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2023-S Proof

Small Cents · Lincoln Shield Cents · 2010–2026
Regular Proof
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeProof
Mintage 829,526
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Lyndall Bass
Collector's Key IDCK-864

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About this coinHistory

The 2023-S Proof Lincoln Shield cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of approximately 829,526 pieces. Production remained below the one-million mark for the third consecutive year, establishing a new baseline for proof set sales. The proof cent features the standard deep cameo finish, with mirror-bright fields surrounding frosted raised design elements.

The declining proof set sales of the early 2020s reflected broader changes in the collector marketplace. Online commerce, third-party grading services, and social media communities had transformed how collectors acquire and evaluate coins. Annual proof sets, once the primary entry point for new collectors, competed with a wider range of special Mint products and collector-oriented releases. The 2023-S proof cent remains a quality product that documents the ongoing history of the Shield cent series.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 2023-S Proof Lincoln Shield Cents were minted?
829,526 were struck.
What is a 2023-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 2023-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 2023-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.