2022-S Lincoln Penny Value and What Makes It Special
The 2022-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in circulated condition, but proof versions in perfect condition can fetch $10 to $25 or more. If you’ve come across one of these coins, you might be pleasantly surprised at what it’s worth — especially if it’s still in its original mint packaging.
If you’re not sure what kind of Lincoln cent you have, using a free coin identifier app is a great first step. These tools can help you figure out the mint mark, condition grade, and approximate value right from your smartphone — no coin shop visit required. CoinKnow is one of the most popular options among everyday collectors and can even help you track your entire collection in one place.
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What Is the 2022-S Lincoln Penny?
The 2022-S Lincoln Penny is a proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries the “S” mint mark. Unlike the pennies you find in everyday change — which come from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D) — the “S” mint version is made specifically for collectors. It’s struck with extra pressure using specially polished dies, which gives it that mirror-like finish you might notice on the coin’s surface.
The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which has appeared on the cent since 1909. The reverse shows the Union Shield design, introduced in 2010 as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial series. This design symbolizes Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single united nation, with the motto “E Pluribus Unum” displayed across the top.
The 2022-S penny was sold directly by the U.S. Mint as part of proof sets, so it never entered general circulation. That’s a big reason why most surviving examples are in excellent shape and tend to hold more value than your typical pocket change penny.
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2022-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
Condition — or “grade” in collector terms — plays the biggest role in determining what a 2022-S penny is worth. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Gem Proof, minor contact marks | $3 – $5 |
| PR-67 | Superb Proof, nearly flawless | $8 – $12 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Near perfect, deep cameo contrast | $15 – $25 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Perfect Proof, no flaws under magnification | $30 – $50+ |
For the most up-to-date 2022-S Lincoln penny price data across all grades, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin pricing database before you buy or sell.
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Deep Cameo vs. Regular Proof — Does It Matter?
Yes, it matters quite a bit. When you look at a proof coin, you might notice that the raised design elements (like Lincoln’s portrait) appear frosted and bright white, while the background fields look like a dark mirror. This contrast is called “cameo” — and when it’s especially strong, it’s called “deep cameo” (abbreviated DCAM or DC).
A 2022-S Lincoln penny graded PR-69 without the cameo designation is worth noticeably less than the same coin with a PR-69 DCAM label. Coin grading services like PCGS and NGC assign these designations as part of the official grading process. If you’re thinking about submitting your coin for grading, a deep cameo designation can add real dollars to the final value.
For collectors who want a comprehensive look at what the 2022 penny is worth in different conditions and varieties, dedicated coin value resources provide detailed breakdowns that go beyond simple price estimates. CoinKnow also offers grading guides within the app, so you can get a rough idea of your coin’s grade before spending money on professional certification.
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Where to Buy and Sell the 2022-S Lincoln Penny
If you’re looking to sell, the best places to list a 2022-S Lincoln penny include eBay, Great Collections, and Heritage Auctions. eBay is typically the easiest for beginners — just search completed sales for “2022-S Lincoln penny proof” to see what buyers have actually paid recently. That’s more useful than asking prices, which are often inflated.
If your coin is in exceptional condition (PR-69 or PR-70), it’s worth getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC first. A certified slab dramatically increases buyer confidence and usually results in a higher final sale price.
For buyers, raw (ungraded) proof sets that include the 2022-S penny are still available from secondary market dealers at reasonable prices. Buying the full proof set is often more economical than chasing the individual coin, especially if you’re just starting your Lincoln cent collection.
CoinKnow can help you compare prices across platforms and set up alerts when listings match your target grade and price range — a handy tool whether you’re buying or selling.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2022-S Lincoln penny rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense, but it is a limited collector issue. The U.S. Mint produces proof sets in the hundreds of thousands each year, so there’s a decent supply available. That said, perfectly graded PR-70 DCAM examples are much harder to find and command a significant premium.
Q: Can I find a 2022-S penny in my change?
A: Almost certainly not. The “S” mint mark proof penny was only sold by the U.S. Mint as part of proof sets, never released into general circulation. If you come across a 2022 penny in your pocket change, it’s likely from Philadelphia or Denver and worth face value.
Q: Should I clean my 2022-S Lincoln penny before selling it?
A: Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and kills the coin’s value in the eyes of graders and collectors. Even a proof coin that looks a little dull or spotted should be left alone — a professional conservator can address issues without damaging collectibility if truly necessary.
