2013 Penny Value Guide: P, D, S Mint Marks Worth Up to $2,750
Discover what your 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent is worth. Values range from face value to $2,750 for top-grade specimens. Complete pricing for all mints with expert grading tips.
The 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent is worth $0.01 to $2,750 depending on mint mark, grade, and color designation.
- Circulated (any mint): Face value ($0.01)
- Uncirculated MS-65 RD: $5 – $11
- Top business strikes: $2,750 (2013-D MS-69 RD)
- Proof strikes (2013-S): $2 – $85 (PR-70 DCAM)
With over 7 billion struck, numismatic value exists only for top-grade certified specimens with full Red color designation. The key rarity is the 2013-D MS-69 RD.
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Understanding the 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent
The 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent features the classic Brenner obverse and the Union Shield reverse introduced in 2010.
The 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent represents the fourth year of the Union Shield reverse design, which replaced the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 2010. Business strikes were produced at Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D), with proof strikes exclusively from San Francisco (S). With a combined business strike mintage exceeding 7 billion coins, these pennies are extremely common in circulation.
Despite their abundance, 2013 cents hold significant value in the highest certified grades. The market focuses exclusively on specimens graded MS-67 and higher with the Red (RD) color designation. The 2013-D has emerged as the key conditional rarity, with an MS-69 RD example selling for $2,750 at auction in January 2019. Proof strikes from San Francisco, while common, command premiums for Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation in PR-70.
This guide provides comprehensive pricing for all mint marks, explains the critical color designations, covers die varieties and mint errors, and addresses the unique preservation challenges posed by the copper-plated zinc composition that makes these coins "born to die" through zinc deterioration.
How to Identify Your 2013 Penny
Mint marks appear on the obverse, directly below the date. No mark indicates Philadelphia; 'D' indicates Denver; 'S' indicates San Francisco (proofs only).
The 2013 Lincoln Cent is easily identified by its date and distinctive reverse design. All 2013 cents feature Victor David Brenner's 1909 portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with LIBERTY above, IN GOD WE TRUST to the left, and the date 2013 below.
The reverse displays the Union Shield design created by Lyndall Bass and sculpted by Joseph Menna. The shield features 13 vertical stripes representing the original states, bound together by a single horizontal bar symbolizing the Federal government. A scroll reading E PLURIBUS UNUM drapes across the top of the shield. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE CENT complete the design.
Mint Mark Location and Identification
The mint mark, if present, appears on the obverse directly below the date 2013:
- No mint mark: Philadelphia Mint business strike (3.75 billion mintage)
- D mint mark: Denver Mint business strike (3.32 billion mintage)
- S mint mark: San Francisco Mint proof strike only (1.27 million mintage)
Business Strike vs Proof Distinction
Business strikes feature a uniform, satiny luster across the entire surface. These coins were intended for circulation and are found in pocket change. Proof strikes, exclusive to the San Francisco Mint, were struck multiple times on specially prepared, polished planchets. They exhibit mirror-like fields and frosted devices (especially pronounced in Deep Cameo or DCAM specimens). Proofs were sold only in U.S. Mint Proof Sets and never circulated.
The 2013 cent's copper-plated zinc composition gives it a distinctive appearance. The thin copper plating over a zinc core results in a weight of 2.50 grams—noticeably lighter than pre-1982 solid bronze cents (3.11 grams). The plain edge shows no reeding or lettering.
2013 Penny Value: Complete Price Guide
Grade comparison: circulated coins show varying degrees of wear on Lincoln's details and the shield, while mint state specimens retain full original luster.
The 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent's value is determined by three critical factors: mint mark, grade, and color designation. With billions struck, circulated examples hold only face value. Numismatic value exists exclusively in high uncirculated grades (MS-65 and above) for business strikes and in high proof grades (PR-67 and above) for San Francisco issues. The color designation is paramount—only coins certified as full Red (RD) or Deep Cameo (DCAM for proofs) command significant premiums.
