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.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $188.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $180.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $89.95
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eBayUncirculated: $2.48 – $192.50
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $54.00Uncirculated: $1.84 – $242.50
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eBayUncirculated: $5.79 – $9.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $165.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $202.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $39.99
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eBayUncirculated: $8.00 – $9.60
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $240.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $265.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $285.00
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eBayUncirculated: $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.
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
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.
