The 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $150 or more for perfect deep cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, many people discover them in inherited collections or estate sales and wonder about their market value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 Deep Cameo (Typical) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo (Choice) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $125.00 – $350.00 |
Understanding the Rare 2007-S Lincoln Penny
The “S” mint mark on a 2007 penny indicates that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the pennies you use at the grocery store, which come from Philadelphia or Denver, these coins were never intended for circulation. They are “Proof” coins, struck specifically for collectors using polished dies and specially prepared planchets.
If you have found one of these in a plastic case or a felt-lined box, you are looking at a piece of numismatic art. To determine if your specific coin is a high-value rarity or a common collectible, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes and conditions.
Most people who find a 2007-S cent are surprised by its mirror-like background and frosted portrait of Abraham Lincoln. This “Deep Cameo” effect is the standard for modern proof coins. Because they were sold in sets, the survival rate in high grades is very high, which keeps the price of lower-grade proofs relatively low for the average hobbyist.
What Makes the 2007-S Proof Penny Different?
The primary difference lies in the manufacturing process. While a standard 2007 penny is struck once at high speed, a 2007-S proof is struck at least twice with higher pressure. This ensures that every detail of Victor David Brenner’s original 1909 design—from the strands of Lincoln’s hair to the scales on the wheat ears (though 2007 features the Lincoln Memorial reverse)—is captured with absolute precision.
Because these were handled with gloves and placed directly into protective packaging, they generally do not have the scratches or “bag marks” found on business-strike coins. If you are curious about how your coin ranks against others, checking the 2007 Lincoln Penny auction records can provide a clear picture of what top-tier collectors are willing to pay for a flawless specimen.
If you happen to find a 2007-S penny loose in a jar of coins, it is likely an “impaired proof.” This means it was removed from its set and spent as regular money. In this case, the value drops significantly because the polished surfaces become scratched and dull. Using CoinHix can help you log your find and track its condition over time.
Grading and the Impact on 2007-S Penny Prices
In the world of coin collecting, the grade is everything. For the 2007-S Lincoln Penny, grades usually range from PR 60 to PR 70. A PR 70 (Proof 70) is a “perfect” coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. The price jump between a PR 69 and a PR 70 can be hundreds of dollars because collectors strive for perfection.
| Professional Grade | Visual Characteristics | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 60-64 | Minor spots or hairlines | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| PR 67-68 | Very attractive, few marks | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 DCAM | Near perfect to the naked eye | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Flawless under magnification | $150.00+ |
The “DCAM” or “Deep Cameo” designation is crucial. This refers to the contrast between the shiny, reflective fields of the coin and the “frosty” raised parts of the image. A 2007-S without strong contrast is worth much less than one with a deep, stark contrast. You can easily find the latest 2007-S Penny market trends by looking at recent sales on specialized numismatic platforms.
Mintage Figures and Rarity
Is the 2007-S penny rare? In terms of absolute numbers, the 2007-S has a mintage of approximately 2,577,166 pieces. While two and a half million might sound like a lot, compare that to the billions of pennies struck in Philadelphia and Denver that same year.
Because the “S” mint coins were only sold in proof sets (such as the 14-piece 2007 Proof Set or the 50-State Quarters Proof Set), they are far less common than everyday change. If you’ve discovered a coin that looks too shiny to be real, it’s probably one of these San Francisco beauties. For a quick ID, the CoinHix app allows you to snap a photo and instantly compare it to known proof finishes.
The survival of these coins is quite high because they were produced for collectors who generally kept them in safe environments. This means that while they are “low mintage” compared to circulating coins, they are not “rare” in the sense of being hard to find for purchase. Only the highest graded versions (PR 70) are considered rare in the market.
Comparing the 2007-P, 2007-D, and 2007-S
When evaluating your spare change, you must look closely at the mint mark located just below the date. The most common pennies you will find are the 2007-D (Denver) and the 2007 (Philadelphia, which has no mint mark). Both of these were struck by the billions and are generally only worth their face value of one cent unless they are in exceptionally high uncirculated condition.
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Mintage | Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| None (P) | Philadelphia | 3,762,400,000 | $0.01 – $0.30 |
| D | Denver | 3,638,800,000 | $0.01 – $0.30 |
| S | San Francisco | 2,577,166 | $1.00 – $15.00 |
The “S” mint mark is the “treasure” of the group for a casual searcher. Even a low-grade proof cent is technically worth 100 times its face value. However, keeping expectations realistic is key; unless yours is professionally graded and slabbed by a service like PCGS or NGC, it will likely sell for a few dollars.
2007-S Penny Errors and Varieties to Watch For
While major errors are very rare on proof coins because of the intense quality control at the San Francisco Mint, they are not impossible. Collectors look for things like “doubled dies,” though no major doubled die varieties for the 2007-S are currently recognized by the major grading services.
What you might find are “strike thru” errors, where a small piece of dust or grease got between the die and the coin, leaving a faint mark. These can add a small premium to the 2007-S Lincoln Penny value. If you notice something unusual on your coin that doesn’t look like a scratch, it’s worth checking with the CoinHix community or a local coin shop.
Another thing to look for is “toning.” Sometimes, the copper composition (which is actually copper-plated zinc for this year) reacts with the air or the packaging, turning the coin shades of blue, purple, or red. Vibrant toning can sometimes increase the value to collectors who specialize in “eye appeal.”
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2007-S penny in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely unlikely. The 2007-S was only sold in sets for collectors. If you do find one in circulation, it is because someone broke open a proof set and spent it. These are called “impaired proofs” and usually lose much of their collector value.
Q: Why is my 2007-S penny so shiny compared to others?
A: The San Francisco Mint uses a special striking process for proof coins. The dies are polished to a mirror finish, and the raised parts of the design are treated to look frosted. This creates the “Deep Cameo” effect unique to proof coinage.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2007-S penny professionally graded?
A: Only if the coin appears absolutely perfect. Since grading costs usually start at $20-$30 per coin, it only makes financial sense if you believe the coin will earn a PR 70 grade, which can be worth over $100. For most coins, the grading fee will be more than the coin is worth.
Q: What is the metal composition of the 2007-S penny?
A: Like all pennies made since mid-1982, the 2007-S is composed of a core of 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper, with a pure copper plating. It is not made of solid copper like the pennies from before 1982.