1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Value: What Is It Worth Today?
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The 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $1,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most pennies from 1979 are common, this specific Mint Mark variety is a must-have for collectors due to its distinct history and scarcity compared to its Type 1 counterpart.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| PR 67 (Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $40.00 – $75.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $500.00 – $1,200.00+ |
Why the 1979-S Type 2 Penny Is Special
If you’ve recently sorted through a collection and found a shiny 1979 penny with an “S” mark, you might be holding something better than average pocket change. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint changed the punch used for the “S” mint mark mid-year. This created two distinct versions: the “Filled S” (Type 1) and the “Clear S” (Type 2). Identifying which one you have is the key to determining if your coin is a common collectible or a high-value treasure. When you are unsure about the clarity of a mark, using a top coin identifier and value app can provide the high-resolution zoom needed to spot the difference.
The Type 2 “Clear S” is much rarer than the Type 1. Because the mint mark punch was replaced late in the production cycle, significantly fewer Type 2 coins were struck. Collectors prize the Type 2 because of its sharper, more defined “S” silhouette. To help you distinguish between these two, the CoinKnow app offers a massive database of visual comparisons. Most 1979-S pennies found in the wild are Type 1, but if yours has a clear, bulbous “S” with distinct loops, you should take a closer look at its potential market price.
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Identifying the Type 2 “Clear S” vs Type 1 “Filled S”
To the naked eye, these two types look almost identical, but under a magnifying glass, the differences are striking. The Type 1 “Filled S” mint mark is often described as a “blob.” The loops of the “S” are filled with metal, making it look like a solid shape rather than a letter. This was caused by the minting punch wearing down over time. Conversely, the Type 2 “Clear S” features very sharp edges and an open, clear center in both the top and bottom loops of the “S.”
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The 1979-S Type 2 is only found in Proof Sets. These sets were specially struck for collectors and were never meant for general circulation. If you find one in a jar of pocket change, it was likely removed from a set by mistake. Even in “circulated” proof condition, a Type 2 remains more desirable than a Type 1. For those tracking market trends, the current 1979 penny value fluctuates based on the clarity of this specific mint mark and the presence of “Deep Cameo” frosting.
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| Feature | Type 1 (Filled S) | Type 2 (Clear S) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark Appearance | Indistinct, “blob-like” | Sharp, clearly defined |
| Rarity | Common | Scarce |
| Availability | Found in most 1979 Proof Sets | Found in late 1979 Proof Sets |
Determining Value: The Role of Grading and Deep Cameo
Price isn’t just about the “S” mark; condition is king in the world of coin collecting. For the 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny, the highest prices are reserved for coins that have a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish. A Deep Cameo coin has a striking contrast: the portrait of Lincoln looks frosty and white, while the background (the fields) looks like a deep, dark mirror. This visual “pop” is what professional graders at PCGS or NGC look for when assigning high values.
If your penny looks like a mirror, it is worth consulting the CoinKnow app to see how it compares to “Ultra Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” examples. Most collectors are looking for grades of PR69 or PR70. A PR70 is a “perfect” coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. While many people think they have a perfect coin, true PR70s are extremely rare. You can check the current 1979-S Lincoln penny auction records to see how much a certified PR70 DCAM recently sold for to get a realistic perspective on your coin’s potential.
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Factors That Affect the Price of a 1979 Penny
While the Type 2 is the star of 1979, other factors can boost the value of a standard Lincoln Memorial penny. For example, coins struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D” mark) are usually worth only one cent if they have been used in daily life. However, if you find a “Mint State” (MS) coin from these cities that looks like it just came off the press with a bright red luster, it could be worth significantly more.
Collectors use a color scale for copper coins: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN). A “Red” 1979 penny is the most valuable because it retains its original copper shine. In addition to color, errors such as “double dies” or “off-center strikes” can turn a common 1979 coin into a centerpiece. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan for these specific errors quickly. Even if you don’t have the “S” Type 2, a rare error on a Denver-minted penny could still net you a nice profit.
| Mint Mark | Mintage (Approximate) | Value in Uncirculated (RD) |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philadelphia) | 6.01 Billion | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| D (Denver) | 4.13 Billion | $1.00 – $10.00 |
| S (Type 1 Proof) | Included in 3.6M sets | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| S (Type 2 Proof) | Scarce variety | $5.00 – $1,000+ |
Where to Sell Your 1979-S Type 2 Penny
If you believe you have a genuine Type 2 “Clear S” in excellent condition, you have several options for selling. For lower-grade coins worth $5 to $20, online marketplaces like eBay are often the best bet. Be sure to take high-quality, clear photos of the mint mark so buyers know exactly what they are getting. For coins that appear to be in “Perfect” PR70 condition, it is highly recommended to have them professionally graded by a service like PCGS before selling.
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Professional coin dealers and local coin shops are also great resources, though they will typically offer you a “wholesale” price so they can make a profit upon resale. If your coin is a verified high-grade Type 2 with a Deep Cameo finish, auction houses might be the best way to reach serious collectors willing to pay top dollar. Always research recent sales for the “Type 2 Clear S” to ensure you are receiving a fair offer for your rare find.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell for sure if I have a 1979-S Type 2?
A: Look at the “S” under magnification. If the ends of the “S” have clear, round bulbs and the center of the loops is open without “blobs” of metal, it is likely a Type 2. The Type 1 looks smeared or filled.
Q: Is a 1979 penny with no mint mark rare?
A: No, pennies without a mint mark were made in Philadelphia. In 1979, over 6 billion were produced, so they are very common and usually only worth one cent unless they are in flawless, uncirculated condition.
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Q: Why did the San Francisco Mint change the “S” punch?
A: The mint mark punches wear down over time from the pressure of striking coins. By mid-1979, the old punch was so worn that it was producing “Filled S” marks, so they replaced it with a new, clearer punch (Type 2).
Q: Are all 1979-S pennies proof coins?
A: Yes, in 1979, the San Francisco Mint only produced proof coins for collectors. If you find an “S” mint mark on a 1979 penny, it originated from a proof set, though it may have been spent as regular money later.
