Price Guide for 2020 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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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $760.01
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $45.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.76 – $34.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.50 – $4,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $65.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $58.89
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eBayCirculated: $10.50Uncirculated: $1.25 – $74.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $88.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $32.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $70.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $80.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14.00 – $45.00
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eBayUncirculated: $18.19 – $92.58
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $199.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $50.00
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eBayUncirculated: $67.66 – $157.50
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eBayUncirculated: $21.05 – $139.00
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eBayUncirculated: $49.11 – $86.00
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eBayUncirculated: $54.90 – $102.50
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eBayUncirculated: $32.25 – $89.90
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eBayUncirculated: $61.00 – $149.95
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $7,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.50
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eBayUncirculated: $8.50 – $56.51
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $91.00
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eBayUncirculated: $48.95
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eBayUncirculated: $5.83 – $950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $78.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14.00 – $38.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.50 – $47.00
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eBayUncirculated: $147.50 – $149.95
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eBayUncirculated: $174.95
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eBayUncirculated: $27.75 – $106.00
Design and Specifications of the 2020 Cent
The 2020 Lincoln cent continues the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. The obverse design, featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, has remained largely unchanged since 1909. The reverse, introduced in 2010, showcases the Union Shield, symbolizing Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single country.
In 2020, a special edition of the penny was minted at West Point, marking the first time the ‘W’ mint mark appeared on a one-cent coin, adding significance to this year’s production.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco), W (West Point) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 2020 cents, particularly for the circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver. While these coins are common, examples in pristine, uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) can command a premium. The West Point cents, being a special release, are particularly valuable in high grades.
For proof coins from San Francisco, grades of PR69 and PR70 are highly sought after by collectors seeking perfection. Deep Cameo examples, with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields, are especially desirable.
Mintage: 3,795,120,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in all grades, including MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily for uncirculated examples
Mintage: 3,542,400,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in all grades, including MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily for uncirculated examples
Mintage: 3,447,500
Rarity Scale: Common (for proofs)
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, collectible as part of proof sets
Mintage: Unknown (mixed with Philadelphia production)
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in high grades due to limited release
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to novelty and limited availability
The 2020 West Point cents are the standout of this year, with their scarcity and historical significance driving collector interest. These were randomly inserted into rolls and bags of Philadelphia cents, making them a ‘treasure hunt’ item for collectors.
For all 2020 cents, factors such as strong strike, full luster, and absence of contact marks or spots can increase value. Error coins, such as off-center strikes or die cracks, while rare, can also command significant premiums if dramatic enough.
Toning, while not typically a major factor for modern cents, can add value if attractive and natural. However, the zinc composition of modern cents makes them prone to spotting and corrosion, which can significantly decrease value if present.
