Price Guide for 1998 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 – $529.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $340.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $587.50Uncirculated: $105.75 – $4,406.25
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eBayUncirculated: $105.55 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $120.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,738.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $5,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.26 – $450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.99 – $9.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $290.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.25Uncirculated: $0.99 – $208.16
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $46.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94.00 – $4,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $83.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $4,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.50 – $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $16.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.60 – $419.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $5.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $50.00
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eBayUncirculated: $193.50 – $377.77
Design and Specifications of the 1998 Cent
The 1998 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This coin marked the 89th year of the Lincoln cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was nearing the end of its run, as it would be replaced in 2009 with new designs commemorating Lincoln’s bicentennial.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1998 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable, with those grading MS67 and higher being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, the difference between PR69 and PR70 can be significant in terms of value. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs, which exhibit strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields, are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 5,392,600,000
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 collectors building complete date sets
Mintage: 5,585,760,000
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 collectors building complete date sets
Mintage: 2,979,762
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 1998 cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial, are more desirable. Luster also plays a role, with coins exhibiting bright, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, cents with natural, appealing toning can command a premium. Additionally, error coins, such as off-center strikes or doubled dies (though rare for this year), can be highly valuable if discovered.
