Price Guide for 2008 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: $10.00 – $2,990.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,562.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.01Uncirculated: $1.25 – $742.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $79.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $199.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $14.99 – $40.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.96 – $15.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $37.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $289.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $247.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $295.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $70.00
Design and Specifications of the 2008 Cent
The 2008 Lincoln Cent represents the final year of the long-running Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which had been in use since 1959. This coin holds historical significance as it marks the end of an era in American coinage, preceding the special 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents and the introduction of the Union Shield reverse in 2010.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver) |
| Composition | 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 2008 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, specimens in gem uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) are considerably scarcer and more valuable.
Key factors affecting desirability include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more sought after.
2. Luster: Coins with original, vibrant mint luster are preferred.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from contact marks, scratches, or spots command higher premiums.
For proof issues, the degree of cameo or deep cameo contrast can significantly enhance value, with perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens being the most desirable.
Mintage: 2,552,400,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 2,822,120,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 2,417,973
Rarity Scale: Common for proof issues
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most proof grades, but scarce in perfect condition (PR70)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Additional factors influencing the value of 2008 Lincoln Cents include:
1. Historical significance: As the last year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse, some collectors may place a premium on high-grade examples.
2. Full Steps: For uncirculated coins, those exhibiting full steps on the Lincoln Memorial (visible separation between all steps) are more valuable.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance the value, especially for proof issues.
4. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 2008, any discovered could be of interest to specialists.
5. Certified coins: Examples graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices, especially in top grades.
