The 2020-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in typical proof condition, but high-grade examples graded PR70 by professional services can fetch $20 to $50 or more. If you found one of these in a coin set or old collection, you may be sitting on a small but genuinely collectible piece of American history.
What Makes the 2020-S Lincoln Penny Special
Not every penny is created equal, and the 2020-S Lincoln Penny is a perfect example of that. The “S” mintmark on this coin means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that’s a big deal. San Francisco doesn’t produce pennies for everyday circulation. Instead, it makes proof coins specifically for collectors, struck with extra care using polished dies and specially prepared planchets.
The result is a coin with mirror-like fields, sharp details, and a brilliant finish that regular pennies simply can’t match.
These coins were included in the 2020 U.S. Mint Proof Set and the 2020 Silver Proof Set. Most Americans who own one received it as a gift or purchased the full set directly from the Mint. If you’re not sure what coin you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the mintmark and type before you try to sell or grade it.
2020-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
The value of any proof coin depends heavily on its grade — how well-preserved it is and how perfect the strike looks under magnification. A coin that’s been handled, scratched, or stored poorly will be worth less than one that’s been sitting untouched in its original packaging.
Here’s a breakdown of typical 2020-S Lincoln Penny values based on condition:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Gem Proof, minor contact marks | $3 – $5 |
| PR67 | Superb, nearly perfect surfaces | $8 – $15 |
| PR69 | Near-perfect, tiny imperfections | $15 – $30 |
| PR70 | Perfect Proof, no flaws visible | $40 – $60+ |
For the most up-to-date market data, you can check out current 2020-S Lincoln Penny price trends and certified auction records to see what these coins are actually selling for right now.
How to Tell If Your 2020 Penny Is the S Mint Version
This is one of the most common questions people ask. Regular 2020 pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark or a small “P”) and the Denver Mint (small “D”). The San Francisco proof version carries a small “S” just below the date on the obverse side of the coin.
If you’re squinting and can’t quite make it out, don’t worry — you’re not alone. A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe will make that tiny letter crystal clear.
You can also use CoinHix, a popular coin valuation app, to scan your coin and instantly identify the mint of origin. CoinHix has a large database of modern U.S. coins and is one of the easiest ways for beginners to figure out what they have without needing expert help.
Should You Get It Graded or Just Sell It Raw
This is a practical question that depends on what grade your coin might receive. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC charge around $30 to $50 for standard submissions. If your coin is likely a PR65 or PR67, the grading fee might wipe out your profit entirely.
However, if your coin looks absolutely perfect — brilliant surfaces, no hairlines, no spotting — it could be a PR69 or even PR70. In that case, professional grading is absolutely worth it. A PR70 2020-S Lincoln Penny in a graded holder can sell for several times more than an ungraded example.
Not sure if your coin is good enough to submit? Check the detailed 2020 Lincoln Penny value guide with grading tips to see what graders look for and whether submitting makes financial sense for your specific coin.
For an even quicker assessment at home, CoinHix lets you compare your coin against high-resolution reference images to get a rough sense of its grade before you spend money on professional services.
Where to Sell a 2020-S Lincoln Penny
The most popular places to sell are eBay, coin shows, and dedicated coin dealers. eBay is typically the best option for proof cents because there’s a large audience of collectors actively searching for exactly these coins.
If your coin is raw (ungraded), expect to sell it for $3 to $10 depending on how nice it looks. If it’s professionally graded PR69 or PR70, you’ll have much more leverage in pricing and buyers will pay a premium for the certainty that comes with a slabbed, certified coin.
Search completed eBay listings for “2020-S Lincoln Penny PR70” to see real recent sale prices. This is one of the fastest ways to reality-check your expectations before listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a 2020-S Lincoln Penny worth keeping?
A: Yes, especially if it’s still in its original Mint packaging. Proof coins in pristine condition hold their value over time and are always in demand among modern coin collectors. Even a modest PR65 is more interesting than a standard circulation penny.
Q: Can I find a 2020-S Lincoln Penny in everyday change?
A: No. The 2020-S was never released for general circulation. It was only issued as part of official U.S. Mint proof sets. If someone tells you they found one in a change jar, it likely got mixed in from an old collector’s set.
Q: What’s the difference between a proof penny and a regular penny?
A: Proof coins are made with extra care — polished dies, specially treated blanks, and slower strikes — to produce a mirror-like finish and razor-sharp details. They’re made for collectors, not spending. A regular penny from circulation looks dull and rough by comparison.
