2007-S Lincoln Penny Value — What This Proof Coin Is Really Worth
The 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 for most collectors, but gem-quality proof examples can fetch $10 or more depending on grade and cameo designation. If you found one in a old proof set or inherited a coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
Before we dive in, if you’re not sure whether your coin is a 2007-S or another variety, using a free coin identifier app is one of the fastest ways to confirm your coin’s mint mark, date, and overall condition — especially if you’re new to coin collecting.
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What Makes the 2007-S Lincoln Penny Different
The “S” mint mark on your penny tells you something important right away: this coin was made at the San Francisco Mint, and it was never intended for everyday pocket change. The 2007-S Lincoln Penny is a proof coin, struck specifically for collectors as part of the United States Mint’s annual proof set. Proof coins are made using specially polished dies and planchets, which gives them that sharp, mirror-like finish you’ll notice compared to a regular penny.
The 2007-S Lincoln cent features the classic Memorial reverse design (showing the Lincoln Memorial on the back), which was used from 1959 all the way through 2008 before the four Bicentennial reverse designs took over in 2009. This makes the 2007-S one of the last years of the long-running Memorial reverse, adding a small but meaningful historical note for collectors who love completing sets.
Because these were only sold in proof sets — not released into circulation — finding a 2007-S penny in good condition is actually quite common among collectors, but finding one with the coveted Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation is where the real value starts to climb.
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2007-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
Grading is everything when it comes to proof coins. A coin with hairlines, fingerprints, or handling marks will always be worth less than one that has been stored carefully since it left the mint. Here’s a general breakdown of what the 2007-S Lincoln Penny is worth at various grade levels:
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 | Proof | $1 – $2 |
| PR 67 | Proof | $2 – $4 |
| PR 69 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $5 – $10 |
| PR 70 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $15 – $30+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing based on recent auction sales, you can browse detailed 2007 Lincoln Penny price data across multiple grades and designations to see how the market is moving right now.
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How to Tell If Your 2007-S Penny Is a Deep Cameo
The Deep Cameo designation — sometimes written as DCAM — is what separates a run-of-the-mill proof coin from a truly desirable collector piece. On a Deep Cameo coin, the design elements (like Lincoln’s portrait and the lettering) appear frosted and white, while the flat background fields are mirror-bright. This strong contrast makes the coin look almost three-dimensional.
To check your own coin, hold it under a good light and tilt it gently. If the portrait of Lincoln has a soft, frosty white appearance against a reflective background, you may have a Cameo or Deep Cameo coin on your hands. If the whole surface looks uniformly shiny, it’s likely a standard proof.
CoinKnow is a great tool for collectors at this stage. The app lets you photograph your coin and quickly compare it to verified examples, helping you decide whether it’s worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. Professional grading is generally only worth the cost if you believe your coin is PR 69 DCAM or PR 70 DCAM — that’s where values really start to matter.
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Should You Get Your 2007-S Lincoln Penny Graded?
Honestly, for most 2007-S Lincoln pennies, professional grading doesn’t make financial sense. Grading fees typically start around $20–$30 per coin, which can easily exceed the value of an average PR 65 or PR 67 example. Unless your coin shows strong cameo contrast and appears flawless under magnification, you’re better off keeping it in your proof set and enjoying it as part of a complete collection.
That said, if you have a coin that looks perfect — no spots, no haze, strong frosted contrast — it could be worth getting a second opinion. You can check a full breakdown of what the 2007 penny is worth in different conditions and varieties before deciding whether to invest in grading.
CoinKnow also has a built-in community where experienced collectors can help you evaluate photos of your coin before you spend money on professional grading — a smart move for anyone just getting started.
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Mint Mark Varieties and Total Mintage
The 2007-S Lincoln Proof Penny had a mintage of approximately 3.05 million coins, which sounds like a lot — and it is. That relatively high mintage keeps values modest for typical examples. However, the proof process itself is labor-intensive, and not every coin from this mintage came out with strong cameo contrast, which is why the highest-grade examples are still scarce and collectible.
There are two main versions of the 2007-S penny worth knowing about: the standard clad proof (copper-plated zinc) included in the regular proof set, and the Silver Proof Set, which technically contains the same Lincoln cent design but in a set alongside 90% silver coins. Neither variation dramatically changes the penny’s individual value, but being part of an original, unopened proof set does add slight appeal for some buyers.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2007-S Lincoln Penny rare?
A: Not particularly. With over 3 million struck, it’s a common proof coin. Most examples in average proof condition are worth $1 to $5. Only the finest PR 70 Deep Cameo coins command prices of $15 to $30 or more.
Q: Can I find a 2007-S penny in regular change?
A: Very unlikely. The “S” mint mark means it was made exclusively for collector proof sets. If you somehow found one in circulation, it was either removed from a set intentionally or lost by a collector — and it’s probably too worn to carry much of a premium.
Q: How do I use CoinKnow to check my 2007-S penny?
A: Download CoinKnow, enter the date and mint mark, and use the photo comparison feature to match your coin’s surface quality against graded examples. The app gives you a quick value estimate and helps you decide whether professional grading is worth pursuing.
