Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

2012-S Proof

Small Cents · Lincoln Shield Cents · 2010–2026
Regular Proof
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeProof
Mintage 1,237,415
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-824

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 2012-S Proof Lincoln Shield cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint for the annual proof set. Production dropped to approximately 1.24 million pieces, reflecting a continuing decline in proof set sales from the peak years of the mid-2000s. The proof cent features the deep mirror finish and frosted cameo devices that distinguish San Francisco proof coinage from circulation strikes.

The lower proof mintage of 2012 makes these coins incrementally scarcer than the 2010 and 2011 proof cents, though all remain affordable and readily available in the secondary market. Proof collectors who build year-by-year sets of Lincoln cents consider the Shield series proofs a natural continuation of the Memorial reverse proofs that ended in 2008 and the bicentennial proofs of 2009.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 2012-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cents were minted?
1,237,415 were struck.
What is a 2012-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cent made of?
Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper), weighing 2.5 g.
What is the melt value of a 2012-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 2012-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.