Learn how to spot the difference, why it matters, and which 1970 penny can be valuable.
If you have ever dumped a handful of old pennies onto a table and randomly flipped through them,half paying attention, half daydreaming,there’s a decent chance you’ve held a 1970 Lincoln cent without giving it a second thought.
I know I did.
More than once.
In fact, I remember clearly the first time someone mentioned “1970 large date vs small date” to me. I laughed. Out loud. I mean, how different could the date really be? It’s four tiny numbers on a coin that’s been rattling around in drawers, jars, and glove compartments for decades.
It turns out…
Very different.
So different, in fact, that one version is common pocket change, while the other can be worth hundreds,or even thousands,of dollars. And that’s exactly why these comparisons matter.
In this article, we’re going to break things down, take a closer look, and go over everything you need to know about the 1970 large date vs small date penny. We’ll cover how to identify them correctly, why the small date is so rare, and the common mistakes even careful collectors make.
No jargon overload.
No academic lectures.
Just clear, practical guidance from someone who’s made the same misidentifications you might be worried about right now.
Let’s begin the short answer.
The Quick Answer: 1970 Big Date Vs Small Date
The 1970 Lincoln cent I exist two different date styles.
Large Date – general, low value
Small Date (1970- S only) – Rare And precious
The Small Date variety Only then was killed the San Francisco Mint And it is accurately identified but distinct differences I the shape and positioning of the numbers In history,especially 7 and 9.
If your coin is not an “S” mint mark, It isn’t rare. A bit of history That single sentence has saved collectors more heart than you can imagine.
Now you dig deeper.
Why the 1970 Penny Even Has Two Date Styles
Before we go into magnification glasses and number shapes, This helps to understand why this happened the first place.
I 1970, the U. S. It was a mint a transitional period. Coin Dies,the engraved metal dies used to strike the coins were modified and replaced. During this process, Two different data types were terminated after use.
No big announcement.
No press release.
Only two slightly different designs Set into the circulation.
On the time, Nobody cared.
Fast forward a few decades, And collectors began to take notice one Of these types, the 1970s mini-dates in particular were particularly scarce high grades. Auction prices followed. Then interest exploded.
In this way obscure mint quirks be legendary varieties.
Understanding Mint Marks: Why the “S” Matters
Many things Let’s clean it up one K the biggest sources of confusion proper now.
Only the 1970- S Can Be one Small Date.
1970 (No mint mark) = Philadelphia → Large Date only
1970- D = Denver → Large Date only
1970- S = San Francisco → Large Date or Small Date
If not “S” below the date, You can stop searching. It’s No rare one.
I learned this the hard way.
I used once a solid 20 minutes Comparison a Philadelphia 1970 penny under harsh lighting, I’m assured something special. The date seemed compact. 9 seemed short. My heart rate went up. Then I saw the missing mint mark.
Lesson learned.
1970 Large Date vs Small Date: Side by Side Comparison
This is the section most searchers Worry about it, then let’s measured down and fix it.
1970 Large Date (Common)
Key characteristics include a 7 sits a little lower than that the other, No 9 has a detailed, curved tail, and The date Thicker and more spreadable. These are Found Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco coins.
Rarity is usual. Price is Usually face value unless unbroken.
This is the version most people have seen their entire lives. It was there without realizing it an alternative.
1970- S Small Date (Rare)
Key characteristics include With a level of 7, 1, 9 and 0, 9 has a card, straight tail, and The numbers Thin, compact and delicate appearance. These are Just found 1970- S coins.
Rarity is Few, especially me high grades. Price is Significantly higher.
When you perceive a genuine small date to the first time, The difference suddenly clicks. It’s Subtle,but spontaneous.
Like the difference between a bold Sharpie line And a fine-tip pen.
The “7 Test”: The Fastest Way to Identify Your Coin
If you only remember one thing from this article, Let it be: Look on the height Of 7.
But the large date, 7’s sit lower than the top the tops K the other No. But the small date, 7 is perfect level.
This single detail have stored me countless hours Second guess.
The “9 Tail”: The Second Verification Check
When you assess you can get it a small date, proceed to 9.
Large Date has an extensive, sweeping tail.
Small Date has a Card, approx stubby tail.
Analyze of it as handwriting. One version It is blooming. The other Precise and preventive.
When both the 7 height And the 9 tail line with the small date Features,and you witness that mint mark,is when things secure interesting.
How Much Is One 1970 Small Date Penny Worth?
Let’s go talk numbers, Because it usually does the quiet question sit down the back of everyone’s mind.
1970 Large Date Value includes Rotation at $0.01, Unbroken at $0.25–$1, and High mint state at one few Dollars. Nothing wrong Not enough of that rare.
1970- S Small Date Value includes Rotation at $30–$70, Unbroken (MS-63 to MS-65) at $100–$300, and High grade (MS-67+) at $3,000–$10,000+. Yes Really.
Condition There are many problems here. A worn one small date It is interesting. An ancient one is unusual.
Why the Small Date Is So Rare in High Grades
Here’s That’s where things secure a little interesting.
Most experts believe the small date dies Used early, then quickly replaced. That means fewer coins were killed,and few survived mint condition.
They Circulation. They The bottom was worn. They mixed together.
By time collectors Realized what to look for, most examples was already well traveled.
That scarcity in top condition That is what goes into the pricing four-figure territory.
Step by Step: How to Check Your Own Coin
If you have found a 1970 penny nearby, Here’s exactly what to do.
Look for the S mint mark. Any s = discontinue here. Survey the height 7 K Is it level or low? Perceive the 9 tail Concise and straight, or prolonged and winding? Compare thickness of the numbers Thin = promising. Fat = Ordinary. Implement good lighting and magnification Your eyes Desire to thank you.
Toe your time. Quickly leads to false identification.
Common Mistakes (I Made Most of These)
Error #1: Assuming everything small dates are valuable
Error #2: Confused dress with design
Error #3: Relying on random web images
Error #4: overlook condition
A damaged small date Still interesting,but not jackpot worthy.
My Personal “Almost” Moment
I still remember the first time I almost had one.
Late evening. Desk lamp. A cup of coffee.
It was negligible. I sorted in a legacy coin, and didn’t expect much. Then I saw it,a mint mark. 7 is visible on the efficient surface. 9 seemed short.
I had already imagined it the story I will communicate.
Then I bowed the coin a little. The thickness Removed it. Large date.
Disappointing? A little.
Educational? Absolutely.
That moment expeditious my eye more than any book ever could.
Do You Have One 1970- S Small Date Graded?
If you really assess you have one And it’s I strong condition, Professional character is a consideration.
Especially if the coin The shows minimal wear, the surfaces are refined, and the strike is accelerated.
Authentication removes Doubt,and the price of doubt is killed.
Key Takings
- The real magic K the 1970 large date vs small date comparison It just isn’t the potential value. It’s The moment you realize how much detail Hiding inside plain sight.
- A millimeter here.
A curve there. - And suddenly, a penny It just isn’t a penny Now.
- So take it your time. Utilize good light. Trust your eyes. And remember,most of it collectors Don’t sleep on it their first try. But every careful look Make the next one swift.
- If you aspire support identifying a specific coin, or desires this article A featured piece,adapted for an opiate version, just saying the word.
Additional Resources
1.Scarce 1970‑S Small Date Lincoln Cent Varieties: Expert guide by PCGS explaining how to identify Small Date vs Large Date pennies and their market values.
2.1970 S Small Date: Detailed breakdown of visual differences in numerals and mint marks, specifically for 1970‑S Small Date coins.