I completed my first full set of wheat pennies awhile back and have started working on my second set! It got me thinking (man that hurts) about what a full set of LWC would be valued at if they averaged an AU grade! SO, I searched online and had no luck finding a complete 1909 through 1958 set for sale! I understand the grade of each coin would affect the overall price, so it's impossible to come up with an exact amount/value! So, what price range would you expect to see for a full set with all of the mint marks! Not looking to include any RPM's, OMM's, Doubled Dies, or any other anomalies. My guess is about $2,500 to $3,000! What is your guess?
PCGS takes a stab at it in its price guide but it starts at MS 62... https://www.pcgs.com/prices/detail/lincoln-cent-wheat-reverse/46/most-active
I would have to look at the average on the key dates. Then Add up any MS examples and look for non attributed coins. All other coins in Circ are gonna get an average dollar or two.
I'll give you my best opinion. I spent a few hours researching. If a graded set, no 22 or 55/55, $4,600.00 wholesale. Add the 22 (no D) with a strong reverse, +2,800.00. Add the 22 with weak reverse, + 700.00. Add the 55/55,+1,500.00 Grading fees would be pushing $1,400.00 +/- (no CAC included-add $16/per piece for CAC grading (and if no pass, no return for the expenditure. Hope this helps.
If that's accurate as the wholesale cost, that's not the retail value. You have to figure in the dealer's gross margin on sales to get where PCGS is at on these sets, which is the retail value.
Higher! A uncirculated 09SVDB would bring that price PLUS! A uncirculated 14-D would get over a $1,000 A " " 09-S would get a lot. Toss in a UNC 55-DDO and there is another $2,400 But! I doubt you could get much for the whole set, you'd do better selling the key dates separate.
Assumptions are just that. Without grading each coin, there is no way to tell an "average" price, IMHO. PCGS shows a complete set (MS63) would be about $17,065.00.
Top stated an average AU(50) Grade. I give him the benefit of the doubt that he knows a 50 Lincoln. Top also stated there were no DDs, etc. I will stick with my wholesale graded quote, and if not graded, deduct $1400.00, leaving an ungraded 50 set at +/- @ $3,200.00, and that means Top's "guess" is almost on the money. This a very popular grade point set, and if graded, would be snapped up, much quicker than a 63-65 graded set. No dealer is going to offer more than wholesale, graded or ungraded. FTR, I am using present Dealer to Dealer wholesale $ for March, for a Graded 50 Set. That is why I stated the deduct for grading fees. PS: Can I have a Pass, now, Top? I have worked my azz off here, and would like to go to Town tonight.
