The United States Mint struck this special Lincoln cent in 1982.
It carries the S mint mark below the date, which tells you it came from the San Francisco Mint.
San Francisco focused on making proof coins for collectors rather than standard coins for daily pocket change.
The year 1982 was a major turning point for the Lincoln cent series.
The Mint changed the metal makeup of circulating cents that year, shifting away from standard alloy compositions.
Proof coins from this era feature special finishes created by using polished blanks and specially prepared dies.
The Deep Cameo designation, often shortened to DCAM, means the coin has a very sharp visual contrast.
The raised design elements look frosted and chalky white, while the flat fields look like dark, polished mirrors.
Collectors rank this piece at number 38 out of 200 on the list of key pennies to look for.
An exceptional example of this coin crossed the block with the auction house SB.
The winning bidder secured this certified piece for an auction record price of 11/13.
The coin was certified at a grade of 60 with the DCAM designation.
A grade of 60 sits at the baseline of the mint state and proof scale.
It means the coin has no actual wear from circulation, though it may show faint marks, light hairline scratches, or minor spots from handling.
Even with those light contact marks, the deep contrast between the fields and devices makes it stand out.
Certified holders protect coins from the environment and verify that the strike and grade are authentic.
Public sales like this set the benchmark for what serious buyers will pay for a verified proof cent.
Proof coins are made for collectors, but that does not mean every piece survives in good shape.
Many proof sets from the early 1980s were broken apart or stored in poor conditions over the decades.
Environmental exposure causes modern pennies to spot, haze, or lose their shiny surfaces.
Getting a full Deep Cameo contrast requires fresh dies that have not yet worn down.
As dies strike more planchets, that heavy frosted look begins to fade into a light satin texture.
Collectors who build Lincoln cent sets actively compete for sharp coins that show strong contrast on both sides.
That steady demand keeps prices strong whenever a verified specimen appears on the market.
Keep in mind that high auction records belong to verified, professionally graded coins.
A regular proof cent found loose in a desk drawer will not automatically bring this kind of money.
You need to look at a few specific details to tell this coin apart from standard pocket change.
First, look directly below the date 1982 on the front of the coin.
You must see a clear S mint mark pressed into the field.
If there is no mint mark, the coin was struck in Philadelphia for regular spending.
If you see a D, it was made in Denver for daily circulation.
Next, examine the surface under a bright, direct light using a 5x or 10x magnifying glass.
Look closely at Lincoln's portrait and the lettering around the rim.
The design elements should appear noticeably frosted and white against deep, mirror-like backgrounds.
Watch out for standard circulation strikes that happen to look shiny or polished.
Polished pocket change will look slick all over and will lack the heavy, frosted details of a true proof strike.
If you want a fast way to check your find, scan it with Coin Value Checker to see what you have.
Always hold the coin by its edges to prevent natural skin oils from damaging the fragile surfaces.
Not sure where your coin lands on the chart? which coin valuation app is worth installing sorts it out from a photo.