Price Guide for 1976 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 – $998.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $7,931.25
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eBayUncirculated: $2.75 – $260.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $4,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.09 – $22.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $300.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,208.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $217.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $138.00 – $207.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $46.50
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eBayUncirculated: $2.00 – $122.50
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eBayCirculated: $0.95Uncirculated: $7.77 – $295.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $117.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 – $48.21
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eBayCirculated: $9.01
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eBayUncirculated: $36.01 – $51.01
Design and Specifications of the 1976 Cent
The 1976 Lincoln Cent was minted during the United States Bicentennial year, although it did not feature any special Bicentennial designs like some other denominations. This coin continued the long-standing tradition of the Lincoln Cent, which had been in circulation since 1909. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was still in use and would continue until 2008.
| 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 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 the value of 1976 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are extremely common and generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) condition or higher are more desirable to collectors.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the fields and devices can significantly increase value. Pristine PR69 and PR70 examples are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 4,674,292,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,221,592,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,149,730
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Copper content is an additional factor that can affect the value of 1976 Lincoln Cents. As the coin is composed of 95% copper, its melt value can sometimes exceed its face value, depending on the current price of copper. However, it’s important to note that melting U.S. coins for their metal content is illegal.
Full strike and strong luster are desirable attributes that can increase a coin’s appeal and value. Red coins (those that retain their original copper color) are generally more valuable than brown examples. Toning, if attractive and natural, can also enhance a coin’s desirability among collectors.
