The 1979-S Type 1 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for high-grade specimens. While these coins weren’t meant for pocket change, many everyday Americans find them in inherited collections or old proof sets and wonder if they’ve struck gold.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $250.00 – $1,100.00 |
Understanding the 1979-S Type 1 Lincoln Penny
If you have discovered a shiny, mirror-like penny dated 1979 with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the pennies you use at the grocery store, these were specially struck for collectors. The “Type 1” designation is particularly important because it refers to the specific shape of the mint mark used during the first half of the year.
Most people who find these coins today are curious if they have the rarer variety or just a common collectible. To get a quick answer without visiting a dealer, many hobbyists utilize the best coin identifier app to snap a photo and instantly recognize the mint mark style. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint transitioned between two different “S” punches, making this a “transitional year” that excites numismatists.
The Type 1 is often called the “Filled S.” Because the punch used to create the letter was worn down, the small loops of the “S” appear blurry or filled in with metal. If your penny looks like it has a blob instead of a crisp letter, you likely have a Type 1. Identifying these nuances is where tools like CoinHix become invaluable for the casual hunter.
How to Identify the Type 1 vs Type 2 Variety
Distinguishing between the two varieties of the 1979-S Lincoln Penny is the key to determining its market appeal. The Type 1 “Filled S” was the standard for the beginning of the year. The Mint eventually realized the punch was failing and replaced it with the Type 2 “Clear S,” which features a much sharper, well-defined letter with bulbous ends and clear open space in the loops.
When using the CoinHix app to zoom in on your coin, look closely at the center of the “S.” If the center is choked with copper and looks like a rectangle with rounded corners, it is a Type 1. If you can see the background field of the coin inside the loops of the letter, you have found a Type 2. While both are common in lower proof grades, the Type 2 generally carries a slight premium because it was the “new and improved” version.
The technical specifications of these coins are identical regardless of the mint mark type. They are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighing 3.11 grams. Because they were sold in plastic cases to the public, they shouldn’t show the wear and tear of circulation. However, many have been removed from their sets over the years, leading to “impaired proofs” that are worth significantly less.
Current Market Prices for 1979-S Proof Pennies
The value of your penny is dictated almost entirely by its “Grade” and “Eye Appeal.” Since these are proof coins, they are graded on a scale from PR 1 to PR 70. Most 1979-S pennies found in original government packaging will grade around PR 67 or PR 68. The 1979-S Type 1 Lincoln Penny price data shows that values stay relatively flat until you reach the elusive “Perfect 70” grade.
For many casual collectors, the quest is finding a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) specimen. This is a coin where the portrait of Abraham Lincoln is frosted and white, while the background is deep, reflective, and black. A standard Type 1 without this contrast might only be worth a few dollars, but a high-contrast DCAM version is the prize most collectors are searching for in their old sets.
| Condition Designation | Type 1 Value | Type 2 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Proof (Brown) | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Proof (Cameo) | $2.00 – $4.00 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Proof (Deep Cameo) | $5.00 – $15.00 | $10.00 – $25.00 |
Factors That Impact the 1979 Lincoln Penny Worth
Beyond the mint mark variety, factors like spotting, haze, and scratches are the enemies of a coin’s value. Because copper is a reactive metal, 1979 pennies are prone to developing “milk spots” or carbon spots over time. Even if a coin has never been touched by human hands, environmental moisture inside the storage case can cause these unsightly marks, which significantly lowers the 1979-S penny value information for high-end buyers.
Another factor is “Toning.” Occasionally, a copper penny will react with the paper or plastic it is stored in to create beautiful rainbow colors. While some collectors prefer the “Red” (RD) color of a freshly minted coin, others will pay a premium for a “Toned” proof penny that displays shades of blue, magenta, or gold.
If you aren’t sure if your coin has environmental damage or valuable toning, an app like CoinHix can help you compare your specimen against thousands of high-resolution images. This helps you avoid the mistake of cleaning the coin—which is the number one way to destroy a coin’s numismatic value. Never use polish or soap on a proof penny!
Is the 1979-S Type 1 Worth Grading?
One of the most common questions from everyday Americans is whether they should spend the money to have their coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A 1979-S Type 1 Lincoln Penny is generally only worth the $30-$50 grading fee if it has a legitimate chance at the “Perfect” PR 70 grade.
Statistically, very few coins achieve this. Out of the millions of 1979 proof sets sold, only a tiny fraction are flawless enough to merit a four-figure price tag. If your penny has even one tiny hairline scratch—visible only under a magnifying glass—it will likely grade as a PR 68 or PR 69, making it a $10 to $25 coin. In that case, the cost of grading would far exceed the value of the coin itself.
| Action | Potential Cost | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Identification (Free App) | $0 | Everyone |
| Professional Grading | $35 – $60 | Flawless PR 70 Candidates |
| Raw Sale (eBay/Local Shop) | Fees Only | Average Proof Coins |
Conclusion: What to Do With Your 1979 Penny
Finding a 1979-S Type 1 Lincoln Penny is a great way to start a coin collection. While most are worth just a few dollars,他们 represent a specific moment in the history of the United States Mint. If you find one in a collection, the best course of action is to keep it in its protective holder and check its condition using specialized digital tools.
Most everyday Americans will find that their 1979-S pennies are perfect for passing down to children or keeping as a piece of history. However, always keep an eye out for that “Perfect 70” specimen or a particularly sharp Type 2 variety, as those are the “hidden gems” that make the world of coin collecting so exciting for beginners and pros alike.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 1 penny in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare. These were only sold in Proof Sets by the Mint. If a person “broke” a set and spent the penny, it would be worn out and worth only its face value of one cent.
Q: Why is the Type 1 called a “Filled S”?
A: The term comes from the appearance of the “S” mint mark. The punch used to create the mark was so worn that the center loops of the letter became clogged with metal, making the “S” look solid or “filled.”
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 2 more valuable than the Type 1?
A: Generally, yes. The Type 2 (Clear S) is considered the more desirable variety because the mint mark is much cleaner. However, condition is the biggest factor; a perfect Type 1 is worth much more than a damaged Type 2.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979 penny is a Proof?
A: Look for the “S” mint mark below the date and a mirror-like, shiny surface. Regular 1979 pennies minted in Philadelphia have no mint mark, and those from Denver have a “D.” Neither of those will have the mirror finish of an “S” proof.