Price Guide for 1954 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 – $1,880.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $7,637.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $57.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.69 – $6.99Uncirculated: $1.99 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $1,058.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25Uncirculated: $0.99 – $9,392.92
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.00 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $276.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $8,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $14.00Uncirculated: $403.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25Uncirculated: $1.85 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $1,410.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.50 – $315.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.00 – $529.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $85.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.33 – $28.00Uncirculated: $13.08 – $32.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $21.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $394.89
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $29.95Uncirculated: $67.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $45.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $152.00
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eBayUncirculated: $68.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $169.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $185.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18.00 – $2,938.00
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eBayUncirculated: $19.99 – $1,269.45
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $2,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00 – $14,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $16,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1954 Cent
The 1954 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing design that had been in use since 1909. This year marked the 45th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent, which was first introduced to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The coin maintained its popularity and remained an essential part of everyday commerce in the United States.
1954 was a significant year as it saw the end of the Korean War and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, providing an interesting historical backdrop for this coin’s circulation.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears, designed by Victor David Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1954 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. While circulated examples are generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins can command premium prices. Coins in MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) condition and above are particularly desirable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Luster: Original mint luster should be intact and vibrant.
– Strike: Well-struck coins with sharp details are preferred.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes enhance value.
– Color: Original red color is most desirable, followed by red-brown, then brown.
Mintage: 71,873,350
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 251,118,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 96,190,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Toning can add value to 1954 cents if it’s attractive and natural. Rainbow-toned specimens are particularly sought after by collectors.
Full Steps on the Lincoln Memorial (for later dates) can increase value, though this doesn’t apply to the 1954 wheat reverse.
Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add interest and value. Always check for doubled dies or other mint errors.
The preservation of original mint red color is crucial for maximum value in uncirculated grades. Full Red (RD) coins are worth significantly more than Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) examples in the same grade.
