Price Guide for 1990 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 – $2,937.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,938.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9,988.00Uncirculated: $1,375.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $25.00 – $13,311.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,100.00 – $6,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $8.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $7,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $7,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,358.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $62.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $490.00
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eBayCirculated: $215.50 – $3,400.00Uncirculated: $4.44 – $4,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $17.50 – $32.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,700.00 – $3,149.94Uncirculated: $185.18 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,340.00 – $8,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,150.00 – $5,850.00
Design and Specifications of the 1990 Cent
The 1990 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This coin marked the 81st year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which was introduced in 1959. The penny remained an essential part of everyday commerce, despite its diminishing purchasing power due to inflation.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P, S |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| 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 1990 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable, with premium prices for those in gem state (MS65 and above). For circulation strikes, look for coins with sharp strike details, full luster, and minimal contact marks.
Proof coins are expected to have mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Any imperfections, such as fingerprints, spots, or haze, can significantly reduce their value. Perfect PR70 examples command the highest premiums.
Mintage: 7,261,539,000
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 building complete sets
Mintage: 4,922,894,533
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 building complete sets
Mintage: 3,299,559
Rarity Scale: Common (for proofs)
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 1990 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns are more desirable. Red coins (those retaining their original copper color) are preferred over brown examples.
While not particularly rare, doubled die varieties or other minor mint errors can add value to 1990 cents. Collectors also appreciate coins with attractive, natural toning, especially on proof issues.
The overall abundance of 1990 cents means that only the highest grade examples or those with unique characteristics command significant premiums over face value.
