Price Guide for 1996 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 – $3,565.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,628.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,265.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $978.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.14 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $322.57 – $678.59Uncirculated: $4.25 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $223.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,610.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $7.45Uncirculated: $0.95 – $201.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $45.00
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eBayUncirculated: $50.00 – $60.00
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eBayUncirculated: $175.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.99
Design and Specifications of the 1996 Cent
The 1996 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 87th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent, which was first introduced in 1909. The coin maintained its familiar design featuring Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, a design combination that had been in use since 1959.
1996 was a year of relative economic stability and technological advancement, with the continued growth of the internet and personal computing. The penny, despite its diminishing purchasing power, remained an integral part of American currency and daily transactions.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| 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 1996 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for uncirculated specimens. While circulated examples are extremely common and generally worth only face value, coins in pristine condition can command premium prices.
Mint State coins, particularly those grading MS65 and above, are considerably scarcer and more valuable. The presence of original mint luster and the absence of contact marks or wear are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
For the highest grades (MS67 and above), even tiny imperfections can make a significant difference in price, as such specimens are quite rare for this high-mintage year.
Mintage: 6,612,465,000
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 seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 6,510,795,000
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 seeking to complete date sets
Strike quality is an important factor for 1996 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the pillars of the Memorial, are more desirable.
Color also plays a role in valuation. Copper-plated zinc cents can tone over time, and those with attractive, natural toning may command a premium. Conversely, spotted or discolored coins are less desirable.
While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, or repunched mint marks can be valuable to specialists. However, major errors are uncommon for this year.
Lastly, the preservation of original surfaces is crucial. Coins that have never been cleaned or tampered with are more valuable than those that show signs of improper handling or attempts at enhancement.
