The 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $500 for flawless specimens. While coins with the “S” mint mark were not released into general circulation, many hobbyists and casual finders discover them in inherited collections or estate sales and wonder if they have hit a small jackpot.

Grade / Condition	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1.00 – $3.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$400.00 – $650.00

Understanding the 2007-S Lincoln Penny Deep Cameo

If you have stumbled upon a shiny copper cent dated 2007 with a small “S” below the date, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the billions of pennies struck in Philadelphia or Denver for daily commerce, these coins were minted specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. If you are unsure about the specific markings on your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a specialty proof.

Most 2007-S pennies found today are categorized as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). This refers to the beautiful contrast between the frost-like frosted features of Abraham Lincoln and the mirror-like, shiny background. To the average person, these coins look like they were polished to a high shine. However, the value of these coins is heavily dependent on their state of preservation. Even a single fingerprint or a tiny hairline scratch can drop the value from hundreds of dollars down to just a couple of bucks.

Because these coins were sold in protective plastic “Proof Sets” by the US Mint, finding one in the “wild” or in a loose jar of change is rare. When it does happen, it usually means someone broke open a set to spend the money. If you find one in pocket change, it is likely “impaired,” meaning it has lost its mirror finish and is only worth its face value or a small premium to a curious neighbor. For those who want a quick assessment, the CoinKnow app provides an easy way to scan your coin and see real-time market data.

The Significance of the “S” Mint Mark

The “S” mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint, a facility legendary among numismatists for producing high-quality strikes. In 2007, the San Francisco Mint produced exactly 2,577,166 Lincoln pennies. While two and a half million might sound like a lot, compare that to the over 3 billion pennies struck in Philadelphia that same year. This relative scarcity is what drives the collector interest in the 2007-S Lincoln Penny value.

When examining your coin, look closely at the letter below the date. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was made in Denver. Both of those are common pocket change. But the “S” indicates a collector’s item. Collectors often look for 2007 Lincoln Penny price trends to see if the market for modern proofs is rising. Currently, the market is stable, but perfect specimens (graded PR 70) continue to command a premium at major auctions.

If you are just starting your coin collecting journey, tools like CoinKnow are invaluable. They allow you to build a digital inventory of your finds. This is particularly helpful when dealing with “S” mint coins, as they are often the centerpiece of a beginner’s collection. Remember, the “S” mark alone doesn’t make it worth a fortune, but it certainly makes it more interesting than the average penny.

Grading and Condition: Why PR70 Matters

In the world of coin collecting, “Grade” is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. For proof coins like the 2007-S, we use the prefix “PR” (Proof). A PR 68 or PR 69 coin is very common because these coins were handled with care by the mint. However, a PR 70—the perfect grade—is elusive. A PR 70 coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.

Condition	Description	Estimated Price
Impaired Proof	Scratched or circulated	$0.01 – $0.10
PR 67 DCAM	Minor imperfections	$5.00
PR 69 DCAM	Nearly perfect	$18.00
PR 70 DCAM	Flawless strike	$525.00+

The difference in value between a 69 and a 70 is astronomical. While a 69 might sell for the price of a decent lunch, a 70 can pay for a new laptop. This is why many people use expert coin valuation resources before deciding whether to spend the money to have their coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. Professional grading can cost $30-$50 per coin, so you must be certain your coin is a contender for that perfect 70 score before sending it in.

Digital tools like CoinKnow can assist you in comparing your coin’s luster and strike against high-resolution images of confirmed PR 70 coins. This visual comparison is a crucial step for any “couch numismatist” looking to see if their 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth more than its face value.

The Composition of the 2007 Penny

By 2007, the Lincoln Penny had long since moved away from its original 95% copper composition. Like all pennies minted since mid-1982, the 2007-S is made of a zinc core plated with a thin layer of pure copper. Specifically, the weight should be 2.5 grams. If you find a penny from this era that feels significantly heavier, you might be looking at an error coin, though no major “wrong planchet” errors have been widely reported for the 2007-S proofs.