2013-P Philadelphia Business Strike Values
The Philadelphia Mint struck 3,750,400,000 cents without a mint mark. According to PCGS analysis, these coins are "very common in circulated grades up to MS-64," require "a little searching" in MS-65, and become "very scarce" only at MS-67 or higher. The market exhibits a dramatic "value cliff" where coins below MS-65 RD trade for minimal premiums, while MS-67 RD and higher command exponentially increasing prices.
| Grade | MS-BN Value | MS-RB Value | MS-RD Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G-4 to AU-58) | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| MS-63 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $1 – $2 |
| MS-64 | $0.01 | $1 – $3 | $2 – $4 |
| MS-65 | $1 – $3 | $2 – $5 | $5 – $10 |
| MS-66 | $2 – $5 | $4 – $8 | $12 – $20 |
| MS-67 | $8 – $12 | $10 – $15 | $30 – $50 |
| MS-68 | $20 – $30 | $25 – $40 | $150 – $250 |
| MS-69 | — | — | $2,000+ |
Notable Auction Record: A 2013-P MS-68 RD realized $576(Heritage, June 2018). The MS-69 RD grade represents profound conditional rarity; PCGS has graded zero examples, and NGC has graded only one.
2013-D Denver Business Strike Values
The Denver Mint produced 3,319,600,000 cents with the D mint mark. While similar in overall availability to the Philadelphia issue, the 2013-D has proven to be the premier business strike for top-end conditional rarity. PCGS notes it is common through MS-66, with MS-67 being "a little harder to find" and MS-68 "scarce." The MS-69 RD grade is the key to the entire 2013 series.
| Grade | MS-BN Value | MS-RB Value | MS-RD Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G-4 to AU-58) | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| MS-63 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $1 – $2 |
| MS-64 | $0.01 | $1 – $3 | $2 – $4 |
| MS-65 | $1 – $3 | $2 – $5 | $7 – $11 |
| MS-66 | $2 – $5 | $4 – $8 | $15 – $20 |
| MS-67 | $8 – $12 | $10 – $15 | $30 – $50 |
| MS-68 | $20 – $30 | $25 – $40 | $250 – $350 |
| MS-69 | — | — | $2,500 – $3,000 |
Record Price: A 2013-D MS-69 RD achieved $2,750(January 2019 auction), establishing it as the key conditional rarity of the 2013 cent series. The Greysheet wholesale value for MS-68 RD is listed at $300.
2013-S San Francisco Proof Strike Values
The San Francisco Mint produced 1,274,505 proof cents exclusively for U.S. Mint Proof Sets. These coins were never intended for circulation and feature mirror-like surfaces with frosted devices. Despite the relatively low mintage, proof 2013 cents are common in all grades. Value compression occurs until the very top grades, with PR-70 DCAM representing the "perfect" coin.
| Grade | PR (Non-CAM) Value | PR-CAM Value | PR-DCAM Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | $2 – $4 | $3 – $5 | $4 – $6 |
| PR-66 | $3 – $5 | $4 – $6 | $5 – $8 |
| PR-67 | $4 – $6 | $5 – $8 | $8 – $12 |
| PR-68 | $5 – $8 | $8 – $12 | $12 – $15 |
| PR-69 | $8 – $12 | $12 – $18 | $18 – $30 |
| PR-70 | $20 – $30 | $30 – $45 | $45 – $85 |
Auction Records: PR-70 DCAM examples have realized $84 and $46(PCGS auction data). An outlier record of $350 likely reflects an early "First Strike" designation premium. NGC lists PR-70 DCAM at $65. PR-69 is the most commonly certified grade.
💡 Color Designation is Everything
For 2013 business strikes, the market is effectively binary: full Red (RD) or face value. Coins designated Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) hold negligible collector value even in high-grade holders, as fully RD specimens in comparable grades are readily available for nominal premiums. Only invest in certified RD examples for business strikes and DCAM/UCAM for proofs.
Grading the 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent
Color designation is critical for value: RD (Red) retains 95%+ original luster, RB (Red-Brown) shows 5-95%, and BN (Brown) has under 5% original color.
