Learn › Condition and grading

Proof Penny: What It Is and Why a Shiny Penny Is Not One

4 min read · Updated Oct 9, 2026

What is a proof penny?

"Proof" describes how a coin was made, not how worn it is. NGC's glossary defines a proof as a coin made for collectors in limited runs from prepared dies. NGC

The dies and planchets are polished before striking. Most proofs are struck more than once, under higher pressure, so the design comes out sharp. Modern proofs are often treated so the fields look mirror-like while the raised design looks frosted. Wikipedia

Proofs began as a way to check dies and to keep archival samples. Today they are struck in larger numbers, mostly for collectors. Wikipedia

Is a shiny penny a proof penny?

Usually not. A penny from change has circulated, while a proof was made for collectors. Proofs are handled one at a time after striking, while circulation coins are collected in bins. Wikipedia The ANA says the Mint sells proofs at a premium. ANA

A bright penny can still look like a proof. NGC uses the term prooflike for coins that have the appearance of a proof, with mirror-like fields. Prooflike describes the look. It does not make the coin a proof. NGC

Do all proof pennies look mirror-like?

No. Sandblasting and matte finishes have also been used on proofs. Wikipedia One example in the catalogue is the 1909 Matte Proof (no V.D.B.), a matte, sandblast-like proof from 1909 without V.D.B.

What does an S proof penny mean?

The S is a mint mark, and it sits under the date on the front of the coin. Wikipedia From 1936 to 1964, proof cents were struck only at Philadelphia, and Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark. San Francisco began striking proofs around 1968, the same year mint marks were restored to the cent. Since 1975 it has made almost all proof coinage, so most modern proof cents carry an S. Wikipedia A good example is the 1968-S Proof, which has the S below the date.

Look closely at the S. The catalogue lists a 1990 No S Proof, a mirror-finish proof with no mint mark under the date: 1990 No S Proof. Wikipedia's proof coinage article says some 1990 sets included a penny with no mint mark, so treat any claim about this coin with care and ask an expert to check it. Wikipedia The ANA's 2006 Numismatist article describes a rare 1990 variety, struck when the S was accidentally omitted from some proofs. ANA

Does grade change a proof's value?

Yes. NGC grades proofs with the abbreviation PF followed by a number. NGC For the 1909 Matte Proof without V.D.B., the catalogue estimate is $410 at PF60 and $1,800 at PF65. These are estimates, not offers to buy or sell.

A shiny penny value depends on the date, the variety and the condition, not on shine alone. For the grading scale, read grading basics for pennies and the MS70 penny.

Penny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.

Coins in this guide

• 1909 Matte Proof (no V.D.B.)

  Philadelphia · Proof · 2,352 made

  Proof

  $410proof
• 1968-S Proof

  San Francisco · Proof · 3,041,506 made

  Proof
• 1990 No S Proof

  San Francisco · Proof · 3,055 made

  Key dateProof

Related guides

• Grading basics for pennies: from Good to Mint State
• MS70 Penny: What the Top Grade Means and Your Odds

Sources

1. Wikipedia, “Proof coinage” (accessed 2026-10-09)
2. Wikipedia, “Lincoln cent” (accessed 2026-10-09)
3. NGC, “Glossary of Numismatic Terms” (accessed 2026-10-09)
4. American Numismatic Association, “Coin Collecting FAQs” (accessed 2026-10-09)
5. ANA, “The Lincoln Memorial Cent (The Numismatist, September 2006)” (accessed 2026-10-09)