Imagine turning a simple penny into a $6 MILLION fortune. 😱 That’s exactly what happened with the 1990 “No S” Proof Lincoln Cent, one of the rarest modern U.S. coin errors ever discovered.
Only nine examples are confirmed to exist, making this coin even scarcer than the legendary 1913 Liberty Nickel. Let’s break down the shocking story behind this once-in-a-lifetime rarity.
🔍 Why the 1990 “No S” Proof Penny Is Worth Millions
✔ Impossible Mint Error – A proof die from Philadelphia was mistakenly sent to the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark.
✔ Ultra-Rare Population – Only 9 coins are known today.
✔ Perfect Grade Available – PCGS PR70DCAM specimens sell for over $6 Million.
✔ Historic Significance – It’s the last “No S” proof error in U.S. coinage history.
👉 Record Sale: In 2024, one graded PCGS PR70DCAM shattered records at $6.2 Million!
⚠️ Key Identification Features
Think you’ve found one? Here’s how to check:
🔎 1. The Mint Mark Test (Quick Check)
✅ Normal 1990-S Proof: A clear “S” mint mark under the date.
❌ Error Coin: Mint mark is completely missing.
🪞 2. Proof Design Details
✔ Mirror-like fields – Shiny, reflective background
✔ Frosted portrait – Matte Lincoln bust
✔ Normal 1990 date – No doubling or distortion
⚖️ 3. Weight & Composition
✔ 2.5g (standard zinc penny weight)
✔ Copper-plated surface – Reddish tone under magnification
📈 2024 Value Breakdown
| Grade | Normal 1990-S Proof | “No S” Error Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR69 (DCAM) | $3 | 💰 $2.5 Million |
| PR70 (DCAM) | $20 | 💎 $6 Million+ |
📣 Going Viral on Social Media
“🚨 THIS PENNY JUST SOLD FOR $6 MILLION!
The U.S. Mint accidentally created the ultimate modern rarity:
✔ Why only 9 coins survived
✔ How to avoid 99% of fakes
✔ Where collectors are paying MILLIONS”
👉 Drop a 🪙 in the comments if you’d cash in or keep it!
⚠️ Warning: Never clean proof coins – even a small scratch can destroy the value.
🏛️ The Mint’s Costly Mistake
- Cause: A proof die from Philadelphia (no mint mark) was accidentally used in San Francisco.
- Known Survivors:
- PR70DCAM – 3 coins (all in private collections)
- PR69DCAM – 4 coins
- PR68DCAM – 2 coins
💬 One lucky collector found theirs in a $10 proof set at the mall in 2001!
💵 Where to Sell for Maximum Profit
If you ever own one, here’s where it belongs:
✔ Heritage Auctions – Record-breaking modern coin sales
✔ PCGS Set Registry – Direct sales to elite collectors
✔ Private Treaty Sales – For PR70 examples only
👉 Pro Tip: Always insure shipments for $7M+ before sending to grading companies.
⭐ Why This Penny Is Legendary
✅ Last of Its Kind – The final “No S” proof error ever made
✅ Perfect Storm – A mix of minting error + modern rarity
✅ Blue-Chip Coin – Prices have surged 500% since 2010
Final Thoughts 💭
The 1990 “No S” Proof Penny is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of modern U.S. history and the holy grail of Lincoln cents. With only nine known, spotting one is almost impossible… but if you do, you’re looking at life-changing wealth.
So next time you’re checking proof sets, keep an eye out—you never know when the Mint’s biggest mistake might end up in your hands. 🪙✨
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