2018-S Lincoln Penny Value: What Your San Francisco Mint Proof Coin Is Really Worth
The 2018-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in typical proof condition, but well-preserved deep cameo examples graded PR70 can fetch $20 to $40 or more on the open market. If you found one of these coins or picked it up from a proof set, you’re in the right place to learn exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 2018-S Lincoln Penny Special
Not every penny is created equal, and the 2018-S Lincoln Penny is a great example of that. The “S” mintmark on this coin stands for San Francisco, which means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and it was never meant for everyday circulation. These coins were produced exclusively as part of the 2018 United States Mint Proof Set and the Silver Proof Set, making them collector’s items right from the start.
If you’re not sure whether the coin you’re holding has an “S” mintmark, flip it over and look at the obverse (the side with Lincoln’s portrait). Just below the date, you should see a tiny “S.” If you’re having trouble reading it, a free coin identifier app can help you scan and confirm the details with your smartphone camera in seconds.
The reverse of the 2018-S penny features the Union Shield design, which has been standard on Lincoln cents since 2010. The coin is composed of copper-plated zinc, and because it’s a proof coin, it was struck multiple times under high pressure to bring out sharp details and a mirror-like finish.
2018-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
Proof coins are graded differently from regular circulation coins. Instead of using the standard 1–70 scale that favors wear resistance, proof coins are evaluated on the quality of their fields (the flat, mirror-like surfaces) and the frosted raised design elements. The best examples earn a “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” designation, which significantly boosts their value.
Here’s a look at typical 2018-S Lincoln Penny values based on grade and designation:
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Proof | $2 – $4 |
| PR67 | Proof | $3 – $5 |
| PR68 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $5 – $10 |
| PR69 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $8 – $15 |
| PR70 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $20 – $40+ |
For the most up-to-date market prices, you can check the latest 2018-S Lincoln Penny auction results and certified coin price data to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
How to Tell If Your 2018-S Penny Is Worth More
Most 2018-S Lincoln Pennies were distributed as part of proof sets and handled carefully, so many survive in excellent condition. However, the difference between a PR68 and a PR70 coin — even though it sounds small — can mean a $20 to $30 jump in value. That’s because top-pop coins (the highest graded examples in existence) attract serious collectors.
To get the most accurate valuation, consider using CoinKnow, a smart coin identification and valuation app that can help you assess your coin’s condition, mintmark, and current market value in just a few taps. It’s especially useful if you’re new to coin collecting and not sure where to start.
Signs that your 2018-S penny might be worth more include: no visible contact marks or hairlines on the fields, strong frost contrast on Lincoln’s portrait versus the mirror background, and crisp, well-defined details on the Union Shield reverse. If your coin checks all these boxes, it’s worth getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
Where to Sell or Learn More About Your 2018-S Penny
Once you have a sense of your coin’s grade and value, you have a few solid options. eBay is the most accessible marketplace — search completed listings for “2018-S Lincoln Penny PR70 DCAM” to see what similar coins sold for recently. Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are better options for certified high-grade examples where you want maximum exposure to serious buyers.
You can also find a helpful breakdown of the full 2018 penny value guide across all mintmarks and conditions, including comparisons between Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues.
If you’re just getting started with coin collecting and want an easy way to look up values on the go, CoinKnow is a great tool to keep on your phone. It covers thousands of U.S. coins including modern proof issues like this one, so you’ll never have to wonder what a coin is worth again.
FAQ About the 2018-S Lincoln Penny
Q: Is the 2018-S Lincoln Penny rare?
A: It’s not rare in the traditional sense — the U.S. Mint produced millions of proof sets in 2018. However, finding a top-grade PR70 Deep Cameo example is genuinely difficult, and those coins command a meaningful premium over lower grades.
Q: Can I find a 2018-S penny in everyday change?
A: No. The 2018-S penny was only issued as part of collector proof sets and was never released into general circulation. If you find a penny with an “S” mintmark, it likely came from a proof set or was spent by someone who broke one apart.
Q: Should I clean my 2018-S penny before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — can permanently damage its surface and dramatically reduce its value. Professional graders can spot cleaning instantly, and a cleaned coin will receive a “details” grade that makes it nearly impossible to sell at full market value. Leave it exactly as you found it and use CoinKnow or a professional grading service to assess it properly.
