Price Guide for 2012 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.

2012-D Penny Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $188.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $975.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $3,000.00
2012 Penny Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $9.00 – $180.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,495.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $8.00 – $1,150.00
2012-D Penny Shield, BN (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $89.95
2012-S Penny Shield, BN (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2.48 – $192.50
2012-S Penny Shield, RD (Proof)
  • eBay
    Circulated: $0.99 – $54.00
    Uncirculated: $1.84 – $242.50
2012-S Penny Shield, CAM (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $5.79 – $9.99
2012-S Penny Shield, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $165.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $202.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $200.00
2012-S Penny Shield First Strike, BN (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $39.99
2012-S Penny Shield First Strike, RD (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $8.00 – $9.60
2012-S Penny Shield First Strike, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $31.00 – $240.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $6.50 – $265.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $285.00
2012-S Penny Shield Lyndall Bass, DCAM (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $12.00

Design and Specifications of the 2012 Cent

The 2012 Lincoln cent continues the Union Shield design on the reverse, which was introduced in 2010 to commemorate the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth and the centennial of the first Lincoln cent. This design symbolizes Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single country.

The obverse retains Victor D. Brenner’s classic Lincoln portrait, which has been a staple of the cent since 1909. The 2012 cent, like its predecessors since 1982, is primarily made of zinc with a thin copper plating, reflecting the ongoing efforts to reduce production costs while maintaining the traditional appearance of the penny.

Weight 2.5 grams
Diameter 19.05 mm
Mint Marks P (Philadelphia), D (Denver)
Composition 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper
Obverse Design Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Design Union Shield, designed by Lyndall Bass

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 2012 cents significantly impacts their value, particularly for uncirculated specimens. While circulated examples are worth face value, pristine, uncirculated coins can command a premium.

Factors such as full luster, absence of contact marks, and sharp strike details are crucial for higher grades. Coins graded MS65 or higher are considerably scarcer and more valuable. The copper plating on these zinc-core cents can be prone to spotting or discoloration, which can negatively affect grade and value.

Philadelphia, P

Mintage: 3,132,800,000

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 collected as part of date sets

Denver, D

Mintage: 2,883,200,000

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 collected as part of date sets

Strike quality is an important factor for 2012 cents. Well-struck coins with full detail on Lincoln’s hair and the shield’s lines are more desirable. Color also plays a role, with coins exhibiting attractive, original red color being more valuable than those with brown or spotty surfaces.

While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes, double dies, or die cracks can carry significant premiums. Additionally, coins from unopened mint bags or rolls that have never been in circulation can be more valuable due to their pristine condition and potential for high grades.

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