Price Guide for 1981 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: $7.00 – $5,170.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $304.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,057.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $375.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $863.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.99 – $434.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $345.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $5.99 – $129.38
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $403.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00 – $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $27.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $1,208.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.95 – $31.00
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eBayUncirculated: $155.99
Design and Specifications of the 1981 Cent
The 1981 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This year marked a transitional period in the coin’s composition, as the U.S. Mint was preparing to switch from the traditional copper-based alloy to a zinc core with copper plating due to rising copper prices. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, introduced in 1959, was still in use, symbolizing Lincoln’s enduring legacy.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% zinc (pre-July 1982) or 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating (post-July 1982) |
| 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 1981 Lincoln Cents. While circulated examples are extremely common and typically worth only face value, uncirculated specimens can command a premium, especially in higher grades.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 or better condition are considerably scarcer and more valuable. Proof coins are generally more valuable, with perfect PR70 examples being the most sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 7,491,750,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 5,373,235,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,063,083
Rarity Scale: Common (for proof coins)
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most proof grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1981 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Lincoln Memorial columns, are more desirable. Rich, original mint luster also adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
For copper-alloy cents, attractive natural toning can enhance value, with red specimens being the most prized. However, any signs of corrosion or spotting can significantly decrease value.
While not particularly rare, full red (RD) uncirculated examples are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration. For proof coins, deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can add a premium.
