Most 1970 Lincoln pennies aren't valuable. However these pennies can sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. Keep reading to learn more about these one cent coins.
Specifications
Type: Lincoln Penny
Year: 1970
Face Value: $0.01
Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Total Weight: 3.11 grams
The US minted the 1970 penny with no mint mark and also the 1970 D penny and 1970 S penny. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date.
There are different varieties for the 1970 S pennies. There are pennies with the small date, and pennies with the large date. The small date pennies have a high 7 in the date, where as the large date pennies have a low 7 in the date. See the image below for reference.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Philadelphia | 1,898,315,000 |
| 1970 D | Denver | 2,891,438,900 |
| 1970 S | San Francisco | 690,560,004 |
Value
Most 1970 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their weight in copper. The current copper melt value for each penny is about $0.02. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition.
The 1970 penny with no mint mark is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1970 D penny is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1970 S penny with the small date is worth around $55 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
The 1970 S penny with the large date is worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
Proof coins with the S mint mark are available and the value will depend on the variety. The 1970 S proof penny with the small date is valued at around $65 in PR-67RD condition. The 1970 S proof penny with the large date is valued at around $15 in PR-67RD condition. In total there were 2,632,810 proof coins minted.
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Doubled Die Error Coins
There is an extremely rare error variety for the 1970 S penny. On the obverse side of the coin the date and the design elements are minted twice onto the coin. This is called a doubled die error.
The 1970 S penny doubled die error coin is worth around $8,500 in uncirculated condition with an MS-65RD grade.
Grading System
MS-65RD gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable. The color is red.
PR-67RD proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present. The color is red.
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