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.
Click here to search for Lincoln pennies on Amazon.
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 $12,500 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.
Sources:
See also: