2013-S Lincoln Penny Value: Is Your Shield Cent Worth Money?

The 2013-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.50 in typical Proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While it is not a rare date in the history of American minting, certain “Ultra Cameo” examples and pristine Gem Proofs can fetch a premium among dedicated collectors of modern US coinage.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1.00 – $2.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$5.00 – $12.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$35.00 – $65.00

History and Significance of the 2013-S Shield Cent

If you have found a shiny penny with an “S” mint mark dated 2013, you are holding a piece of modern American history. By 2013, the Lincoln Cent had evolved significantly since its debut in 1909. The reverse design featuring the Union Shield was introduced in 2010 to symbolize President Abraham Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single, united country. Measuring the top coin identifier app allows many hobbyists to quickly distinguish between standard circulation strikes and these special San Francisco issues.

The “S” mint mark indicates that the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the pennies you find in your pocket change from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D”), the coins from San Francisco in 2013 were produced specifically for collectors. They were not released into general circulation. If you find one in the wild, it likely escaped from a broken-up proof set. To get an accurate reading on your specific find, using an app like CoinKnow can help you identify the subtle differences in finish and quality that drive market value.

Understanding the context of the 2013-S is crucial because its mintage was relatively low compared to the billions of pennies minted for daily commerce. Because these are “Proof” coins, they were struck at least twice on specially polished planchets (coin blanks) using polished dies. This results in a mirror-like background and frosted details, making the 2013-S Lincoln Penny Value much higher than its face value of one cent.

Detailed 2013-S Lincoln Penny Value Guide

The value of a 2013-S penny is strictly tied to its grade and the “depth” of its cameo effect. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC use a 70-point scale. A grade of 70 represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under magnification. Most 2013-S pennies found in original government packaging will grade at least PR 67 or PR 68. You can check the latest market trends and 2013-S penny price data to see how the market fluctuates.

Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations. This refers to the contrast between the shiny, reflective fields of the coin and the milky, frosted appearance of Lincoln’s portrait and the Union Shield. If your coin has a dull or scratched surface, the value drops significantly toward its “melt” or “utility” value, which is usually just a few cents to a dollar. However, a perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimen is a different story, often selling for $50 or more at auction.

Mintage Year	Mint Mark	Total Mintage	Average Value
2013	P (Phila)	3,750,400,000	$0.01
2013	D (Denver)	3,338,800,000	$0.01
2013	S (San Francisco)	1,453,934	$1.00 – $55.00

Identifying the Proof Finish on Your 2013-S Penny

How can you tell if you have a 2013-S vs a regular penny? The most obvious sign is the mint mark “S” located just below the date “2013” on the obverse (front) of the coin. But beyond the mark, the finish is the giveaway. If you look at the coin and can see your reflection clearly in the background, it is a Proof coin. Regular pennies have a more “satin” or dull luster. This distinction is vital when researching comprehensive 2013-S penny worth information online.

Sometimes, these coins are found in “impaired” condition. This happens when someone accidentally spends a proof coin and it circulates in pockets and cash registers. An impaired proof will have scratches (hairlines) and might lose its mirror sheen. Even in this condition, it is still technically a 2013-S, but its value will be closer to the lower end of the spectrum, typically $0.50 to $1.00. Using CoinKnow can help you scan the surface of the coin to detect these tiny scratches that the naked eye might miss.

Composition and Specifications of the 2013-S Lincoln Penny

Understanding what your coin is made of is just as important as the date. Like all pennies minted since mid-1982, the 2013-S is composed of a core of 99.2% zinc and a plating of 0.8% copper. This makes the coin look copper, but it is much lighter than the 95% copper pennies made before 1982. The 2013-S weighs 2.5 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 mm. Because the copper plating is very thin, these coins are susceptible to “zinc rot” or bubbles if they are exposed to moisture.

Collecting these coins requires careful handling. Because the 2013-S is a proof coin, the oils from your skin can actually damage the finish over time. Serious collectors always hold these coins by the edges or use lint-free gloves. If your 2013-S is still in its original plastic lens from the US Mint, it is best to leave it there. Breaking it out of the capsule can lead to environmental damage which drastically lowers the 2013-S Lincoln Penny Value.

Feature	Specification
Composition	Copper-Plated Zinc
Weight	2.50 Grams
Diameter	19.05 mm
Edge	Plain (Smooth)

Are There Any 2013 Penny Errors?

While most 2013 pennies are standard, collectors are always on the hunt for mint errors. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the striking process. For the 2013-S specifically, errors are extremely rare because the San Francisco Mint has higher quality control standards for proof sets. However, for the Philadelphia and Denver strikes of 2013, you might find “Double Dies” (where the letters or numbers appear doubled) or “Off-Center” strikes.

If you believe you have found an error on a 2013 penny, you should compare it to known examples. Common “parking lot” damage is often confused for mint errors. A true mint error will usually command a much higher price than a standard coin. For beginners, the CoinKnow app provides a database of known errors to help you determine if that weird mark on your coin is a factory mistake or just common wear and tear.

How to Sell Your 2013-S Lincoln Penny

If you have determined that you have a high-grade 2013-S penny and you want to sell it, you have several options. For a coin worth only a few dollars, listing it on eBay is the most common route. However, keep in mind that shipping costs and seller fees might eat up most of your profit. If you have a perfect PR 70 specimen, you might consider sending it to a professional grading company first, as a certified grade makes it much easier to sell to high-end collectors.

Local coin shops are another option, though “brick and mortar” stores usually buy at wholesale prices to ensure they can make a profit when they resell. Don’t expect a local dealer to pay full “book value” for a modern proof penny unless it is part of a larger, more valuable collection. Always do your research and check current auction results to ensure you are getting a fair price for your piece of American minting history.

FAQ

Q: Why is there an “S” on my 2013 penny?

A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 2013, the San Francisco Mint only produced “Proof” coins intended for collectors and sold in sets, rather than coins intended for general circulation.

Q: Is the 2013 penny made of real copper?

A: Only on the outside. The 2013 penny is 97.5% zinc with a thin coating of pure copper. If you were to melt it down (which is illegal), you would find a silver-colored zinc center.

Q: How much is a regular 2013 penny without a mint mark worth?

A: A 2013 penny with no mint mark was made in Philadelphia. Unless it is in absolutely perfect, uncirculated condition or has a major mint error, it is generally worth only its face value of one cent.

Q: Can I find a 2013-S penny in my pocket change?

A: It is rare, but possible. Sometimes people break open proof sets to spend the coins, or a collection is stolen and spent. These are called “Impaired Proofs” and are usually worth about $0.50 to $1.00.