Grading the 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent requires understanding both traditional wear-based grading and the critical color designations unique to copper-plated coinage. The market's exclusive focus on Red (RD) business strikes and Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs makes color assessment as important as technical grade.
Check these high points first for wear: Lincoln's cheek and jaw, hair above ear, and shoulder details.
Circulated Grades (Good-4 through About Uncirculated-58)
Circulated 2013 cents are worth face value regardless of condition. Wear first appears on Lincoln's cheek and jaw, the hair details above his ear, and the high points of his coat at the shoulder. On the reverse, the horizontal bar of the shield and the tops of the vertical stripes show wear first. In heavily circulated grades (Good-4 to Very Good-8), LIBERTY and the date remain readable, but Lincoln's facial features flatten significantly.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70)
Mint State coins show no wear from circulation. Grading distinctions are based on strike quality, surface preservation, and luster. For 2013 cents, the practical grading range begins at MS-63:
MS-63 to MS-64: May show minor contact marks, particularly in the open fields. Luster may be slightly muted. Strike quality varies—some examples show weak detail on Lincoln's hair or the shield's upper stripes. These grades are extremely common and trade for minimal premiums.
MS-65 to MS-66: Above-average strike with good eye appeal. Few contact marks, and those present are small and inconspicuous. Full, vibrant luster with strong cartwheel effect. MS-66 coins approach "Gem" quality and require careful searching to locate.
MS-67 to MS-68: Premium quality with exceptional surfaces. Marks are minimal and insignificant. Strike is sharp with full design detail. Luster is blazing and uninterrupted. MS-68 coins are scarce conditional rarities, commanding significant premiums.
MS-69: Near-perfect coin with only minute imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The 2013-D MS-69 RD is the key conditional rarity of the entire series, with PCGS recording zero examples and NGC grading only one as of 2024.
Color Designations for Business Strikes
The copper plating on 2013 cents oxidizes over time, progressing from original red through red-brown to brown. This color designation is assigned by grading services and is critical to value:
- RD (Red): Coin retains more than 95% of its original red mint luster. The surface shows bright, orange-red copper color with a vibrant cartwheel luster. This is the only designation the market values for business strikes.
- RB (Red-Brown): Coin retains 5% to 95% of its original red luster, with brown toning appearing. Market value is minimal—collectors prefer to acquire RD examples.
- BN (Brown): Coin retains less than 5% of its original red luster, with dark brown or chocolate color dominating. Worth face value in the current market.
Proof Grades and Designations (PR-60 through PR-70)
Proof 2013-S cents are graded on surface preservation and the strength of cameo contrast:
PR-65 to PR-68: Proofs showing minor hairlines, contact marks, or slight spotting. Most coins from broken-out proof sets fall into these grades.
PR-69: Near-perfect surfaces with only minute imperfections under magnification. This is the most commonly certified grade for 2013-S proofs, as modern striking technology produces consistently high-quality coins.
PR-70: Absolute perfection with no flaws visible even under 5x magnification. Represents less than 5% of certified proofs and commands the highest premiums.
Proof designations include:
- CAM (Cameo): Moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields.
- DCAM (Deep Cameo) / UCAM (Ultra Cameo): Maximum contrast with deeply frosted devices and liquid-like mirror fields. This is the standard for modern proofs and the designation collectors seek.
⚠️ Strike Quality Variation
Not all 2013 cents were created equal. Some examples show weak strikes, particularly on Lincoln's hair detail and the upper portions of the shield's stripes. Weak strikes limit the maximum grade a coin can achieve. Always examine potential purchases for full design detail before buying, especially for MS-66 RD and higher grades where strike quality significantly impacts value.
Die Varieties of the 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent
The 2013 cents are not known for dramatic or highly valuable die varieties. Major grading services (PCGS, NGC) do not list any 2013-P or 2013-D doubled dies or repunched mint marks as "Major Varieties" eligible for attribution on their standard labels. However, specialist attribution services including Variety Vista and John Wexler have documented minor varieties sought by specialists. These varieties carry small premiums in the specialist market but are not widely recognized by general collectors.
