Price Guide for 2004 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 – $604.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $335.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,198.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $181.78
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $540.00 – $931.36Uncirculated: $0.99 – $4,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $59.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $152.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $38.00
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eBayUncirculated: $400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $44.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00
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eBayUncirculated: $55.00 – $353.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $30.00
Design and Specifications of the 2004 Cent
The 2004 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 95th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent, first introduced in 1909. The coin maintained its familiar design, with Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, a design combination that had been in use since 1959.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
| Composition | 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper (copper-plated zinc) |
| 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 2004 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, specimens in pristine, uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) can command a premium. The copper-plated zinc composition makes these coins susceptible to corrosion and spotting over time, which can affect their grade and value.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can increase desirability and value. Proof coins with flawless surfaces and strong visual appeal (PR69 and PR70) are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 3,379,600,000
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 complete date sets
Mintage: 3,456,400,000
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 complete date sets
Mintage: 2,965,712
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, mainly for collectors of proof sets
Strike quality is particularly important for 2004 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the columns of the Lincoln Memorial, are more desirable. Luster also plays a crucial role in determining value, with coins displaying full, original mint luster being more valuable than those with diminished or impaired luster.
Toning can be a factor for both circulation strikes and proofs. Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, while unattractive or artificial toning can detract from it. For proof coins, deep cameo contrast (where the design elements appear to float above a mirrored field) can significantly increase value.
While not particularly rare, error coins from 2004 can be valuable. These might include off-center strikes, doubled dies, or other minting errors. However, due to improved quality control measures, significant errors are relatively uncommon for this year.
