Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 2019-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $5 in a standard Proof set condition to over $600 in perfect deep cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it is a prized modern treasure for those looking to complete their Lincoln Shield cent collection.
Understanding the Special Nature of the 2019-S Proof Penny
If you are an everyday American who just stumbled upon a shiny penny with an “S” mint mark, you have found something quite different from the coins used at the grocery store. Unlike the billions of pennies minted in Philadelphia or Denver, the 2019-S was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were never intended for circulation. Instead, they were sold to collectors as part of specialized Proof sets. If you want to identify your find quickly, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a high-quality Proof version.
The 2019-S cent features the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Union Shield on the reverse. Because these were struck using specially polished dies and planchets, they possess a mirror-like finish. Many casual collectors use the CoinKnow app to track the current market trends for these San Francisco strikes. The value of your coin largely depends on its “cameo” effect—the contrast between the frosty details of Lincoln’s face and the reflective background.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Determining the Market Value and Price Trends
When assessing the worth of a 2019-S penny, condition is the ultimate factor. Since these coins were never circulated, they are graded on a scale from PR60 to PR70. A standard PR69 Deep Cameo coin is relatively common and affordable, but a perfect PR70 can command a significant premium. For those curious about specific auction results and historical pricing, you can find detailed 2019-S penny price charts that show how these coins perform over time.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Most modern Proof pennies stay relatively stable in price, but the 2019-S is particularly popular due to the continued interest in the Shield Cent series. If you are looking to sell or buy one, you should check the CoinKnow database to ensure you are getting a fair price based on the latest Numismatic reports. Even though it is a newer coin, the scarcity of perfect “70” grades keeps collectors bidding at auctions.
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof Red) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $45.00 – $650.00 |
| 2019-W (West Point Bonus) | $25.00 – $150.00 |
The 2019-W Penny and Other Rare Varieties
While the “S” mint mark is famous, 2019 was also a unique year because the West Point Mint produced pennies with a “W” mint mark for the first time in history. These were included as “bonus” coins in the 2019 Proof sets. If you find a 2019 penny with a “W” under the date, you have potentially found a coin worth even more than the “S” version. To get a comprehensive look at the 2019 penny value for all mint marks, it is important to check the specific variety you hold.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Collectors are always on the hunt for “Red” (RD) designations. Since these coins are made of copper-plated zinc, they can oxidize over time. A 2019-S that has retained its original bright red luster is far more valuable than one that has begun to turn brown. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are often used to certify these top-tier specimens. You can use CoinKnow to organize your collection and see which items might be worth sending in for professional grading.
How to Spot a Real 2019-S Lincoln Penny
Finding one of these in the wild is rare, but it does happen when someone accidentally spends a collector’s set. To identify a genuine 2019-S, look closely at the “S” mint mark located just below the year 2019. The fields of the coin (the flat areas) should be so shiny that you can almost see your reflection. The “frosted” parts of the design, like Lincoln’s hair and the shield on the back, should look matte and white against that mirror background.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If your coin looks dull or worn like a regular penny, it is likely a common “D” (Denver) or “P” (Philadelphia) mint mark. Those are only worth one cent. However, if that S-mark is clear and the coin looks like it just came out of a jewelry box, hold onto it! Keeping your coins in protective flips or capsules is the best way to preserve that 2019-S Lincoln Penny value for the future.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2019-S penny in my pocket change?
A: While extremely rare, it is possible if someone broke open a Proof set and spent the coins. Most 2019-S pennies are found in official US Mint sets or specialized collector holders.
Q: What makes the 2019-S different from a regular 2019 penny?
A: The main differences are the “S” mint mark and the Proof finish. Regular pennies are minted in Philly or Denver for circulation and have a satin-like finish, whereas Proofs are struck multiple times for extra detail and high shine.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is there a 2019-S error penny to look for?
A: As of now, there are no major recognized doubled die errors for the 2019-S. Most “errors” found by beginners on these coins are actually just minor plating blisters or post-mint damage.
Q: How much is a 2019-W penny worth compared to the 2019-S?
A: The 2019-W generally carries a higher value because it was the first time the West Point Mint ever struck a cent. While a 2019-S might sell for $10, a 2019-W in the same condition could fetch $25 or more.