1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Value and What Collectors Are Paying Today
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The 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $2 in average condition to over $10 in gem proof grades, with top-certified specimens selling for $50 or more at auction. If you found one of these in an old coin collection or proof set, you might be holding something more valuable than you think.
Before we dig into the details, it’s worth knowing that identifying the exact variety on this coin really matters for its value. A coin identifier and value app can help you confirm whether you have a Type 1 or Type 2 specimen right from your phone, saving you a lot of guesswork.
What Makes the 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Special
The 1981-S Lincoln Penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively as a proof coin — meaning it was never released for general circulation. These coins were sold in collector proof sets and were made with extra care, giving them sharp details and mirror-like fields.
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What makes the Type 2 variety so interesting is the mintmark itself. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint switched from a “blob-style” S mintmark (Type 1) to a cleaner, more defined S shape (Type 2). The Type 2 version is harder to find in proof sets from that year, which is exactly why collectors are willing to pay a premium for it.
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Not every 1981-S penny is a Type 2. You’ll need a magnifying glass or loupe to closely examine the S mintmark. On the Type 2, the curves of the S are more open and distinct, while the Type 1 looks slightly filled in or mushy.
How Much Is the 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Worth
Value depends heavily on condition, and since these are proof coins, grading is done on the PR (Proof) scale rather than the standard MS scale. Most 1981-S Type 2 pennies grade between PR65 and PR68, with the higher grades being increasingly rare and valuable.
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You can check current 1981-S Lincoln Penny price data across multiple grades to get a sense of what the market looks like right now. Prices can shift based on recent auction results and collector demand.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny:
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| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR64 | Choice Proof, minor blemishes | $2 – $4 |
| PR65 | Gem Proof, strong mirrors | $4 – $7 |
| PR66 | Gem Proof, minimal contact marks | $7 – $12 |
| PR67 | Superb Gem, near-perfect surfaces | $12 – $25 |
| PR68 | Superb Gem, virtually flawless | $30 – $75+ |
Grading and Certification — Does It Matter
For a coin like the 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny, professional grading from PCGS or NGC can make a meaningful difference in what you can sell it for. A certified PR68 Type 2 is a known quantity to buyers, and they’ll pay accordingly.
If you’re unsure what grade your coin might be, using CoinKnow is a smart first step. CoinKnow lets you scan your coin and get an instant estimate of its grade and value, which is especially helpful before you decide whether professional grading is worth the cost.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Uncertified coins can still sell, especially in lower grades, but you’ll often leave money on the table without that third-party verification. For common grades like PR65, the cost of grading may not be worth it — but at PR67 or higher, it almost always is.
Where to Find More 1981-S Lincoln Penny Value Information
If you want to dig deeper into the full value picture for this coin, including auction history and population reports, there are great resources available online. For a comprehensive look at 1981 Lincoln Penny values across all mint marks and varieties, that page breaks everything down in plain language that’s easy to follow.
You can also use CoinKnow to track market trends over time, which is handy if you’re deciding whether to sell now or hold for a better price later. The coin market moves, and staying informed is one of the easiest ways to protect the value of your collection.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1981-S penny is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look closely at the S mintmark under magnification. The Type 2 has a cleaner, more open S with defined curves, while the Type 1 S looks slightly filled in or blobby. A 5x or 10x loupe makes this much easier to see.
Q: Is the 1981-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny rare?
A: It’s not extremely rare, but it is noticeably scarcer than the Type 1 variety from the same year. In higher proof grades like PR67 and PR68, certified Type 2 examples are genuinely hard to find, which pushes up the price.
Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 penny in circulation?
A: No. The 1981-S Lincoln Penny was only made as a proof coin for collector sets and was never released into general circulation. If you have one, it came from a proof set or was purchased directly from a collector.