2013-P Doubled Die Obverse (WDDO-001)
Attribution: First reported by collector Tanaka Davis, this variety is designated 2013 1¢ WDDO-001 (Wexler) and 2013 VDDO-001 (Variety Vista). The doubling is minor and requires magnification to identify.
Diagnostics:
- Clear "notches" visible on the top-left corners of the letters E, R, T, and Y in LIBERTY
- Moderate extra thickness present on all four digits of the date (2013)
- Doubling is most evident under 10x magnification with proper lighting
Market Value: No reliable public pricing is available from major auction houses or third-party grading services. In the specialist market, uncirculated examples trade for a minor premium of $5 to $15 over common-date value. This variety is collected primarily by doubled die specialists and does not command mainstream market attention.
2013-P Doubled Die Reverse (DDR-001)
Attribution: Designated 2013 1c DDR-001 (1-R-VIII) by Variety Vista, this variety exhibits Class VI extra thickness on the reverse lettering.
Diagnostics:
- Strong doubling visible on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- Extra thickness evident on the word ONE
- Doubling present on designer initials LB (Lyndall Bass) and JMF (Joseph Menna)
- Separation is strongest on the right side of the reverse devices
Market Value: Similar to the obverse doubled die, no reliable public pricing exists. High-grade uncirculated examples add a small premium of $5 to $20 in specialist transactions. The variety has minimal mainstream collector recognition.
ℹ️ Variety vs. Value
Unlike famous doubled dies such as the 1955 or 1972 Lincoln cents, the 2013 varieties show minor doubling that appeals primarily to specialists. For most collectors, the focus should remain on acquiring high-grade, certified examples with full Red color designation rather than pursuing these minor varieties. The 2013-D MS-69 RD business strike and 2013-S PR-70 DCAM proof offer far more significant collecting opportunities.
Mint Errors Found on 2013 Lincoln Shield Cents
Off-center errors range from minor (low value) to dramatic 40-60% strikes with full date (most desirable).
Mint errors are unique products of minting malfunctions and are valued based on their type, severity, visual appeal, and rarity. While 2013 cents are common coins, significant errors command substantial premiums. Authentication by a major third-party grading service (PCGS or NGC) is essential for valuable errors to have realizable market value.
Off-Center Strikes
Description: This error occurs when a planchet is improperly seated between the dies, resulting in a strike that is not centered. A portion of the coin's design is missing, and an equal-sized portion of blank planchet is visible. The error's value depends critically on two factors: the percentage off-center and whether the date and mint mark remain fully visible.
Identification: Examine the coin for incomplete design on one side with corresponding blank planchet area on the opposite side. The unstruck area should show the natural copper plating color without any design elements. The struck portion should show normal design details and luster.
Value Guide:
- Minor (1-5% off-center): Very common, minimal collector interest. Value: $1 to $3
- Moderate (10-30% off-center): More noticeable but still common. Value: $5 to $15
- "Sweet Spot" (40-60% off-center) with Full Date: Most desirable combination—visually dramatic while remaining fully identifiable. Value: $20 to $50
- Extreme (70-90% off-center): Value drops as the date and design become unidentifiable, making authentication difficult. Value: $10 to $20
Wrong Planchet Errors
Description: A wrong planchet error occurs when a 2013 one-cent die strikes a planchet intended for a different denomination. The most valuable and recognizable wrong planchet error for cents is striking on a dime planchet. The resulting coin appears "silver" (cupro-nickel composition), measures smaller than a normal cent (17.91mm vs. 19.00mm), and weighs less (2.268g vs. 2.50g). The larger cent design is incomplete, running off the edge of the smaller dime planchet.
Identification: The coin will show partial cent design elements (portions of Lincoln's portrait, partial date, incomplete lettering) on a silver-colored planchet. The dime's reeded edge (118 reeds) will be visible around the circumference. Professional authentication is mandatory for sale.
Market Value: While no specific 2013 examples appear in published auction records, value can be reliably extrapolated from precedent. In a January 2013 auction, a 1959 cent on a dime planchet (MS-64) sold for $1,997.50, and a 1959-D (MS-63) sold for $2,115. A certified Mint State 2013-P or 2013-D cent struck on a dime planchet would command an estimated retail value of $1,500 to $2,200.
