Price Guide for 1961 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 PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $1,093.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $102.50Uncirculated: $3.25 – $201.38
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $4,406.25
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.05 – $89.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $373.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $159.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.50 – $475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $5,720.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.98 – $810.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $576.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.99 – $13.50Uncirculated: $8.51 – $39.28
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $104.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $27.00 – $72.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.00 – $35.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $45.00
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eBayUncirculated: $41.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $228.00
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eBayUncirculated: $14.99 – $228.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.50 – $14.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,035.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.00 – $879.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $450.00
Design and Specifications of the 1961 Cent
The 1961 Lincoln Cent continued the Lincoln Memorial reverse design introduced in 1959, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This design would persist until 2008, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history.
1961 was a significant year as it marked the beginning of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, adding historical context to coins minted this year.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1961 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command premium prices, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly desirable.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can substantially increase value. Coins with full red luster are more valuable than those with brown or red-brown coloration.
Mintage: 753,345,000
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, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 1,753,266,700
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, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 3,028,244
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR67, scarce in PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1961 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns, are more valuable. Luster plays a crucial role, with coins displaying full, original mint luster being highly prized.
While not typically known for errors, any significant mint errors like double dies, off-center strikes, or wrong planchets could greatly increase a coin’s value. The absence of carbon spots or other surface issues also positively affects value, particularly for higher-grade examples.
