The United States Mint struck this special Lincoln Cent in 1986.
It carries the "S" mint mark, which means it was made at the San Francisco Mint.
Unlike normal pennies meant for everyday pocket change, this coin was struck specifically for collectors as a proof.
Proof coins are made using specially polished dies and blanks.
The workers strike each blank multiple times to bring out sharp details and mirror-like surfaces.
The "DCAM" label stands for Deep Cameo.
Deep Cameo coins have frosted, matte designs that stand out sharply against pitch-black, reflective fields.
This strong visual contrast is what makes the 1986-S proof penny so popular among modern cent collectors.
A top-tier example of this coin traded through Heritage Auctions under lot reference 1/03.
The coin achieved the perfect grade of Proof 70 Deep Cameo, or PR70 DCAM.
A grade of 70 is the highest possible score on the standard numismatic grading scale.
It means that even under five-power magnification, the coin shows zero post-production flaws, scratches, or handling marks.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale of this flawless piece.
Finding modern proofs in PR69 is relatively common, but hitting a true PR70 is quite difficult.
Bidders compete aggressively whenever a certified flawless modern cent crosses the auction block.
The value of this particular 1986-S cent comes entirely down to condition rarity.
The San Francisco Mint produced millions of proof sets for collectors that year.
Most of those coins remained safe inside their original hard plastic cases.
However, minor manufacturing imperfections keep the vast majority from scoring a perfect grade.
Tiny planchet streaks, slight milk spots, or tiny hairline scratches can drop a coin from PR70 to PR69 instantly.
Collectors who build top-ranked Registry Sets need every coin in their collection to be a perfect 70.
Because so few 1986-S cents meet that strict standard, demand outpaces the tiny supply of top-graded pieces.
Ordinary examples taken from standard proof sets only trade for pocket change or a couple of dollars.
You can start by looking for the small "S" mint mark located directly below the date 1986.
Next, check the finish of the coin under a good desk lamp.
A Deep Cameo coin will have a heavily frosted portrait of Abraham Lincoln and bold, frosty lettering.
The background behind Lincoln should look like a clean, dark glass mirror.
Do not confuse this proof strike with normal 1986 pennies struck in Philadelphia or Denver.
Standard circulation cents have a regular satin luster rather than mirrored fields.
If you are sorting through loose proof sets and want a quick second opinion, scan the coin with Coin Value Checker to verify the strike style and compare it to known examples.
Use a 10x jeweler loupe to inspect the surfaces for tiny copper spots, haze, or faint scratches.
Remember that even microscopic contact marks will prevent a coin from achieving the valuable PR70 grade.
Always hold your proof coins strictly by the edges to keep skin oils from ruining the delicate mirror surfaces.
If you are unsure about the grade, our roundup of the best coin valuation app options gives you a starting point.