1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Value Guide What It’s Worth and Why Collectors Care

The 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 in typical circulated condition, but proof examples can fetch $10 to $50 or more depending on grade and eye appeal. If you’ve come across one of these coins, you’re in luck — this is one of the more interesting San Francisco Mint issues of the modern era.

What Makes the 1979-S Type 2 Different?

Before you can understand the value of this coin, you need to know why it exists in the first place. In 1979, the U.S. Mint produced proof sets at the San Francisco Mint, as it had done for years. But mid-year, the Mint switched to a new, clearer mintmark style — and that small change made all the difference for collectors.

The original 1979-S mintmark was a “Type 1,” which had a filled, blobby appearance. The second version, the “Type 2,” featured a sharper, more distinct “S” that was easier to read. Because the Type 2 was introduced later in the production run, fewer of them were made compared to the Type 1. That relative scarcity is exactly what drives collector interest — and value.

If you’re not sure which version you’re holding, a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in on mintmark details and compare your coin to known examples. Apps like CoinKnow are especially handy for beginners trying to tell the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 without investing in an expensive magnifier right away.

1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny Value by Grade

Since the 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny was only issued as a proof coin — meaning it was struck for collectors, not for everyday circulation — grading follows the proof scale rather than the standard circulated scale. Here’s a general breakdown of what these coins sell for based on condition:

Grade	Description	Estimated Value
PR-65	Gem Proof, minor blemishes	$5 – $12
PR-67	Superb Gem Proof	$15 – $30
PR-68	Near-Perfect Proof	$30 – $60
PR-69 DCAM	Deep Cameo, essentially flawless	$50 – $100+
PR-70 DCAM	Perfect Proof	$200+

For the most current auction results and up-to-date 1979 Lincoln Penny price data across grades, it’s worth checking a dedicated numismatic resource before buying or selling. Markets can shift quickly, especially for popular proof issues.

Deep Cameo vs. Regular Proof — Why It Matters for Value

Not all proof coins are created equal. When you look at a proof Lincoln penny, you might notice that some have a dramatic frosted design against a mirror-like field — that’s called a “Deep Cameo” or “DCAM” finish. Coins with this contrast are far more desirable to collectors and can sell for two to three times the price of a regular proof of the same grade.

The 1979-S Type 2 is particularly sought after in high-grade Deep Cameo examples because the sharp mintmark pairs beautifully with the crisp strike quality that the San Francisco Mint was known for during this era. A PR-69 DCAM example is essentially the sweet spot for most collectors — beautiful, rare enough to be meaningful, but not quite as out-of-reach as a perfect PR-70.

If you’re hunting for detailed collector-grade value information, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of 1979 penny values including proof varieties that covers both Type 1 and Type 2 examples side by side. That comparison can be eye-opening if you’re trying to figure out which coin you have.

How to Identify Your 1979-S Type 2 Lincoln Penny

The key to identifying a Type 2 is the mintmark itself. On the Type 1, the “S” looks thick and almost blobby — the inner curves of the letter are partially filled in. On the Type 2, the “S” is crisper, with well-defined curves and more open loops. You’ll want at least a 5x magnifier to see the difference clearly, though many coin apps can help you zoom in using your smartphone camera.

Here are a few quick tips for checking your coin:

– Look for the “S” mintmark on the obverse (heads side), just below the date
– Compare your mintmark to reference photos online or in a coin guide
– If the “S” looks sharp and clean, you likely have a Type 2
– Remember that all 1979-S pennies are proof coins — if yours looks like it came from change, double-check the date and mintmark carefully

CoinKnow is a great tool to walk you through this process step by step, especially if you’re new to variety collecting and don’t yet have a reference library handy.

Is the 1979-S Type 2 Penny Worth Selling?

If you’re sitting on a raw (uncertified) example from an old proof set, it could be worth having it evaluated. Coins that grade PR-68 DCAM or higher are generally worth the cost of professional grading through PCGS or NGC, since a certified example will fetch significantly more from serious buyers than an unslabbed coin.

For lower-grade examples, selling them as part of a complete 1979 proof set may actually get you more money than selling the penny alone. Proof set collectors often prefer complete sets in original packaging, so condition of the box and certificate of authenticity matters too.

Either way, knowing what you have is always the first step. CoinKnow can help you quickly assess whether your coin is worth pursuing further before spending money on grading fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my 1979-S penny is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at the mintmark under magnification. The Type 2 has a sharper, cleaner “S” with open loops, while the Type 1 has a thicker, more filled-in appearance. A loupe or coin app can help you see the difference clearly.

Q: Are all 1979-S Lincoln pennies proof coins?
A: Yes. The San Francisco Mint only struck Lincoln cents with the “S” mintmark as proof coins in 1979 — they were not released for general circulation. If you find one in everyday change, it was likely pulled from a proof set at some point.

Q: What’s the most valuable version of the 1979-S Type 2 penny?
A: A PR-70 Deep Cameo example certified by PCGS or NGC is the holy grail, with values that can reach $200 or more. However, PR-69 DCAM coins are far more commonly available and still carry strong premiums over lower-grade examples.