2019-W Proof

The 2019-W Proof Lincoln Shield cent was struck at the West Point Mint as part of the special collector offerings that made 2019 a landmark year for the denomination. The "W" mintmark identifies the coin as a West Point product, and the proof finish features the traditional mirror fields and frosted cameo devices. Approximately 372.4 million pieces were produced, though the proof finish specimens represent a small subset of that total, distributed through premium Mint products.

West Point's involvement in cent production was unprecedented in 2019. The facility, sometimes called the "Fort Knox of Silver" for its role in storing precious metal bullion, had previously focused on commemorative coins, American Eagle bullion, and special collector editions of circulating designs. Producing Lincoln cents expanded West Point's portfolio and gave collectors a new mintmark to pursue. The 2019-W Proof cent complements the Reverse Proof and Uncirculated versions also struck at West Point that year, creating a three-piece West Point cent set that many collectors assembled as a unit.