Price Guide for 2006 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: $7.00 – $1,292.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $888.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $38.22Uncirculated: $1.25 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $2,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.25 – $84.91
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $518.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $155.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $45.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.78 – $140.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $130.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $480.00
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eBayUncirculated: $40.00 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $28.00 – $2,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $75.00 – $220.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $130.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.50 – $29.99
Design and Specifications of the 2006 Cent
The 2006 Lincoln cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 97th anniversary of the Lincoln cent, which was first introduced in 1909. The obverse design remained unchanged since its inception, while the reverse still featured the Memorial design introduced in 1959.
2006 was a significant year as it preceded the upcoming 2009 bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, which would bring about major design changes to the reverse of the coin in the following years.
Weight | 2.5 grams |
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Diameter | 19.05 mm |
Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper (copper-plated zinc) |
Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Reverse Design | Union Shield, designed by Lyndall Bass and engraved by Joseph Menna |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 2006 Lincoln cents. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 or higher grades are considerably scarcer and more valuable due to the difficulty in preserving zinc-based cents without blemishes.
For proof coins, grades of PR69 and PR70 are highly sought after by collectors, with perfect PR70 examples commanding significant premiums.
Mintage: 4,290,000,000
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 completionist collectors
Mintage: 3,944,000,000
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 completionist collectors
Mintage: 2,977,166
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, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for 2006 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns, are more desirable. Luster is another key factor, with coins displaying full, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
Color can also impact value. Red cents (those retaining their original copper color) are most desirable, followed by red-brown, and then brown. For proof coins, deep cameo contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.
While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes, double dies, or die cracks can be valuable to specialized collectors if discovered.