The 2013-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $40 in pristine Deep Cameo state. While most modern pennies in your pocket are only worth face value, those minted in San Francisco are special collector items that can carry a significant premium for their mirror-like finish and sharp details.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 Deep Cameo | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| PR 67 Deep Cameo | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $40.00+ |
Understanding the Unique 2013-S Proof Lincoln Penny
If you’ve recently sorted through a collection and found a penny with a small ‘S’ mint mark below the date, you have something different from the billions of coins made for circulation. The ‘S’ stands for the San Francisco Mint, which has exclusively produced “Proof” coins for collectors since the mid-1970s. These aren’t meant for buying a candy bar; they are struck using specially polished dies and blanks to create a jewel-like appearance.
If you aren’t sure whether your coin is a standard strike or a proof, you can use the best coin identifier app to get an instant analysis of its strike type. People often mistake a shiny new 2013 penny from Philadelphia or Denver as a proof, but the ‘S’ mint mark is the ultimate decider.
The 2013-S features the Union Shield reverse, which was first introduced in 2010 to represent President Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single, united country. While 2013 isn’t a “rare” year in the grand scheme of numismatics, the San Francisco mintage was limited to 1,404,272 units. This makes it far scarcer than the nearly 4 billion pennies minted in Philadelphia that same year. Using high-tech tools like CoinHix can help you catalogue these finds and track their market growth over time.
Identifying the 2013-S Penny Mint Mark and Composition
The 2013-S Lincoln Penny is composed of a zinc core plated with a thin layer of pure copper. This copper-plated zinc composition has been the standard since 1982. Even though it is a proof coin, it shares the same physical dimensions as your everyday pocket change, weighing 2.5 grams with a diameter of 19.05 mm.
What sets the 13-S apart is the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish. This refers to the heavy contrast between the frosted devices (Lincoln’s portrait and the Shield) and the mirror-like fields (the flat background). Because these were sold in protective plastic sets by the Government, finding one in the “wild” or loose in a jar is rare. If you do find one outside of its mint packaging, it is likely considered an “impaired proof,” which lowers its value.
For those curious about market trends, you can check the latest 2013 Lincoln Penny price data to see how the Shield series is performing. While regular business strikes (no mint mark or ‘D’) are usually only worth one cent, the proof versions consistently hold their value among collectors who want a complete date-and-mint-mark set.
Grading and the 2013-S Lincoln Penny Value Chart
The value of your 2013-S Penny depends almost entirely on its grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. Since these were handled with care at the mint, most 2013-S pennies will grade between PR 67 and PR 69. A PR 70, which is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification, is the “Holy Grail” for modern penny collectors.
To get an accurate sense of what collectors are paying, refer to the 2013-S Penny worth information currently available. Many casual hobbyists use the CoinHix app to compare their coin’s condition against high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This allows you to estimate whether your coin is worth the $20+ fee required to have it professionally certified.
| Mint Mark | Condition | Average Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-S | Ungraded / Lens-fresh | $0.75 – $1.50 |
| 2013-S | Professional Grade PR 69 | $15.00 |
| 2013-S | Professional Grade PR 70 | $42.00 |
Rare 2013 Penny Errors and Variances to Look For
While most 2013-S Shield cents are consistent in quality, the Philadelphia and Denver counterparts are often checked for errors. Error coins can be worth hundreds of dollars, regardless of the mint mark. For the 2013 year, collectors look for “Doubled Dies,” although no major 2013-S doubled die has been confirmed by major registries yet.
Common errors found in modern copper-plated zinc cents include plating blisters (tiny bubbles on the surface) and die cracks. However, plating blisters are generally considered quality control issues rather than valuable errors. If you find a 2013-S that looks strange—perhaps the ‘S’ is tilted or the rim is unusually thick—it is worth investigating further.
The CoinHix app features an extensive database of known errors that you can use to cross-reference any anomalies you see. Remember, for a proof coin like the 2013-S, any imperfection is usually a detractor from the value rather than a premium-adding error, as these coins undergo much more rigorous inspection than standard business strikes.
The Union Shield Design: Why It Matters for Collectors
The reverse of the 2013-S Lincoln Penny is what makes the “Shield Cent” series distinct. Designed by Lyndall Bass and sculpted by Joseph Menna, the Union Shield features 13 vertical stripes and a horizontal bar with the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This design was chosen to symbolize President Lincoln’s vision of a unified nation and replaced the long-running Lincoln Memorial design in 2010.
For everyday Americans, these newer pennies might feel common, but the proof versions elevate the art to a whole new level. The high relief of the shield and the crisp texture of the oak sprigs are much more visible on the San Francisco “S” mint version. Collectors often collect “Year Sets” or “Type Sets” where the 2013-S is a mandatory inclusion.
Because the Shield design is still in production today, many people overlook it. However, high-grade examples from specific years like 2013 are becoming more sought after as “registry sets” become a popular way to compete in the coin-collecting world. Owning a PR 70 Deep Cameo 2013-S puts you at the top of the ladder for this specific year.
| Design Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Obverse | Abraham Lincoln (Standard since 1909) |
| Reverse | Union Shield (Introduced 2010) |
| Edge | Plain (No reeding) |
How to Store and Protect Your 2013-S Penny
Since the 2013-S Lincoln Penny is a proof coin, its value is highly tied to its visual perfection. Even a single fingerprint can cause permanent “toning” or corrosion on the copper plating due to the oils in your skin. If you find a 2013-S, you should handle it only by the edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.
The best way to preserve its value is to keep it in its original US Mint plastic lens. If the coin has already been removed, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic commemorative capsule. Avoid storing your coins in high-humidity areas, as moisture is the enemy of zinc-based pennies and can lead to “zinc rot.”
By preserving the mirror-like finish, you ensure that if you ever decide to sell, your coin will qualify for a higher grade and price point. Modern cents might not be as expensive as gold coins, but a well-preserved proof coin is a source of pride for any hobbyist and a great way to start a low-cost, high-reward collection.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2013-S Penny in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely but possible. Proof coins are not intended for circulation, but occasionally someone might spend a collector set by mistake. If you see a coin with an “S” mint mark that looks much shinier and more detailed than others, you’ve found a “circulated proof.”
Q: What is the difference between a 2013-P, 2013-D, and 2013-S?
A: The letter indicates which mint produced the coin. ‘P’ (or no mark) is Philadelphia, ‘D’ is Denver, and ‘S’ is San Francisco. The P and D versions are common business strikes worth 1 cent, while the S version is a collector’s proof worth significantly more.
Q: Is the 2013-S Penny made of real copper?
A: It is mostly zinc. The coin is 97.5% zinc and only 2.5% copper (used for the outer plating). This has been the standard for all US pennies since mid-1982 to save on production costs.
Q: How can I tell if my 2013 penny is a “Deep Cameo”?
A: Look at the contrast. A “Deep Cameo” coin will have very frosty, white-looking features (Lincoln’s face) that stand out sharply against a dark, mirror-reflecting background. If the whole coin is just shiny without that contrast, it is a standard proof or a very clean business strike.
