The United States Mint did not produce traditional proof sets from 1965 through 1967.
Instead, the government offered Special Mint Sets to collectors.
These coins received better strikes than regular pocket change, but they were not full proof strikes.
This 1967 Lincoln Cent came from one of those special collector packages.
None of the coins from this era carry a mint mark, as the Mint wanted to discourage coin hoarding.
Most pieces from these sets have a satiny, somewhat reflective surface.
A few rare examples received a heavy, intense strike that created deep cameo contrast on the details.
Coins that display that striking visual difference are designated as Deep Cameo.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale of this particular 1967 Lincoln Cent.
The auction listing closed with a record price listed in the records as 06/18.
A major third-party grading service certified the coin at a grade of 65.
The grade of 65 means the penny is in solid uncirculated condition with minimal marks from handling or storage.
It also earned the Deep Cameo designation, which is abbreviated as DCAM.
The combination of a high grade and the DCAM label made this piece stand out at the auction.
Public records show that collectors compete aggressively whenever a verified specimen of this quality crosses the block.
Special Mint Set coins were made in large quantities, but finding one with true contrast is very unusual.
The Mint prepared the dies differently during these years compared to standard proof production.
Only the very first coins struck from a freshly prepared die showed strong, frosted details against mirrored fields.
As the dies pressed out more coins, that frosty texture wore away quickly.
Because of that rapid wear, the vast majority of 1967 pennies look brilliant rather than cameo.
Deep Cameo coins from this specific run represent a tiny fraction of the total output.
Lincoln Cent enthusiasts search through thousands of sets just to find a single strong candidate.
When an example survives with a clean surface and a grade of 65, it becomes a major target for advanced set builders.
You need good lighting and a standard jeweler loupe to check your coin properly.
Look directly at the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the front.
The raised design should look frosty, milky, and bright white compared to the flat background.
Turn the coin slightly under a light source to check the flat fields behind Lincoln.
The background fields should act like dark, clear mirrors.
Flip the coin over and check the Lincoln Memorial building on the back for that exact same frosted look.
Both sides must have this stark contrast for the coin to qualify for a Deep Cameo grade.
If you want a quick opinion before buying a magnifier, an app like Coin Value Checker can help you take a closer look at the surface texture.
Do not confuse a standard shiny penny with a true mirrored Special Mint Set coin.
Keep in mind that regular pennies pulled from circulation will not have this deep, dual-texture finish.
If you want to know the value before you read another paragraph, see the coin valuation app tools we tested side by side.