: $925.00Uncirculated: $4.99 – $30.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $52.50
Design and Specifications of the 1989 Cent
The 1989 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin was part of the Lincoln Memorial cent series, which began in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and continued until 2008.
The year 1989 marked the 30th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design. It was a time of significant global change, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, making these coins silent witnesses to pivotal historical events.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| 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 1989 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples in MS65 or higher can command premium prices.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
– Luster: Coins with original mint luster are highly prized.
– Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on Lincoln’s cheek and in the fields, increase value.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 7,261,535,000
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 building complete sets
Mintage: 5,345,467,111
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 building complete sets
Mintage: 3,220,194
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, appealing to proof set collectors
Additional factors influencing the value of 1989 Lincoln Cents include:
1. Full Steps: Coins showing complete steps on the Lincoln Memorial reverse are more valuable.
2. Die Varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1989, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Mint State Red: Uncirculated cents retaining full original red color are more desirable than those that have toned to brown.
4. Certified Coins: Examples graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices.
5. Historical Significance: As coins minted in a year of significant global change, they may hold additional interest for some collectors.