Plating Errors and Zinc Deterioration
Description: This is the most commonly encountered "error" on 2013 cents and is a direct result of the copper-plated zinc composition. Technically, these are not true mint errors but rather failures of the thin copper plating to properly adhere to the zinc core. The condition manifests in several forms:
- Plating Bubbles: Small "pimples" or "blisters" where gas, moisture, or contamination caused the plating to separate from the core during or after striking
- Lamination/Flaking: Areas where the plating has cracked or peeled away, exposing the gray zinc core beneath
- "Clamshell" Defects: Large areas where the entire plating layer has detached but remains partially connected
Value Assessment:
- Minor plating bubbles: Extremely common on circulated 2013 cents. No added numismatic value—face value only.
- Significant lamination or flake: Noticeable plating separation covering 10-25% of the coin's surface. Value: $5 to $15
- Large "clamshell" defect: Dramatic plating failure with detached copper layer. Value: $20 to $40
⚠️ Post-Strike Damage vs. Mint Error
Many plating defects on 2013 cents result from post-strike environmental damage rather than mint errors. True mint errors show plating separation present at the time of striking, often with struck design elements visible on both the plating and the exposed zinc core. Post-strike zinc deterioration ("zinc rot") shows white, powdery corrosion (hydrozincite) and is considered damage, not an error. When purchasing plating errors, insist on third-party certification to verify the defect originated at the mint.
Authentication and Problem Coin Identification
For common-date 2013 Lincoln Shield Cents in circulated or low-grade mint state condition, counterfeiting is not a concern due to their minimal value. Authentication becomes critical only for high-value items: business strikes graded MS-67 RD or higher, major mint errors (particularly wrong planchet errors), and top-grade proof specimens (PR-70 DCAM). Any 2013 cent being sold for more than $100 should be certified by PCGS or NGC to ensure authenticity and accurately assigned grade.
The primary authentication concern for 2013 cents is distinguishing genuine high-grade specimens from problem coins that have been cleaned, artificially retoned, or otherwise enhanced to appear more valuable. Problem coins are considered damaged goods in the numismatic market and hold only face value regardless of their apparent grade.
Signs of Cleaning: Modern copper-plated zinc cents are easily and irreversibly damaged by cleaning attempts. A cleaned 2013 cent exhibits an unnaturally bright, "waxy" luster that lacks the natural cartwheel effect of original mint luster. Under magnification (10x or higher), fine concentric scratches become visible—these are left by polishing agents like Brasso, Wright's, or jewelry cleaners used with a cloth. The coin may also show parallel hairline scratches in the open fields, indicating it was wiped. The color often appears uniform and "lifeless," displaying a pink or orange hue that differs from the vibrant red-orange of a natural RD specimen. Professional grading services will not holder cleaned coins; they are returned as "Genuine—Cleaned" or "Details—Cleaned."
Artificial Toning and Enhancement: Some sellers attempt to disguise cleaned coins or enhance naturally RB/BN coins by applying artificial toning. Artificial toning typically appears as unnatural color patches—often blue, purple, or green—that don't follow the natural oxidation patterns of copper. The toning may be concentrated along edges or in areas that wouldn't naturally tone first. Chemical toning methods can also leave a residue or create an iridescent sheen that differs from natural tarnish. When evaluating color, compare the coin to certified examples of known authenticity.
Strike-Through Damage vs. Errors: Many 2013 cents show small marks or indentations from debris striking through during minting. Minor strike-throughs are common production anomalies, not valuable errors, and don't add premium. Significant strike-throughs involving large objects or resulting in dramatic design distortion may have modest error value ($5 to $25), but only if certified.
Environmental Damage: The copper-plated zinc composition makes 2013 cents vulnerable to environmental damage that can mimic valuable characteristics. Green corrosion (copper oxidation) is sometimes mistaken for valuable toning—it's not. White, powdery deposits indicate zinc corrosion beneath failed plating and render the coin worthless. Black spots or streaks often result from PVC contamination from improper storage in vinyl flips and cannot be removed without causing further damage.
