1970-S Small Date and Large Date Cents

The 1970-S small date cents were first discovered early in 1970.  However, the differences between the varieties were much more subtle than the previous small date/large date Lincoln just ten years prior.  As a result, even though considerably rarer than the earlier counterparts, they were not as eagerly sought at the time of issuance.  Notwithstanding, the variety did ultimately gain general acceptance and today the 1970-S small date is the key to the Lincoln Memorial Cent series.

In our experience, we have found that many Lincoln collectors cannot tell the difference between the large and small date varieties.  When we buy sets of Memorial Cents, frequently the piece labeled 1970-S Small Date is really a Large Date.  Unfortunately, these collectors got taken on the one valuable coin in the set.  This experience has led us to write this guide as well as offer sets 1970-S Small and Large Date cents in our eBay Store.  If you're in the market for a 1970-S Small Date cent, you can feel comfortable that you'll get the correct coins from us and hopefully learn to tell the difference in the process.  If you choose to buy them elsewhere, take a close look at the pictures of the coin and make sure you're getting the correct type.

Small Date Variety:

The Small Date variety is also known as the "High 7" variety.  Even though "Small Date" is the more generally accepted term, it is easier to distinguish the two varieties by focusing on the location of the 7 than the size of the date itself.  On the Small Date variety, the top of the 7 is even with the top of the 9 and 0 adjacent to it in the date.  A second diagnostic for the Small Date variety is a weak LIBERTY which actually appears "mushy".

Large Date Variety:

On the Large Date variety, the numeral 7 in the date is noticeably lower than the adjacent 9 and 0 in the date.   On the large date cents, the word LIBERTY is much stronger than on the Small date variety.



Like the general circulation strikes, the 1970 proof sets also can be found with large and small date cents.  Again, the small date variety is the more valuable of the two.

To buy 1970-S Small and Large Date cents, visit our eBay Store.