Price Guide for 1963 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: $66.00 – $196.00Uncirculated: $57.21
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $10.00Uncirculated: $1.99 – $1,005.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $46.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $311.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $2,820.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.50 – $7,499.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $895.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.50 – $100.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $599.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $160.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $40,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $1,165.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $1,260.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.20 – $377.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $260.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $57.20 – $1,035.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.59Uncirculated: $8.50 – $51.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $110.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.75 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $18.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $50.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.50 – $36.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $85.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $156.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.50 – $201.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $213.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.99 – $84.96Uncirculated: $3.37 – $249.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $56.00 – $499.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $400.00
Design and Specifications of the 1963 Cent
The 1963 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the 54th year of the Lincoln Cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was still relatively new and popular among the public.
1963 was a significant year in American history, marked by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. While this event did not directly impact the cent’s design, it adds historical context to coins from this year.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1963 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. While these coins are common in circulated grades, specimens in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) can command premiums. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable to collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
2. Luster: Coins with original mint luster are highly prized.
3. Contact marks: Fewer marks and blemishes increase value.
4. Color: Original red color is most desirable, followed by red-brown, then brown.
Mintage: 3,304,457,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67, rare in MS68
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 1,774,822,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67, rare in MS68
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade specimens
Full Steps: For 1963 cents, coins with fully visible steps on the Lincoln Memorial (reverse) can command significant premiums, especially in high grades.
Die Varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1963, minor die varieties or errors can add interest and value for specialized collectors.
Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, particularly for uncirculated specimens.
Historical Significance: As coins minted in the year of JFK’s assassination, some collectors may place additional value on 1963 cents in high grades as historical mementos.
