To most people, a 1970 penny looks like nothing special—a common coin often tossed into a change jar or forgotten in a drawer. But in the world of coin collecting, certain 1970 pennies are anything but ordinary. Due to a rare mint mark mix-up and other oddities, one version of this penny has stunned collectors and fetched thousands of dollars at auction. So, what makes a humble 1970 Lincoln cent worth more than a gold coin? It comes down to a surprising minting error, rarity, and collector demand. Let’s dig into the details of this fascinating coin and how you might spot one yourself.
Coin Name and What Makes It Special
The standout piece in this story is the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO). That’s quite a title, but every part of it matters.
Here’s why:
- 1970-S: This indicates the penny was minted at the San Francisco Mint, marked with an “S” under the date.
- Small Date: There were two varieties minted in 1970—Small Date and Large Date. The small date version is rarer and more valuable.
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): This mint error happens when the coin’s design is stamped twice slightly off alignment, resulting in visible doubling on the date or lettering.
Collectors are especially drawn to the 1970-S Small Date DDO, as it features strong doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, as well as a noticeable small-style “7” in the date, which curves sharply.
This combination of features makes it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents from the 1970s.
How Much Is It Worth?
Values can vary depending on the coin’s condition, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Average Circulated Condition: $500 – $1,000
- Uncirculated Condition (MS65+): $2,000 – $6,000
- High-Grade, Certified Examples: Over $10,000
In fact, one 1970-S Small Date Doubled Die Obverse penny graded MS67 Red by PCGS sold for more than $18,000 at auction!
Keep in mind, only a small number of these error coins were made and survived, which is why they’re so desirable today.
The 1970-S Small Date Doubled Die penny proves that even a modern-looking coin can be worth thousands—if it has the right combination of rarity and error. Found in circulation or tucked away in old collections, these pennies are a reminder to always check your change closely. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, learning how to spot valuable coins like this one can be both exciting and rewarding. So next time you come across a 1970 penny, take a closer look. You might just be holding a small copper treasure in the palm of your hand.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1970 penny is the rare Small Date variety?
Look closely at the “7” in the date—it should curve sharply and appear level with the other numbers. Also, the word “LIBERTY” may look weaker or less defined.
2. What is a Doubled Die Obverse?
It’s a minting error where the design is stamped twice on the front of the coin, creating visible doubling in the lettering or numbers.
3. Do all 1970-S pennies have the error?
No. Most 1970-S pennies are regular issues. Only a small portion of the Small Date versions have the Doubled Die Obverse error.
4. Should I get my 1970 penny professionally graded?
Yes—if you believe you have the rare Small Date DDO, professional grading can confirm authenticity and significantly raise its market value.
5. Where can I sell a valuable 1970 penny?
You can sell it through coin dealers, auctions, or online platforms like eBay—preferably after it’s authenticated and graded by services like PCGS or NGC.
