Yes, you read that right—a single 1970-S Lincoln Cent recently sold for over $5 million, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins ever discovered. With only five known examples, this coin is considered the holy grail of Lincoln Cents—and it could still be hiding in your pocket change or proof set today.
🔥 Why the 1970-S Small Date Penny Is Worth Millions
So, why does this tiny copper coin command a seven-figure price tag? It’s the perfect storm of rarity and history:
✅ Extreme Rarity – Just 5 authenticated examples exist.
✅ Minting Error – Result of a Small Date die accidentally used at the San Francisco Mint.
✅ Transitional Year – 1970 marked the last era of 95% copper cents before major composition changes.
✅ Elite Certification – A PCGS MS67+ Red specimen with blazing luster set the record.
👉 This isn’t just a penny—it’s a museum-worthy treasure for elite collectors.
🔍 How to Identify a 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
Many collectors confuse the Small Date with the much more common Large Date. Here’s how to tell them apart in seconds:
| Feature | Small Date (Rare 💎) | Large Date (Common 🪙) |
|---|---|---|
| “7” in 1970 | Sits noticeably lower than the other digits | Aligned evenly with rest of date |
| “LIBERTY” | Strong, sharp strike (the “B” often appears filled in) | Softer details, weaker strike |
| Mint Mark | Must have a clear “S” below the date | No mint mark = Philadelphia (not rare) |
⏱ Quick 5-Second Test
1️⃣ Look at the “7” → is it lower?
2️⃣ Check LIBERTY → is the “B” filled?
3️⃣ Confirm mint mark → must be San Francisco “S”.
💵 Current Market Value (2025)
| Grade | 1970-S Large Date | 1970-S Small Date |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.01 | $25,000+ |
| MS63 | $1 | $1,000,000 |
| MS67+ RD | $5 | $5,000,000+ |
💡 Even a circulated Small Date can fetch life-changing money.
⚠️ Common Red Flags & Fakes
As with all million-dollar coins, counterfeits are everywhere. Watch for:
❌ Altered Dates – Look for tool marks or tampering.
❌ Fake Mint Marks – The “S” should be struck-in, not added later.
❌ Artificial Toning – Shiny chemicals used to hide flaws.
👉 When in doubt: submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
🏛️ The San Francisco Mint Mystery
The 1970-S Small Date is wrapped in history and chaos.
📅 Discovery Timeline:
- 1970 – Small Date dies mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint.
- 1985 – First known specimen found in a U.S. Mint Proof Set.
- 2002 – Second authenticated example surfaces.
- 2023 – A PCGS MS67+ RD sells in a private sale for $5.1 million.
📊 PCGS Population: Only 5 certified coins exist today.
💬 One finder admitted: “I used mine as a guitar pick for years before realizing it was worth millions!”
🧤 What to Do If You Find One
Think you have a 1970-S Small Date? Here’s your action plan:
- 🚫 Do NOT clean it – Cleaning destroys value instantly.
- 🧤 Handle with gloves – Hold only by the edges.
- 📸 Take clear photos – Focus on date & mint mark.
- ⚖️ Weigh it – Should be ~3.11g (copper).
- 🛡️ Submit for grading – PCGS or NGC only.
- 💰 Insure immediately – Value could exceed $5 million.
🚀 Start Hunting—It Could Still Be Out There
As of 2025, only five examples are known, but experts believe more could be hiding in:
- Old proof sets
- Inherited coin collections
- Forgotten change jars
👉 Even one find would be a life-changing discovery.
📣 Stay Ahead of Rare Coin Alerts
Want to be first to know about six-figure coin discoveries?
✅ Subscribe to our free Pocket Change Alerts
✅ Join live error-hunting streams
✅ Access our modern rarity checklist
✨ The next $5 million penny could be waiting in your collection. Happy hunting! 🪙🚀
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