When to Seek Professional Grading: Submit 2013 cents for third-party grading when they appear to grade MS-67 RD or higher, exhibit significant mint errors (off-center 40%+, wrong planchet), or are proof specimens that appear PR-69 DCAM or PR-70 DCAM. The certification cost ($20 to $50 depending on service level) is justified only when the coin's potential value significantly exceeds the grading fee. For common MS-64 RD or PR-68 DCAM coins, the certification cost exceeds their market value.
Preservation and Conservation of 2013 Cents
Zinc rot is the primary preservation challenge for copper-plated zinc cents, causing plating bubbles and eventual corrosion.
The 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent presents a fundamental conservation challenge that sets it apart from earlier solid bronze cents. The copper-plated zinc composition creates an inherently unstable coin that is susceptible to a degenerative chemical process known as "zinc rot" or "zinc deterioration." This phenomenon is not a matter of "if" but "when"—all unprotected 2013 cents are at risk of progressive damage over time.
Understanding Zinc Deterioration: The destructive process begins when a microscopic breach occurs in the thin copper plating. This breach can result from a small plating bubble bursting, a minor strike-through during production, or simple contact damage from handling or storage. Once the highly reactive zinc core is exposed to atmospheric humidity and carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction is inevitable. The zinc oxidizes and forms a white, powdery substance known as hydrozincite (zinc carbonate hydroxide), commonly called "zinc bloom." This new chemical compound expands in volume, pushing upward on the copper plating from beneath. The expansion creates characteristic bubbles and "pimples" visible on the coin's surface. Eventually, the pressure causes the plating to rupture completely, exposing the corroded zinc core and creating an irreversible, pitted cavity.
Storage Risks: Traditional coin storage methods are inadequate for long-term preservation of 2013 cents. Cardboard coin albums contain sulfur and other chemicals that accelerate corrosion. Paper coin rolls allow air exchange and moisture absorption. Standard plastic coin tubes, unless specifically designed for long-term archival storage, may not create an adequate environmental barrier. Even "crystal clear" PVC-based flips release plasticizers that cause permanent green spotting and environmental damage to copper surfaces.
Recommended Preservation Method: The only viable, long-term preservation solution for high-grade 2013 cents (MS-66 RD or higher) is professional encapsulation in an inert, sonically-sealed holder from PCGS or NGC. These holders seal the coin in a stable, non-reactive nitrogen atmosphere that prevents oxidation and halts the zinc deterioration process. The high prices commanded by MS-68 and MS-69 RD examples reflect not just their superior technical grade and color, but the fact that they have been stabilized and protected against their own self-destructive chemical nature. For collectors, this means that raw (uncertified) high-grade 2013 cents represent significant risk—the coin could degrade substantially while in your possession, eliminating any numismatic value.
Handling Best Practices: When handling uncertified 2013 cents, always hold coins by their edges—never touch the surfaces with bare fingers. Skin oils contain acids and salts that can breach the plating and initiate zinc corrosion. Use cotton or nitrile gloves for extended examination. View coins over a soft surface (velvet pad or foam) to prevent damage if dropped. Never attempt cleaning or "conservation" of zinc cents with household products, jewelry cleaners, or chemical dips—such treatments invariably cause irreversible damage and eliminate all numismatic value.
For Circulated and Common Date Examples: If you're preserving 2013 cents as basic date/mint mark collection fillers without concern for high-grade value, mylar flips or archival-quality coin tubes offer adequate protection. However, accept that these coins may naturally tone from RD to RB to BN over decades—this is normal oxidation and does not affect their face value or basic collectibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2013 Pennies
How much is my 2013 penny worth?
The value of a 2013 Lincoln Shield Cent depends entirely on its condition, color designation, and mint mark. Circulated 2013 pennies from any mint are worth face value ($0.01). Uncirculated examples begin to have modest numismatic value at MS-65 RD grade ($5 to $11), with values increasing exponentially in higher grades. The key rarity is the 2013-D MS-69 RD, which has sold for $2,750 at auction. Only coins certified with full Red (RD) color designation command significant premiums—Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) examples have negligible collector value even in high grades.
