Price Guide for 1997 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 – $863.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $406.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $79.20 – $1,020.00
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eBayCirculated: $66.88Uncirculated: $63.80 – $819.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $6,360.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $6,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.50
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eBayCirculated: $29.99Uncirculated: $17.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00
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eBayCirculated: $84.00 – $365.00Uncirculated: $4.58 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $14.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $158.63Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,898.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $510.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $80.00
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eBayUncirculated: $21.00
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eBayUncirculated: $85.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $16.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $64.63 – $82.50
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eBayUncirculated: $100.00 – $110.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1997 Cent
The 1997 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin marked the 88th year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which was introduced in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birth anniversary. The penny remained an essential part of everyday commerce, despite ongoing debates about its production costs and utility.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1997 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are abundant and hold minimal premium over face value, uncirculated specimens in high grades (MS65 and above) can command significant premiums. The zinc composition of these coins makes them prone to spotting and discoloration, making pristine examples particularly desirable.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts are highly sought after, with perfect PR70 DCAM specimens being the most valuable. The quality of strike, presence of full steps on the Lincoln Memorial, and overall eye appeal can greatly influence collector interest and value.
Mintage: 4,622,800,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,579,996,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 2,795,611
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in PR65, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate among proof set collectors
Several factors can affect the value of 1997 Lincoln Cents beyond mintage and condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can increase desirability among collectors, especially for uncirculated coins.
2. Die Varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, any discovered could significantly increase value.
3. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the Lincoln Memorial reverse, are more desirable.
4. Preservation: Due to the zinc composition, coins free from spots or corrosion are more valuable.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher premiums.
