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 $0.029. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition.
The 1970 penny with no mint mark is worth around $0.80 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $4.10.
The 1970 D penny is worth around $0.80 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $4.10.
The 1970 S penny with the small date is worth around $47 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $90.
The 1970 S penny with the large date is worth around $0.80 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $8.
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 $100 in PR 65 condition. The 1970 S proof penny with the large date is valued at around $4.10 in PR 65 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 $2,550 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $5,000.
Grading System
MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.
MS 65 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 65 proof- An attractive coin with only small flaws. A few blemishes or contact marks may be present.
Sources:
The Red Book
See also:
1971 Penny
1969 Penny
1968 Penny