Price Guide for 1966 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: $12.00 – $276.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $6,463.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.98Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $863.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.75 – $167.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $54.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $138.00
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eBayUncirculated: $14.00 – $299.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $50.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.00 – $20.50Uncirculated: $3.25 – $320.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $27.76Uncirculated: $3.75 – $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $20.00
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eBayUncirculated: $450.00 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $240.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $55.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $201.60
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00Uncirculated: $47.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayUncirculated: $39.87 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $1,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.73
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $1,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1966 Cent
The 1966 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked the seventh year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which replaced the Wheat Ears design in 1959. The absence of mint marks was part of a temporary measure implemented from 1965 to 1967 to discourage coin hoarding during a nationwide coin shortage.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln portrait, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1966 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are abundant and hold minimal premium over face value, uncirculated specimens can be quite valuable. Coins in MS65 (gem) condition or higher are particularly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original, unbroken mint luster adds significant value.
– Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on Lincoln’s cheek and in the fields, increase desirability.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 2,228,700,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for gem-quality specimens
While the 1966 Cent is generally common, certain factors can increase its value:
1. Full Steps: Coins showing full steps on the Lincoln Memorial are rarer and more valuable.
2. Die Varieties: Although no major varieties are known, minor die variations might interest specialized collectors.
3. Pristine Red Color: Cents retaining their original bright red color (RD designation) are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration.
4. Proof Issues: While no proofs were officially minted in 1966, any discovered would be extremely rare and valuable.
