The United States Mint struck this special Lincoln cent at the San Francisco Mint in 1982.
It carries the "S" mint mark right below the date on the front of the coin.
The year 1982 was a major turning point for the humble penny.
Rising metal costs forced the Mint to change the standard penny composition from mostly copper to copper-plated zinc.
While regular pocket change saw both metal types that year, this proof was struck in the traditional 95 percent copper format.
Proof coins are made using polished dies and special blanks to create sharp, beautiful details for collectors.
This particular coin represents that famous transition year preserved in top form.
One extraordinary example of this proof coin sold for $7,050.
Stack's Bowers handled the sale in November 2013.
Professional coin authenticators certified this coin in PR-70 Deep Cameo condition.
A grade of PR-70 is the highest possible score a coin can receive on the grading scale.
It means the coin is entirely flawless with no post-production marks or scratches visible even under magnification.
The Deep Cameo designation means there is a striking visual contrast across the surfaces.
Top collectors compete fiercely when a coin reaches this absolute level of perfection.
Millions of proof sets were made in San Francisco during 1982.
Finding an ordinary proof from this year is relatively easy for most collectors.
However, finding one without a single microscopic flaw is nearly impossible.
Most proof coins leave the mint with tiny imperfections like microscopic spots or light haze.
Copper is also a very active metal that easily oxidizes, stains, or changes color over time.
Keeping a copper proof bright and pristine for decades requires ideal storage conditions.
This coin brings high value strictly because of its extreme condition rarity.
Serious registry set builders pay top dollar to own the single finest known examples of modern issues.
You can easily confirm whether you have a San Francisco proof by checking the front of your penny.
Look directly underneath the date for the distinct "S" mint mark.
Next, examine the visual finish across the design elements.
A Deep Cameo coin shows heavy, frosted white details on Lincoln's bust and the lettering.
The flat background fields behind the portrait must look like dark, highly reflective mirrors.
You should also check the weight of the coin using an accurate digital scale.
Because this proof uses the traditional copper alloy, it weighs about 3.1 grams rather than the lighter 2.5 grams of zinc pennies.
To qualify for a top grade like PR-70, the coin must show zero spots or hairline scratches under 5x magnification.
If you want a fast way to double-check your coin, you can use Coin Value Checker to scan the piece on your phone.
Always remember that standard pocket change will not carry this value since records belong only to flawless, certified proofs.
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