The United States Mint struck this special Lincoln cent in 1981 at the San Francisco Mint.
Proof coins are made for collectors rather than daily circulation.
Workers polished the dies and coin blanks to give them mirror-like fields and frosted designs.
In 1981, the Mint used two different mintmark styles on proof pennies.
The Type 1 variety features the older mintmark punch with a filled or less distinct S mark.
The DCAM designation stands for Deep Cameo, which means the contrast between the shiny field and the frosted portrait is extremely strong.
This copper-alloy coin holds spot number 27 on the list of 200 top Lincoln cent records.
The record sale for this piece was handled by Heritage Auctions.
The coin was certified in a perfect grade of 70 Deep Cameo.
A grade of 70 means the coin is completely flawless under 5x magnification.
It shows no post-production scratches, hairlines, contact marks, or minting defects.
Heritage Auctions recorded this notable sale in their 1/03 event.
Top-tier registry set collectors often compete aggressively whenever a perfect proof coin crosses the auction block.
A typical proof penny from this year will not bring this kind of result unless it achieves that elusive top grade.
Millions of proof sets were made in 1981, but finding one in absolute perfection is very tough.
Copper coins are prone to spotting, oxidation, and subtle toning over time.
Many proof pennies have tiny handling marks from original mint packaging.
Earning a 70 grade requires the coin to stay untouched and well-preserved since the day it was struck.
Strong contrast is also critical for the Deep Cameo label.
As the Mint used the dies repeatedly, the frosted texture slowly wore away.
Only early strikes from freshly prepared dies show the heavy frost needed for the DCAM rating.
The combination of the Type 1 mintmark, full Deep Cameo contrast, and a perfect grade creates intense collector demand.
To check your penny, you will need a good light source and a magnifying glass with at least 10x power.
Look closely at the area beneath the date on the obverse where the mintmark sits.
The S mintmark on a Type 1 coin looks somewhat bulbous and filled in at the loops.
The Type 2 variety has a much clearer, flat-topped S with open loops.
Check the surface contrast by angling the penny under your lamp.
The background fields should look like a dark mirror, while Abraham Lincoln and the lettering should look milky white.
You can snap a clear photo using Coin Value Checker to help identify the date and mintmark style before seeking professional grading.
Inspect the rim and open fields for any tiny copper spots or milk-like haze.
Keep your coin inside a protective holder so your skin oils do not damage the delicate proof surface.
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