1978 S Lincoln Penny Proof

Last updated: September, 26 2024
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The 1978 S Proof Lincoln Cent is worth up to $15.00 in PR-69 RD condition. The vast majority of sales appear to be made from loose or cellophane and cardboard holder loose coins of varying condition selling for around $1.50. Lower end specimens sell for around 75 cents to hobbyist and collectors who don't have time to search through coin rolls.


1978 S Lincoln Penny Proof
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  • Year: 1978
  • Mint Mark: S
  • Type: Lincoln Penny
  • Price: 75 cents-$15.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 3,127,000
  • Edge: Smooth






Notes: The coins listed above are proof Lincoln pennies.


Key Notes for 1978 Lincoln Pennies

These are the key points for you to remember about these coins.

  1. P, D, S minted with proofs from S
  2. no unique or major errors to note
  3. RD (red) most coveted of colors
  4. 95% copper and 5% zinc

1978 Lincoln 1c Key Notes


Most Common 1978 1c Errors

Click the image below to see full resolution detailed collage of the most common 1978 1c errors

1978 1c Errors


Struck on 10c Planchet ($200-$550)

This error is widely distributed and there appear to be more of these than you would normally see in a year. This might not be the case however. This error occurs when a 10c planchet (blank) makes its way into the penny hopper and is struck by the 1c 1978 die. This coin will weight something like 2.3 g

Struck on 10c Planchet


Struck Off Center ($25-$195)

Off center strikes occur when the die strike misaligns with the planchet. These errors are common.

Off Center Strike


Struck Off Center ($25-$195)

Off center strikes occur when the die strike misaligns with the planchet. These errors are common.

Off Center Strike


Rare 1978 Penny Sold for $588

Mintages

Production Chart




Market Trends & Insights

When buying and selling 1978 cents with a focus on volume, general uncirculated coins are moving the most in terms of quantity. If your strategy is to buy low and sell high, MS-66 1978 cents in RD or RB could be your best option. As for 1978 D cents, there is a noticeable trend of more sales happening at the MS-63 grade, for reasons that aren't entirely clear.

Visualizing the Market

Sales Graph (enlarge)



Price Chart

Rates listed here refer to professionally graded and slabbed coins. If new to collecting the prices below might not make sense.


Values listed for the 1978 S RD DCAMs.

  • Grade PR68 = $7-$11
  • Grade PR69 = $9-$15


Is the list above a little overwhelming? If so, take 5 minutes to learn all about Coin Grading.


It's also important to note...Prices are subject to the same supply and demand laws as everything else. Coins sold at the same auction house 10x, would fetch drastically different bids each session. To raise your chances of receiving top dollar read How to Get the Most for your Coins.


We've personally researched these values. If you enjoy our content please return the favor and share this page with your friends.


How much is a 1978 S Lincoln Penny Proof worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 75 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $15 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1978, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].


What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any lincoln penny in your collection.


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Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 2.5 g, a diameter of 19.05 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm. It's edge is Smooth, and the coins are composed of 95% Copper Pre 1982, 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper after 1982.


Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obv), Lyndall Bass (rev)


Front (Obverse): The obverse or front of this coin contains the bust of President Lincoln the 16th president of the United States. The words In God We Trust are engraved in an arching manner on the top most portion of this coin. The date is present along with the mint mark. If the mark is missing the coin was issued from the Philadelphia mint. With the exception of 2017 P, the only year to contain a P mint mark to honor the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint.


Back (Reverse): The reverse of this coin has been described as Lincoln Memorial design. Nice clean lines on the steps and buildings are important for a decent grade. The Lincoln Memorial replaced the reverse after the last Wheat Cent was issued in 1958.


Most Valuable

The most valuable Lincoln Penny's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.

Image Year Mint Worth
Lincoln Penny Image 1967 $55
Lincoln Penny Image 1982 $55
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 $50
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 D $40
Lincoln Penny Image 1964 $38
Lincoln Penny Image 1959 D $35
Lincoln Penny Image 2000 S $35
Lincoln Penny Image 1962 D $32
Lincoln Penny Image 1969 $31
Lincoln Penny Image 1971 S $30
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Image Name Mint Worth

Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.

***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.

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