1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Value: What Is It Worth Today?

The 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $1,000 for flawless Deep Cameo specimens. While your average pocket change won’t hide this rare “Clear S” variety, finding one in an old collection can lead to a significant payday for lucky collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Proof-65 Deep Cameo (Type 2)	$5.00 – $12.00
Proof-69 Deep Cameo (Type 2)	$40.00 – $75.00
Proof-70 Deep Cameo (Type 2)	$1,100.00 – $3,500.00+

Understanding the Rare 1979-S Type 2 Proof Penny

If you have found a shiny 1979 penny with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding a small treasure. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint updated its mint mark punching tool halfway through the production year. This created two distinct varieties: the “Filled S” (Type 1) and the much rarer “Clear S” (Type 2).

For many everyday Americans, discerning the difference between these two can be a challenge. Using a top coin identifier app is often the first step in confirming whether you have the Type 1 or the more valuable Type 2. The Type 2 is highly sought after because it represents a cleaner, more refined aesthetic that collectors prefer.

Collectors are often surprised to learn that these coins were never meant for general circulation. They were part of special proof sets sold by the government. However, over the decades, many of these sets have been broken open, and individual pennies have found their way into the hands of the public. Knowing how to spot the “Clear S” version is the key to unlocking its true market value.

The Visual Difference: Type 1 vs. Type 2 Mint Marks

The primary factor driving the 1979-S Type 2 value is the clarity of the mint mark. On the Type 1 (Filled S) variety, the “S” looks like a blobby, indistinct shape. The loops of the letter are filled with metal, making it look almost like a square or a distorted rectangle. This was caused by a worn-out punch tool used early in the year.

The Type 2 “Clear S,” however, features a very crisp, well-defined letter “S.” The ends of the “S” are bulbous, and there is a clear field of copper visible in the loops of the letter. If you are unsure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can provide a side-by-side comparison to help you identify the mint mark structure accurately.

Because the Type 2 punch was introduced later in 1979, far fewer of these coins exist compared to the Type 1. This scarcity is exactly why the price for a high-grade Type 2 is significantly higher. Even a tiny difference in the shape of that “S” can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars at a professional auction.

Market Pricing and Real-World Sales Data

When looking at the current 1979-S Type 2 penny auction prices, you will notice that the grade is everything. Because these are proof coins, they are expected to be in near-perfect condition. A “Proof-70” grade means the coin is perfect even under 5x magnification.

Variety	PR67 DCAM Value	PR69 DCAM Value	PR70 DCAM Value
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S)	$4	$15	$150
1979-S Type 2 (Clear S)	$12	$55	$3,000+

As the table shows, the jump from a PR69 to a PR70 is astronomical. While many PR69 coins sell for under $100, a perfect specimen has sold for over $3,800 in past Heritage Auctions. This illustrates why professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is vital for high-end collectors.

The Importance of “Deep Cameo” Finish

Standard 1979 pennies found in your pocket have a “business strike” finish, meaning they are shiny but flat. However, the 1979-S Type 2 is a Proof coin, specifically designed for collectors. The highest value specimens are those designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM).

A Deep Cameo coin features a heavy frost on the portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial, while the background (field) is a deep, mirror-like black. This contrast is highly prized. When researching 1979 Lincoln Penny price trends and history, you will see that “Red” or “Brown” color designations aren’t usually applied to these proofs; instead, the “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” status dictates the premium.

If your coin looks like a mirror and Lincoln’s face looks white or “frosted,” you likely have a Deep Cameo. These are the examples most likely to reach the upper echelons of the price guide. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can ruin the cameo effect and lower the value instantly.

Why the 1979-S Type 2 is a Must-Have for Collections

The 1979-S Type 2 is more than just a penny; it is a transitional piece of United States Mint history. It marks the transition to a more modern, durable hubbing process. Because it is a “variety,” it often completes a specialty set of Lincoln Memorial Cents.

Many hobbyists use the CoinKnow app to track their collection progress. Adding a Type 2 Clear S to your digital inventory is a satisfying milestone for any numismatist. Because the price for mid-grade versions (PR67 or PR68) is relatively affordable, it’s a great “gateway coin” for new collectors who want to own something rare without spending thousands.

However, if you happen to find one in an unopened 1979 Proof Set, don’t rush to break it out. Sometimes the set as a whole is worth more, especially if other coins in the set (like the Susan B. Anthony Dollar) also feature the Type 2 “Clear S” mint mark.

How to Verify and Grade Your 1979 Penny

If you think you have found a winner, your next step should be verification. Do not clean your coin! Cleaning a copper penny removes its natural patina and can drop its value to almost nothing. Instead, look at the coin under a magnifying glass or a loupe and compare it to known images of the Type 2 mint mark.

Step	Action to Take
1. Identify Mint Mark	Look for “S” below the date. No S = Philadelphia.
2. Check Clarity	Use 10x magnification to see if the “S” loops are clear.
3. Evaluate Surface	Look for scratches or fingerprints on the mirror-like fields.
4. Use App Tools	Use CoinKnow to compare your coin’s luster with graded samples.

Once you are confident it is a Type 2, you may decide to send it to a professional grading service. If the coin appears flawless, the $30-$50 grading fee could be a wise investment that helps you realize the full $1,000+ potential value of a PR70 specimen.

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 1979-S Pennies?

A: The main difference lies in the Mint Mark. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks blurry and the center of the “S” is filled with copper. The Type 2 “Clear S” is sharp, with clearly defined loops and a visible field between the curves of the letter.

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 in my spare change?

A: While it is extremely rare, it is possible. These coins were originally sold in Proof Sets for collectors, but sometimes people spend them. If you find one in circulation, it will likely be “impaired,” meaning it has scratches and wear, which significantly reduces its value compared to a pristine proof.

Q: How many 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Pennies were made?

A: The exact mintage for the Type 2 variety specifically is not recorded by the Mint, but it is estimated that only about 15% to 20% of the total 1979 proof production (which was 3.6 million sets) featured the Type 2 mint mark.

Q: Is a regular 1979 penny without an “S” worth anything?

A: Most 1979 pennies without a mint mark (struck in Philadelphia) or with a “D” (Denver) are only worth their face value of one cent, or about 2-3 cents for their copper melt value. Only rare errors or extremely high-grade Mint State coins carry a collector premium.