Price Guide for 2005 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 – $2,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $1,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,403.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $1,020.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $7,906.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $69.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $891.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $374.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $188.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $34.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,155.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $104.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $25.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $59.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.58 – $20.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $910.63
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eBayUncirculated: $59.00
Design and Specifications of the 2005 Cent
The 2005 Lincoln cent marked the 96th year of the Lincoln cent design, which was first introduced in 1909. This year was significant as it was the penultimate year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which had been in use since 1959. The following year, 2006, would be the last year for this iconic reverse before the introduction of the four special reverse designs in 2009 for Lincoln’s bicentennial.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco for proof coins) |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper (copper-plated zinc) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Union Shield design, designed by Lyndall Bass |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 2005 cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. While common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples in MS65 or higher become scarce and more valuable. For proof coins, the difference between a PR69 and a perfect PR70 can be substantial in terms of value.
Factors affecting condition include:
• Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
• Luster: Coins with original mint luster are preferred.
• Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on Lincoln’s cheek or in the fields, increase value.
• Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 3,709,600,000
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: 3,939,600,000
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: 3,344,602
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
Additional factors that can affect the value of 2005 cents include:
1. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, any discovered could be valuable.
2. Error coins: Off-center strikes, double dies, or other mint errors can command premiums.
3. Full Steps: For uncirculated coins, clear steps on the Lincoln Memorial (reverse) can increase value.
4. Red color: Uncirculated cents with full original red color are more valuable than those that have toned to brown.
5. Cameo contrast: For proof coins, strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields (called cameo or deep cameo) increases desirability.
