The 1990 No S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3,000 in average mint state grades to over $20,000 for specimens in pristine condition. While a standard 1990 penny is only worth its face value, this rare “mistake” coin is a modern treasure that many Americans hope to find in their pocket change.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR67 (Deep Cameo)	$3,500 – $4,500
PR68 (Deep Cameo)	$5,000 – $7,500
PR69 (Deep Cameo)	$15,000 – $25,000+

Why the 1990 No S Lincoln Penny is a Modern Legend

The 1990 No S Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous errors in the history of the United States Mint. To understand why this coin is so valuable, you first need to know how Proof coins are made. Unlike the pennies you find at the grocery store, Proof coins are struck specifically for collectors using polished dies and planchets. Usually, these coins bear an “S” mint mark to signify they were produced at the San Francisco Mint. However, in 1990, a handful of dies were sent from Philadelphia to San Francisco without the “S” mint mark. Before the error was caught, approximately 3,500 of these “No S” coins were released in 1990 Proof Sets.

If you are sorting through your collection and come across a shiny, mirror-like penny from 1990, you might be holding a small fortune. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish a standard circulation strike from a Proof strike. Many collectors use CoinKnow to get an instant identification of their finds. Because only a few thousand of these coins were ever made, the demand vastly outweighs the supply. This rarity makes the 1990 No S Lincoln Penny a “holy grail” for modern coin enthusiasts who are constantly checking their sets for this missing letter.

How to Identify a Genuine 1990 No S Proof Penny

Not every 1990 penny without a mint mark is a rare error. In fact, billions of 1990 pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark, and these are only worth one cent. The key to identifying the valuable version lies in the “Proof” finish. A Proof coin has a mirror-like, reflective background (the field) and a frosted, detailed appearance on the portrait of Abraham Lincoln. If your 1990 penny looks like a normal, dull coin you found in a jar, it was likely minted in Philadelphia and is common.

Genuine rare versions are only found in the 1990 Prestige Sets or standard Proof Sets. To be sure about what you have, you should look for the sharp, square edges and high-detail strike typical of Proof manufacturing. If you aren’t sure, the CoinKnow app offers visual comparisons that help you see the difference between a business strike and a Proof strike. Identifying the 1990 penny value depends entirely on confirming that the coin was intended to be a Proof but missed the mint mark.

Feature	Circulation 1990 Penny	Rare No S Proof
Luster	Satin or dull	Mirror-like / Reflective
Mint Mark	None (Correct)	None (Error)
Strike Quality	Standard	Very Sharp / High Detail

Grading and the Impact on 1990 Error Penny Value

In the world of coin collecting, “Grade” is everything. A 1990 No S Lincoln Penny that is slightly scratched or handled will be worth significantly less than one in “Gem” condition. Most Proof coins are expected to be in high grades because they were sold in protective plastic cases. However, even microscopic imperfections from the minting process can lower the grade from a PR70 (perfect) to a PR68. The difference in price between these grades can be thousands of dollars.

Collectors typically look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which means there is a strong contrast between the shiny background and the frosted Lincoln portrait. When researching the 1990 No S penny price data, you will notice that professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is almost mandatory to achieve the highest sale prices. Because there are many fakes or altered coins on the market, having a certified grade ensures the buyer that the coin is genuine and rare.

Where to Look for this Rare Penny Error

The most likely place to find a 1990 No S Lincoln Penny is inside a 1990 United States Proof Set. Since the Mint accidentally shipped these sets with the error coin inside, many collectors bought them without realizing they had a treasure. Even today, there are unopened Proof sets from 1990 sitting in attics and basements across America. If you or a relative have a collection of annual coin sets, now is the time to open the 1990 set and check the penny.

It is extremely unlikely that you will find a 1990 No S Proof penny in circulation (loose change). Since they were minted as collectors’ items, they aren’t meant to be spent. However, sometimes these sets are broken open, and the coins are spent by accident. If you find a penny that looks exceptionally shiny and has no “S,” it is worth a second look. You can use CoinKnow to scan the coin and see if the dimensions and luster match the Proof profile typically found in high-value error coins.

Year Sold	Grade	Auction Price
2018	PCGS PR69 DCAM	$15,863
2021	Heritage Auctions	$21,000
2023	NGC PR68 DCAM	$4,800

The Legend of Other “No S” Coins

The 1990 No S Lincoln Penny isn’t the only time the San Francisco Mint made this mistake. There are other “No S” errors, including the 1968 Roosevelt Dime, the 1971 Jefferson Nickel, and the 1983 Roosevelt Dime. However, the 1990 Penny remains one of the most popular because of the popularity of the Lincoln Cent series. Penny collectors are dedicated, and many strive to have a complete “run” of every penny ever made. The 1990 No S is often the “missing piece” that prevents a collection from being 100% complete.

When you are hunting for these errors, remember that the “S” mint mark is small and located just below the date. If you find a coin where the “S” looks like it was filed off, it is a damaged coin, not an error. A genuine No S error will have a perfectly smooth field where the “S” should have been, with no signs of scratching or manipulation. Identifying these nuances is what separates a casual hobbyist from a professional collector who can spot a multi-thousand-dollar coin at a glance.

FAQ

Q: Why is there no “S” on my 1990 penny?

A: Most 1990 pennies were made in Philadelphia and naturally have no mint mark; these are worth only face value. The rare version is a “Proof” coin meant for collectors that was supposed to have an “S” but was struck without it.

Q: How many 1990 No S Pennies were made?

A: It is estimated that approximately 3,500 of these error coins were produced and shipped in 1990 Proof Sets before the U.S. Mint noticed the mistake and destroyed the remaining stock.

Q: Can I find a 1990 No S Penny in my pocket change?

A: While highly unlikely, it is possible if someone accidentally spent a coin from a Proof set. However, 99.9% of 1990 pennies found in circulation are standard Philadelphia strikes with no extra value.

Q: How can I tell if my 1990 penny is a Proof coin?

A: Proof coins have a mirror-like background that you can almost see your reflection in. They also have sharper, more square edges compared to the rounded edges of coins meant for circulation.

Q: Is it worth getting my 1990 penny graded?

A: Only if you are certain it is the Proof “No S” error. Professional grading costs money, so it is best to use a tool like CoinKnow or consult a local coin shop first to verify the coin’s type.