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The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $20 in average uncirculated condition to over $3,000 for high-grade specimens. This tiny San Francisco mint treasure is one of the most famous “variety” coins in modern American history, often hidden in plain sight within old glass jars or pocket change.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Brown) | $5 – $15 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 Red-Brown) | $35 – $60 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65 Red) | $150 – $400 |
| High Grade (MS67 Red) | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
How to Identify the Rare 1970-S Small Date Variation
If you have a 1970 penny with an “S” mint mark, you might be sitting on a modest windfall. However, the first step is determining if you have the “Small Date” or the more common “Large Date” version. Most people struggle to see the difference without a magnifying glass or a top coin identifier app because the variations are incredibly subtle.
To find the Small Date, look at the word “LIBERTY.” On the rare Small Date variety, the lettering is often slightly mushy or weak compared to the crisp strike of the Large Date. But the real giveaway is the date itself. On a Small Date, the top of the “7” sits level with the top of the “9” and the “0.” On the common Large Date, the “7” is noticeably lower than the other numbers.
If you are unsure, using CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these features. The 1970-S Small Date was created when the San Francisco mint used a proof die to strike regular circulation business strikes. Because so few were made before the error was caught, collectors pay a significant premium to add this piece to their albums.
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Technical Comparison: Small Date vs. Large Date Pennies
Understanding the technical nuances is essential for any amateur numismatist. The most reliable diagnostic is the alignment of the numbers. If you were to draw an invisible straight line across the top of the “1,” “9,” and “0,” the “7” on a Large Date would fall below that line. On a Small Date, it touches or sits exactly on that line.
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Another area to inspect is the curve of the “9.” On the Small Date, the tail of the “9” points directly toward the center of the “S” mint mark. On the Large Date, the tail points further to the right. These micro-differences are what drive the 1970-S Small Date Red Lincoln penny price guide data upward.
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| Feature | Small Date (Rare) | Large Date (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Number “7” Alignment | Level with “9” and “0” | Lower than “9” and “0” |
| “LIBERTY” Inscription | Weak/Faded appearance | Strong and Crisp |
| Tail of the “9” | Points toward the Mint Mark | Points toward the right |
The Role of Mint State and Color in 1970-S Penny Pricing
Condition is king in the world of coin collecting. For the 1970-S Small Date, the color of the copper also plays a massive role in its final sale price. PCGS and NGC, the major grading services, categorize copper coins as “Red” (RD), “Red-Brown” (RB), or “Brown” (BN). A “Red” coin retains at least 95% of its original mint luster and commands the highest prices.
Most pennies you find in circulation will be “Brown” because copper oxidizes quickly when touched by human hands. However, if you find one in a forgotten coin roll or a mint set, it might still have that brilliant orange-red glow. Many users have found these gems by scanning their collections with CoinKnow to identify high-quality strikes before sending them in for professional grading.
The current market value for 1970-S pennies depends heavily on these grades. While a brown circulated Small Date might only get you $20, a “Red” MS66 version can easily fetch $500 or more at auction.
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Historical Context: Why Was the 1970-S Small Date Made?
The year 1970 was a transitional period for the San Francisco Mint. They were producing both proof sets for collectors and regular coins for circulation. During the production of the 1970-S cents, two different master hubs were used. The first hub (Small Date) was actually intended for proof coins, but it was mistakenly used for a small run of business-strike coins.
Because the San Francisco mint (S) generally produced fewer coins than Philadelphia or Denver, any variation from this mint is automatically more scrutinized by the collecting community. By the time the mint realized the Small Date dies were being used for circulation coins, they had already released thousands into the wild.
Today, these coins are considered a “must-have” for anyone trying to complete a Lincoln Memorial Cent folder. Because the Small Date is significantly rarer than the Large Date, the demand always outweighs the supply, ensuring that the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny Value remains high even during market dips.
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How to Sell Your Rare 1970-S Penny for Maximum Profit
If you believe you have found a 1970-S Small Date, don’t rush to the nearest pawn shop. Pawn shops often pay only a fraction of a coin’s actual numismatic value. Instead, your first step should be to verify the variety using a tool like CoinKnow, which can help you compare your coin against high-resolution archive images.
For coins that appear to be in “Mint State” (meaning they look brand new with no scratches), it is worth paying for professional grading from PCGS or NGC. A certified “Small Date” in a plastic slab is much easier to sell on eBay or at a dedicated auction house like Heritage Auctions.
| Sales Venue | Best For… | Potential Profit |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | Raw/Ungraded coins | Moderate |
| Coin Shows | Quick cash/Networking | Variable |
| Heritage Auctions | Certified High-Grade (MS66+) | Maximum |
FAQ about the 1970-S Small Date Penny
Q: Can I find a 1970-S Small Date in my pocket change today?
A: While it is extremely rare, it is scientifically possible. Most of these coins were pulled from circulation in the 1970s and 80s by eagle-eyed collectors. However, “estate finds” often result in these coins being spent by people who don’t know their value, putting them back into circulation occasionally.
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Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1970-S Small Date Penny?
A: In high-grade “Red” condition (MS67RD), these coins have sold for over $4,000 at major auctions. The price depends entirely on the lack of surface marks and the brilliance of the copper color.
Q: Does every 1970 penny with an “S” have a high value?
A: No. Millions of 1970-S “Large Date” pennies were minted. These are only worth face value (1 cent) or perhaps 2-3 cents for their copper content. Only the “Small Date” variety holds significant collector value.
Q: How can I tell if my 1970-S penny is a Proof coin?
A: Proof coins were sold in special plastic sets from the mint. They have a mirror-like background and very frosty details. If your coin looks like a mirror, it is a Proof. If it looks like a normal shiny penny, it is a business strike. Both Proofs and business strikes have Small Date varieties!