The United States Mint struck this special Lincoln penny in 2002.
It carries the "S" mint mark, which means it was made at the San Francisco Mint.
Coins with the "S" mark from this era were made exclusively for collectors as proof coins.
The mint did not release these proof cents into regular circulation.
Instead, workers prepared polished blanks and dies to give the design sharp details.
This particular strike earned the Deep Cameo designation, often shortened to DCAM.
A DCAM coin shows a strong visual contrast between the raised parts and the background.
The design elements look frosted and white, while the flat fields look like dark mirrors.
This piece stands at rank 41 out of 200 in our list of notable Lincoln cents.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale of this certified modern proof penny.
The coin sold under the recorded lot name 5/03 through the auction house.
Professional coin graders certified this piece in Proof 66 condition with the DCAM designation.
On the standard grading scale up to 70, a grade of 66 indicates a very well-preserved proof coin.
It shows minor manufacturing flaws or light contact marks, but retains great overall eye appeal.
Auction records like this one show what buyers are willing to pay for verified, slabbed coins.
A certified holder protects the surface and confirms the strike quality for serious bidders.
Proof coins are popular among collectors who want the sharpest strike possible for each year.
Many modern proof coins are saved right out of government packaging, so competition centers on grade.
The Deep Cameo finish is the main draw for this specific variety.
Collectors actively build registry sets where every single coin must meet high standards.
A piece certified at Proof 66 DCAM fits right into these specialized collections.
Small imperfections on proof surfaces happen easily during packaging or long-term storage.
Finding a clean example without spots or haze keeps demand steady.
Every certified piece that crosses the auction block attracts bids from collectors completing modern sets.
You can identify this coin by checking the date and the area right below it.
Look directly underneath the year 2002 on the front of the penny.
You should clearly see a small "S" mint mark stamped on the surface.
If there is no mint mark, your coin came from Philadelphia, and a "D" means it came from Denver.
Check the surface finish under a direct desk lamp.
The portrait of Abraham Lincoln should look cloudy, white, and frosted.
The flat background around Lincoln should be shiny and reflective like glass.
A 5x or 10x jeweler loupe will help you inspect the fields for any tiny scratches or carbon spots.
If you want a quick check before using a loupe, you can scan the piece with CoinKnow or the Coin Value Checker app.
These tools give you a fast first read on whether you have a standard cent or a collector proof.
Regular pocket change will not have the mirror fields of a genuine San Francisco proof.
Keep in mind that high auction records belong to professionally certified specimens in protective slabs.
If the details are more than you need, our roundup of the best coin valuation app options keeps it simple.