How do I identify the mint mark on a 2013 penny?
The mint mark appears on the obverse (front) of the coin, directly below the date 2013. If there is no mint mark, your coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. A "D" mint mark indicates production at the Denver Mint. An "S" mint mark indicates a proof strike from the San Francisco Mint—these coins have mirror-like surfaces and were sold only in U.S. Mint Proof Sets, never released for circulation. Use a magnifying glass if needed, as the mint mark is small but clearly visible once you know where to look.
What does "RD," "RB," and "BN" mean on grading labels?
These designations refer to the color of the coin's copper plating: RD (Red) means the coin retains more than 95% of its original mint red luster; RB (Red-Brown) indicates 5% to 95% original red color with brown toning; BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red remains. For 2013 cents, this designation is absolutely critical to value. The market exclusively values RD examples—RB and BN specimens trade for face value or minimal premiums regardless of technical grade. When purchasing 2013 cents as collectibles or investments, only consider certified RD examples.
Should I get my 2013 penny professionally graded?
Professional grading is only cost-effective if your coin has significant value potential. Submit for grading if your 2013 penny appears to be MS-67 RD or higher quality (flawless surfaces, vibrant red color, no spots or marks), if it's a proof that appears PR-69 DCAM or PR-70 DCAM, or if it exhibits a major mint error like a significant off-center strike or wrong planchet. Grading costs range from $20 to $50 or more depending on service level and turnaround time. For typical MS-64 RD or MS-65 RD coins worth $2 to $10, the grading cost exceeds the coin's value. Focus certification efforts on exceptional specimens only.
What is "zinc rot" and how do I prevent it?
Zinc rot (formally called zinc deterioration) is a chemical process where the zinc core of copper-plated cents oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture through breaks in the plating. The zinc forms a white, powdery substance called hydrozincite that expands and ruptures the copper plating, creating permanent damage. Prevention requires storing coins in inert, sealed environments. For valuable high-grade specimens, professional encapsulation by PCGS or NGC is the only reliable long-term preservation method. For common-date examples, store in archival-quality mylar flips or tubes, away from humidity, and handle only by the edges with gloves. Never store in PVC flips, cardboard albums, or paper envelopes, as these materials accelerate deterioration.
Are 2013 pennies with no mint mark valuable?
2013 pennies with no mint mark are Philadelphia Mint issues with a massive mintage of 3.75 billion. They are common in all circulated and most uncirculated grades. Value exists only in high certified grades: MS-67 RD examples are worth $30 to $50, and MS-68 RD examples are worth $150 to $250. The MS-69 RD grade is a profound rarity with only one example certified by NGC and none by PCGS—such a specimen would command well over $2,000. Regular circulation finds and typical uncirculated rolls from banks contain only face value coins.
How can I tell if my 2013 penny has been cleaned?
Cleaned coins display several telltale signs: an unnaturally bright, "waxy" appearance that lacks the natural cartwheel luster of original mint state coins; fine concentric scratches visible under 10x magnification (left by polishing compounds and cloths); parallel hairline scratches in the open fields from wiping; and a uniform, "lifeless" pink or orange color instead of vibrant red-orange. Cleaned coins may also show unnatural edge contrast where cleaning solutions pooled. Professional grading services will not certify cleaned coins—they're returned as "Details—Cleaned" or "Genuine—Improperly Cleaned." Never attempt to clean a 2013 penny yourself, as any cleaning immediately eliminates all numismatic value.
What are the different types of 2013 proof pennies?
The 2013-S proof penny came in one design type (Union Shield reverse) but with varying levels of cameo contrast. Regular proof coins have mirror-like surfaces without significant frosting. CAM (Cameo) designates moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields. DCAM (Deep Cameo) or UCAM (Ultra Cameo)—the terms are equivalent—indicates maximum contrast with deeply frosted devices and liquid-like mirror fields. DCAM is the standard for modern proofs and the designation serious collectors seek. Most 2013-S proofs certify as PR-69 DCAM, with PR-70 DCAM representing absolute perfection and commanding premiums of $45 to $85.
