2010 Lincoln Cents Commanding Premiums
United States Coins Sunday, February 14th, 2010
With the official launch of the 2010 Lincoln Cent now behind us (it took place last Thursday, February 11, 2010 in Springfield, Illinois), it might be interesting to take a look at what collector's have been doing in relation to the coin.
One of the best places to find recent information on demand and prices for coinage is the online auction site eBay. Interested individuals can not only find how many auctions are or have been offered for certain coins, they can determine what the average going price for those coins have been. With this information in hand, a collector is better informed to make the decision if they would like to attempt to win or purchase the item.
So, let's take a look at the 2010 Lincoln Cent. As early as the middle of January, pre-sales of the coins started to appear on eBay promising rolls of the new design obtained on the release day (February 11th) and stamped and canceled by the post office indicating that date. The seller asked (and many paid) $35 for a single roll of these coins with the knowledge they were to be obtained and canceled in Springfield on February 11th. If a buyer just wanted a roll obtained and canceled in Washington, D.C., the going price was only $25.
Within a few days of those initial offerings, the one cent coins started to mysteriously appear in Puerto Rico, evidently offered into circulation ahead of the official release day. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, several individuals placed rolls and even single pennies for sale. Roll prices were considerably lower for these non-canceled auctions averaging around $15-$20, but the buyer had the comfort of knowing they were being shipped to them far in advance of the announced release. Single coins were selling at premiums of $2.
Jumping ahead to current auctions, post release ceremony, we still find quite a selection being offered and still well above face value prices. Many auctions are still asking $1 as the starting price, with $1.50 the Buy-It-Now prices, on single one cent coins. Rolls are selling for around $15 a piece or over $20 if the buyer would like them stamped and canceled from Springfield.
Of note, it appears the cancellation stamp has in image of a union shield on it with Lincoln's face over the top of it. The wording on the stamp shows:
- DEDICATION STATION
- SPRINGFIELD,IL 62703
- ONE-CENT COIN LAUNCH
- FEBRUARY 11,2010
- (signed) A. LINCOLN
For a sample of what is currently being offered on eBay for the 2010 Lincoln Cents, see below.
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Related World Mint Coins articles:
- US Mint To Officially Launch 2010 Lincoln Cent In Springfield, Illinois
- US Mint Proof Sets with 2009 Lincoln Cents
- Professional Life Lincoln Cent Exchanges Announced

US $21.21