Price Guide for 1921 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $59.00 – $55,200.00
-
eBayCirculated: $38.76 – $46.00Uncirculated: $76.00 – $1,635.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $47,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00Uncirculated: $86.00 – $27,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $19.86 – $55.00Uncirculated: $56.00 – $3,995.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $12,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $92.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $443.00
-
eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $69.88Uncirculated: $21.50 – $355.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $235.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $3,120.00
-
eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $202.00Uncirculated: $64.00 – $1,999.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $115.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $2,700.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.50 – $588.00
-
eBayCirculated: $395.01Uncirculated: $35.00 – $250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $675.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $500.00Uncirculated: $81.00 – $9,000.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $132.50 – $2,374.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1921 Cent
The 1921 Lincoln Cent was part of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following World War I. The Lincoln Cent design was highly popular and would continue with only minor modifications until 1958.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Lincoln bust facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1921 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original mint luster and absence of contact marks are crucial for higher grades.
For the San Francisco issue, well-struck coins with full details on the wheat ears are particularly desirable. Red coins (those retaining their original copper color) command a premium over brown examples.
Mintage: 39,157,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 15,274,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1921 cents, as many were weakly struck. Coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks, are more valuable.
Toning can also affect value. While most collectors prefer red coins, some may pay a premium for attractively toned examples with rainbow colors.
The San Francisco mintage is generally more valuable due to its lower production numbers and tendency to have been more heavily circulated in the Western states.