Because the outer layer is copper, these coins are susceptible to “zinc rot” if moisture gets under the plating. This is especially common in proof coins that have been removed from their protective cases. Bubbles on the surface of the coin are a sign of this oxidation and will significantly decrease the 2007-S Lincoln Penny value. Collectors want “Red” (RD) coins—those that maintain their original orange-pink copper glow.

If your coin looks dark, brown, or has green spots (verdigris), it is considered “environmental damage.” Even though it has an “S” mint mark, collectors will generally avoid it. It is always best to handle these coins by the edges only. The oils from your skin can actually etch into the copper over time, leaving a permanent fingerprint that can never be removed without damaging the coin.

Where to Sell Your 2007-S Lincoln Penny

If you believe you have a high-grade 2007-S penny, your next question is likely: “Where do I sell it?” For common proof coins (graded PR 65 to PR 69), online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. You can look at “Sold Listings” to see what people are actually paying, which is often more accurate than “Asking Prices.”

For a potential PR 70 coin, you might want to look at specialty auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. These venues attract serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for the “registry set” quality coins. Before you go to a local coin shop, be aware that dealers usually buy at “wholesale” prices, meaning they might only offer you 50-60% of the retail value so they can make a profit.

Selling Venue	Pros	Cons
Local Coin Shop	Immediate cash, expert advice	Lower payout than retail
eBay	Reach millions of buyers	Fees and shipping hassle
Major Auctions	Best for high-value (PR 70)	Long wait times for sales

Always verify your coin’s details one last time before selling. Check the date, the mint mark, and the overall “mirror” quality of the fields. Having a clear idea of the current market value ensures you don’t get taken advantage of during a transaction.

2007 Lincoln Penny Errors to Look For

While the 2007-S is a proof coin and subject to strict quality control, errors can still happen. The most common “errors” people think they find are actually just damage. However, true errors like “Doubled Dies” or “Off-Center Strikes” are highly coveted. In 2007, there were no major, famous doubled die varieties reported for the San Francisco proof strike, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Look closely at the word “LIBERTY” and the date. If you see clear, distinct doubling of the letters (not just a “shadow” or “shelf” look), you might have found a new variety. In the world of Lincoln cents, a new discovery can be worth thousands. Most “doubling” found by beginners is actually “Mechanical Doubling,” which happens when the die shakes during the strike; unfortunately, this does not add any value.

Using a magnifying glass or a digital microscope is the best way to hunt for these tiny details. If you think you’ve found an error, compare it to known examples on numismatic databases. Most 2007 pennies will be standard strikes, but the hunt for the unknown is what makes coin collecting so exciting for millions of Americans.

FAQ

Q: Why does my 2007 penny have an “S” but looks dull?

A: This is likely an “impaired proof.” It was originally part of a collector’s set, but it was taken out and spent as regular money. Once it circulates and gets scratched or dirty, it loses the “Deep Cameo” status and most of its collector value. It is usually worth only its face value of one cent, though some collectors might pay 10-25 cents for it as a curiosity.

Q: Are 2007 pennies made of real copper?

A: They are only 2.5% copper, which is the plating on the outside. The inner 97.5% of the coin is made of zinc. This is why you should never “clean” your penny, as you can easily rub off the thin copper layer and reveal the grey zinc underneath, which ruins the coin’s value.

Q: Is a 2007-D penny worth anything?

A: Generally, no. A 2007-D (Denver) penny found in your change is a business strike intended for circulation. Unless it is in absolutely perfect, uncirculated condition (MS 67 or higher), it is only worth one cent. Billions were made, so they are not rare.

Q: How can I tell if my 2007-S is a PR 70?

A: To the naked eye, a PR 69 and a PR 70 look identical. The only way to truly confirm a PR 70 is to have it examined by a professional grading service. They look for microscopic imperfections that occurred during the minting or packaging process. If you see even the tiniest speck or scratch under a magnifying glass, it is not a PR 70.