The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.25 in heavily circulated condition to over $100 or more in pristine mint state — and certain error varieties can fetch thousands of dollars from serious collectors. If you recently found one of these coins rattling around in a jar or old wallet, you may be sitting on more than just a cent.
What Makes the 1970-S Small Date So Special?
Not all 1970-S pennies are created equal. The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties that year: the Large Date and the Small Date. At first glance, they look nearly identical, but collectors know the difference — and so does the market. The Small Date version is the scarcer of the two, which is exactly why it commands higher prices.
On the Small Date variety, the numbers in “1970” appear slightly smaller and more level with each other. The top of the “7” in particular sits lower, not reaching as high as the “1” and “0.” If you’re having trouble seeing this with the naked eye, a magnifying glass or loupe will help. You can also use a free coin identification app to scan your coin and instantly get a better sense of which variety you’re holding — it’s a quick and easy way to start your research before diving deeper.
Once you’ve confirmed you have the Small Date, the next step is figuring out its condition and whether it might be worth a trip to a professional grader.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
The value of this coin depends heavily on its condition, which is measured on a scale from 1 (barely recognizable) to 70 (perfect). Here’s a general breakdown of what collectors and dealers typically pay:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, details visible | $0.25 – $1 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, some detail | $1 – $5 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor blemishes | $15 – $40 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint) | Sharp strike, minimal contact marks | $50 – $100+ |
| MS-67 (Superb Gem) | Near flawless | $500 – $1,500+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and certified coin pricing, you can check out the 1970-S Lincoln Penny MS-RD price data on CoinHix, which tracks real sales across major platforms. CoinHix is a powerful tool for anyone who wants current market data without having to dig through auction archives manually.
The Doubled Die Error — When One Penny Is Worth Thousands
Here’s where things get really exciting. The 1970-S Small Date penny is also known for a famous doubled die obverse error. On these coins, you can see clear doubling on the lettering of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as on the date itself. This doubling is visible to the naked eye on strong examples.
Error coins like these are the holy grail for Lincoln cent collectors. A 1970-S Small Date doubled die in circulated condition might sell for $200 to $500, while a high-grade uncirculated example has sold at auction for well over $3,000. If you think your penny looks a little “blurry” around the letters, don’t clean it — take it to a coin dealer or submit it for professional grading right away.
If you want to research the full value range for 1970 pennies including error varieties, that resource breaks things down clearly and is easy to follow even if you’re brand new to coin collecting.
How to Tell If Your 1970-S Penny Is Worth Grading
Not every old penny needs to be sent off to a grading service, but the 1970-S Small Date is one of the few Lincoln cents where professional grading can genuinely pay off — especially if your coin looks like it has never been circulated.
Before spending money on grading fees, do a quick visual check. Look for original mint luster (a subtle shine on the coin’s surface), no visible scratches or cleaning marks, and sharp details on Lincoln’s portrait and the Memorial reverse. Coins that have been cleaned or polished are almost always worth less to collectors, even if they look shiny to the untrained eye.
A good habit is to store your coin in a non-PVC flip or protective holder while you decide what to do. CoinHix makes it easy to track your collection’s estimated value over time, which is helpful if you’re building up a group of coins and want to know when the market is favorable for selling.
FAQ About the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
Q: How do I know if I have the Small Date or Large Date variety?
A: Look at the top of the “7” in the date. On the Small Date, the “7” is shorter and more even with the other digits. On the Large Date, the “7” has a taller, more prominent appearance. A magnifying glass helps a lot here.
Q: Is a 1970-S Small Date penny rare?
A: It’s scarcer than the Large Date, but it’s not an extreme rarity in circulated grades. The truly valuable pieces are uncirculated examples and especially the doubled die error variety, which is genuinely rare and highly sought after.
Q: Should I clean my 1970-S penny before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes the original surface and dramatically reduces its collector value. Leave it as-is and let a professional assess it in its natural state. If you’re unsure what you have, CoinHix or a local coin dealer can point you in the right direction without any commitment.
