2007-S Lincoln Penny Value: Is Your San Francisco Minted Cent Worth Money?

The 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $2.00 in standard Proof condition to over $1,500 for rare “Deep Cameo” high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors due to its mirror-like finish and sharp details.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$2.00 – $5.00
PR 68 Deep Cameo	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$20.00 – $35.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$150.00 – $1,500.00+

Understanding the Unique Status of the 2007-S Lincoln Memorial Cent

Most pennies we use today are minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (‘D’ mint mark). However, the “S” on the 2007 Lincoln Cent signifies it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike its siblings, this coin was never intended to buy a piece of gum or sit in a jar of spare change.

If you are curious about a coin you just found, using a top coin identifier and value app is the fastest way to confirm if you have a business strike or a special proof version. The 2007-S was produced specifically for “Proof Sets” sold to collectors by the US Mint. Because they were sealed in plastic cases, finding one “in the wild” usually means someone broke open a set and spent it.

Because these coins are handled with extreme care during production, they feature a “Proof” finish. This means the fields (the flat parts) are reflective like a mirror, and the frosted devices (Lincoln’s portrait) stand out in sharp contrast. While the 2007-S isn’t a “rare” date in terms of total numbers, it is the last years of the Memorial reverse design, making it highly sentimental for enthusiasts using CoinKnow to track their collection.

Grading and the Impact on 2007-S Lincoln Penny Value

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2007-S penny is expected to be in near-perfect condition because it started its life in a protective case. Professional graders use a 70-point scale. A grade of PR 69 (Proof 69) means the coin has no visible flaws to the naked eye, while a PR 70 is considered flawless.

The current 2007 penny value for a PR 70 specimen can fluctuate wildly depending on the auction market and which grading service (PCGS or NGC) certified the coin. While a PR 69 might only sell for the price of a coffee, a PR 70 can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars because “perfect” coins are so difficult to achieve.

Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” designations. This refers to the heavy frost on Lincoln’s face and the Lincoln Memorial, which creates a stunning black-and-white visual effect against the mirrors. If you aren’t sure how your coin stacks up, CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution images of top-tier grades.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristics	Scarcity
Proof (PR)	Shiny but lacking strong contrast.	Common
Cameo (CAM)	Light frosted look on the design.	Moderate
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Intense frost and deep mirror fields.	Highly Coveted

Why Copper Content Doesn’t Apply to the 2007 Cent

Newer collectors often ask if the 2007-S penny is made of solid copper. Unfortunately, by 2007, the Lincoln Cent had long since transitioned to a core of 99.2% zinc, plated with a thin layer of pure copper. This change happened in 1982 to save the government money as copper prices rose.

Because the core is zinc, the 2007-S specimen is prone to “zinc rot” or small bubbles under the copper plating if it is removed from its original packaging. This is why a certified, slabbed coin is much more valuable than one found loose in a drawer. Even though it lacks the melt value of pre-1982 pennies, its value comes from its numismatic rarity and the “S” mint mark history.

If you find a penny that looks like it’s made of silver, it’s usually either plated by a third party or a rare “wrong planchet” error. You can check the latest market prices for 2007-S pennies to see if any recent error sales have pushed values higher. Most of the time, however, the standard “Red” (RD) color is what collectors want to see.

Potential Errors to Look for in 2007 Pennies

While proof coins like the 2007-S are struck twice with high pressure to ensure detail, errors can still happen. The most common errors found on 2000s-era pennies include doubled dies, though deep doubled dies are extremely rare for this specific date.

Most “errors” people find on 2007-S coins are actually “post-mint damage.” If the coin has been scratched or run over by a car, it isn’t worth more than one cent. However, if you see a “clipped planchet” (where a piece of the coin is missing with a smooth curve) or an “off-center strike,” you might be holding a significant prize.

Before getting too excited, always use a specialized tool like CoinKnow to verify the error. It can help you distinguish between a genuine minting mistake and environmental damage. True errors on San Francisco-minted proof coins are exceptionally rare because of the strict quality controls at that facility, often making them worth hundreds of dollars at specialized auctions.

The “S” Mint Mark and Production Numbers

The San Francisco Mint produced a total of 2,577,166 Proof Lincoln Memorial pennies in 2007. While 2.5 million might sound like a lot, compare that to the Philadelphia Mint, which struck over 3.7 billion pennies that same year. This makes the 2007-S significantly more “limited edition” than your average pocket change.

These coins were sold in “Clad Proof Sets” and “Silver Proof Sets” (though the penny itself is never silver). Many people buy these sets as gifts for births or anniversaries. If you inherited one of these sets, it’s usually best to keep the 2007-S penny inside its original hard plastic case. Removing it can lead to fingerprints or scratches that instantly drop the grade from a PR 70 to a PR 60.

The demand for these coins remains steady because the 2007-S is part of the final era of the “Memorial Reverse.” In 2009, the Mint changed the design significantly for the Lincoln Bicentennial, and in 2010, they introduced the Shield reverse. Collectors trying to complete a “Memorial Set” often have the 2007-S as one of their final requirements.

Mint Mark	Mintage Volume	Purpose
None (Philadelphia)	3,762,400,000	General Circulation
D (Denver)	3,638,800,000	General Circulation
S (San Francisco)	2,577,166	Collector Proof Sets

How to Store and Sell Your 2007-S Penny

If you believe you have a high-value 2007-S Lincoln Penny, proper storage is vital. Avoid “flipping” the coin with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can cause permanent dark spots on the mirror-like surface. Use cotton gloves and place the coin in a 2×2 cardboard holder or a plastic capsule.

When it comes time to sell, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they will usually only pay “wholesale” prices—often around $1 to $3 for a standard proof. For a perfect PR 70 specimen, selling at an auction house like Heritage Auctions or via a high-rated eBay listing is often the better route to find collectors willing to pay a premium.

Before selling, always do your homework. Check online databases and apps to ensure you aren’t letting a rare error go for pennies. The market for Lincoln cents is one of the most active in the world, and there is always a buyer looking for that perfect 2007-S to round out their collection.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 2007-S penny so much shinier than other pennies?

A: You likely have a “Proof” coin. These are made with polished dies and blanks to create a mirror-like finish for collectors. They were never meant to be spent as regular money.

Q: Is there a 2007-S penny made of real silver?

A: No. While the San Francisco mint produces silver quarters, dimes, and half dollars for Proof sets, the 2007-S penny is always composed of a copper-coated zinc core.

Q: Can I find a 2007-S penny in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare but possible. If a collector spends a proof set or a child breaks one open, it enters circulation. This is called an “impaired proof,” and its value drops significantly once it is scratched or worn.

Q: What is the most ever paid for a 2007-S penny?

A: High-grade specimens (PR 70 Deep Cameo) have sold at auction for over $1,500, though most certified PR 70s sell in the $150 to $300 range today.