Are error 2013 pennies worth anything?
Yes, but values vary dramatically based on error type and severity. Minor plating bubbles or small off-center strikes (under 10%) add minimal value. Significant errors include: off-center strikes of 40-60% with full date visible ($20 to $50); cents struck on dime planchets showing cupro-nickel "silver" color ($1,500 to $2,200); and large plating "clamshell" defects ($20 to $40). All significant errors must be authenticated and certified by PCGS or NGC to have realizable market value. Be aware that post-strike environmental damage (zinc rot) is not considered a mint error and adds no value.
Where can I sell my valuable 2013 penny?
For certified high-grade 2013 cents (MS-67 RD or higher, PR-70 DCAM, or major certified errors), consignment to a major numismatic auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers provides the best prices and broadest collector reach. These services charge commission (typically 10-20%) but place your coin before thousands of serious bidders. For coins worth $100 to $500, online marketplaces like eBay reach collectors worldwide—ensure your listing includes high-quality photos and accurate, honest descriptions. Local coin dealers offer immediate payment but typically pay wholesale prices (50-70% of retail value). For common-date examples worth under $50, selling costs often exceed profit—consider such coins long-term holdings or gifts to beginning collectors.
Recent Auction Results for 2013 Cents
Auction records provide the most reliable gauge of market value for high-grade 2013 Lincoln Shield Cents. The following results reflect actual prices realized (including buyer's premium) at major numismatic auction houses:
2013-D MS-69 RD:$2,750(January 2019 auction). This represents the record price for any business strike 2013 cent and established the 2013-D MS-69 RD as the key conditional rarity of the series. The extreme rarity of this grade—with virtually no examples certified—drives the premium.
2013-P MS-68 RD:$576(Heritage Auctions, June 2018). This demonstrates the significant value gap between MS-67 RD (typically $30 to $50) and MS-68 RD, where population scarcity begins to drive exponential price increases.
2013-S PR-70 DCAM: Multiple examples have realized between $46 and $84(PCGS auction data). One outlier record of $350 appears to reflect an early "First Strike" designation when that premium was more significant. Current market values have stabilized in the $45 to $85 range for standard PR-70 DCAM examples.
These results emphasize the market's focus on absolute top grades and proper color/cameo designations. The price differential between MS-67 RD and MS-69 RD demonstrates that collectors and investors are willing to pay exponentially higher premiums for the finest known examples, particularly when population reports show extreme scarcity in top grades.
Pricing Methodology and Data Sources
The values presented in this guide are derived from comprehensive analysis of current market data as of October 2024. Primary sources include PCGS Price Guide and CoinFacts database, NGC Coin Explorer and Price Guide, actual auction results from Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers, and wholesale pricing from Greysheet and CPG. Values represent retail prices that informed collectors can expect to pay for certified examples in the specified grades and designations.
All prices are for coins certified by PCGS or NGC—the two most widely recognized third-party grading services in the United States. Raw (uncertified) coins may trade for less, particularly in higher grades where authentication and grading accuracy are critical. The coin market is dynamic, with prices subject to change based on supply, demand, and broader economic factors. Precious metals prices fluctuate daily, though for 2013 cents the minimal intrinsic metal value (calculated at $0.0084 based on October 2024 spot prices) has negligible impact on numismatic valuations.
Key data sources referenced throughout this analysis include the U.S. Mint's official 2013 Annual Report for production costs and mintage figures; published auction archives from major auction houses for price realization data; specialist variety attribution services including Variety Vista and Wexler Doubled Dies for variety information; and NGC conservation articles on zinc deterioration and copper-plated zinc cent preservation challenges. All external references are cited with source attribution and dates to ensure accuracy and verifiability.
Collectors should conduct independent research and consult multiple sources before making significant purchases. This guide provides educational information and market context but does not constitute investment advice or guarantee future values.
