Proof Lincoln Cents

The Lincoln Cent has been struck in Proof format for collectors at various times within long-running the series. The earliest Proofs were struck with a Matte finish before a uniformly Brilliant finish was adopted. Within the modern era, the coins have been struck with a cameo Proof finish featuring frosted raised design elements against a mirrored background.

1956 Proof Lincoln Cent
1956 Proof Lincoln Cent

The early Matte Proof Lincoln Cents (Buy on eBay) were struck from dies with the surfaces lightly etched, creating a pebbled or grainy surface. The coins were produced on polished planchets using a medal press at slow speed to bring up the full details of the design. These Matte Proofs are also differentiated from regular circulation strikes by the squared edges of the rims.

From 1909 to 1916, the Matte Proof cents were struck in relatively small numbers. Since the coins were not as distinguishable from circulation strikes as Brilliant Proofs, they were initially unpopular with some collectors. During this period, the 1909 with the designer’s initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse and the 1916 were the lowest mintage issues. Any issue with original red coloration or multi-colored toning commands collector attention and drives a premium.

The production of Proof Lincoln Cents (Buy on eBay) resumed in 1936. For the first portion of the year, coins were struck with only partially mirrored surfaces, which came to be known as the Type 1 or Satin Proof versions. Later in the year, the production of fully Brilliant or Type 2 versions would take place. The production of Brilliant Proofs would last until 1942 when production was suspended due to the Second World War.

Proof coin production would resume once again in 1950 and run through 1964, when the U.S. Mint offered packaged sets containing one example of each circulation strike coin in Proof format. These Proof Sets quickly garnered collector attention and mintage levels spiraled upwards reaching a peak in 1964. During this era, Proof coins displaying cameo contrast command premiums over examples with a fully brilliant finish.

From 1968 to present, Proof Lincoln Cents have been struck at the San Francisco Mint, carrying the “S” mint mark. Once again, these coins were struck for inclusion within the annually issued Proof Sets together with the other denominations in Proof format. By the mid 1970’s, nearly all coins were struck with a strong cameo contrast. Although mintages during this era are high, examples which have obtained the highest grades at PCGS or NGC can command significant premiums.

For numbers marked with an asterisk (*), refer to the mintage notes following the tables.

Matte Proof Lincoln Cent Mintages

DateMintage
1909 VDB1,194
19092,618
19104,118
19111,725
19122,172
19132,983
19141,365
19151,150
19161,050

Proof Lincoln Cent Mintages

DateMintage
19365,569
19379,320
193814,734
193913,520
194015,872
194121,100
194232,600
195051,386
195157,500
195281,980
1953128,800
1954233,300
1955378,200
1956669,384
19571,247,952
1958875,652
19591,149,291
19601,691,602
19613,028,244
19623,218,019
19633,075,645
19643,950,762
1968-S3,041,506
1969-S2,934,631
1970-S2,632,810
1971-S3,220,733
1972-S3,260,996
1973-S2,760,339
1974-S2,612,568

Proof Lincoln Cent Mintages Continued

DateMintage
1975-S2,845,450
1976-S4,149,730
1977-S3,251,152
1978-S3,127,781
1979-S3,677,175
1980-S3,554,806
1981-S4,063,083
1982-S3,857,479
1983-S3,279,126
1984-S3,065,110
1985-S3,362,821
1986-S3,010,497
1987-S4,227,728
1988-S3,262,948
1989-S3,220,194
1990-S*3,299,559
1991-S2,867,787
1992-S4,176,560
1993-S3,394,792
1994-S3,269,923
1995-S2,797,481
1996-S2,525,265
1997-S2,796,678
1998-S2,086,507
1999-S3,347,966
2000-S4,047,993
2001-S3,184,606
2002-S3,211,995
2003-S3,298,439

Proof Lincoln Cent Mintages Continued

DateMintage
2004-S2,965,422
2005-S3,344,679
2006-S3,054,436
2007-S2,577,166
2008-S2,169,561
2009-S Birthplace2,995,615
2009-S Formative Years2,995,615
2009-S Professional Life2,995,615
2009-S Presidency2,995,615
2010-S1,689,216
2011-S1,673,010
2012-S1,239,148
2013-S1,274,505
2014-S1,190,369
2015-S1,050,164
2016-S1,011,624
2017-S979,477
2018-S844,220
2019-S1,012,972
2019-W600,464
2019-W Reverse Proof412,508

Proof Lincoln Cent Mintages Continued

The mintages presented in the table below are subject to change and reflect the most current information as of January 8, 2024.

IssueMintage
2020-S824,332
2021-S792,612
2022-S400,014
2023-S366,261
View Circulation Lincoln Cent Mintages

*Proof Lincoln Cent Mintage Notes

  • 1979-S: Mintage reflects the total of Type 1 and Type 2 1979-S Proof Lincoln Cents
  • 1981-S: Mintage reflects the total of Type 1 and Type 2 1981-S Proof Lincoln Cents
  • 1990-S: Mintage for the 1990 No S Proof Lincoln Cent is included in the mintage for the 1990-S Proof Lincoln Cent
  • 1998-S: Mintage includes 1998-S Close AM Proof Lincoln Cent
  • 1999-S: Mintage includes 1999-S Close AM Proof Lincoln Cent