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2018-S Proof

Small Cents · Lincoln Shield Cents · 2010–2026
Regular Proof
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeProof
Mintage 1,200,161
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-844

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About this coinHistory

The 2018-S Proof Lincoln Shield cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint for the annual proof set, with a production of approximately 1.2 million pieces. The proof finish provides the deep mirror fields and frosted cameo devices that have defined American proof coinage since the mid-20th century. The Shield design's geometric patterns translate effectively to the proof format.

The 2018 proof set also contained a companion piece: the 2018-S Reverse Proof cent, a special issue that inverted the standard proof finish. The availability of both a standard proof and a reverse proof cent from the same year gave collectors an unusual opportunity to compare the two finishing techniques side by side. The standard 2018-S proof maintains the traditional format that has been the backbone of the annual proof set program.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 2018-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cents were minted?
1,200,161 were struck.
What is a 2018-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 2018-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 2018-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.