How to Identify the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent

What This Coin Is

The 1970-S Small Date is a date-size variety of the San Francisco-minted Lincoln cent, produced alongside a more common Large Date version that same year. The difference comes from two distinct date hub styles used in production, with the Small Date variety being scarcer and more sought after than its Large Date counterpart.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse shows the standard right-facing Lincoln portrait, "IN GOD WE TRUST" above, "LIBERTY" to the left, and the date "1970" to the right. On the Small Date variety, the numerals are noticeably smaller and positioned slightly lower and to the left compared to the Large Date version.

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

The reverse carries the standard Lincoln Memorial design with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "ONE CENT" below, identical between both date-size varieties, since the distinguishing feature is confined to the obverse date.

Size, Weight, Metal & Edge

This is a standard bronze-alloy cent of the era, weighing about 3.11 grams, with the usual diameter and plain edge for cents struck before the later copper-plated zinc transition.

Mint Marks & Where to Find Them

Look beneath the date for an "S" mint mark, confirming San Francisco production; this variety exists specifically among 1970-S cents, so Philadelphia or Denver cents from the same year are not part of this attribution.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The clearest distinguishing feature is the size and position of the numerals in the date: the Small Date's "7" typically has a pointed top and the overall date sits lower and further left in the date space compared to the Large Date, which has a flatter-topped "7" and a date positioned higher and more to the right. Side-by-side comparison with reference photos of both varieties is the most reliable way to tell them apart, since the difference can be subtle without a direct comparison.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Because this variety is identified by date style rather than an error, standard grading criteria apply: look for original luster, sharp portrait and Memorial details, and minimal wear on high points like Lincoln's cheek and hair for higher-grade examples. Circulated coins can still be attributed to the Small Date variety as long as the date numerals remain clear enough to compare.

Authenticity Red Flags

Because the difference between Small Date and Large Date is subtle, misattribution is common; buyers should compare the date's size, shape, and position carefully against verified reference images rather than relying on a quick glance. There is little incentive to counterfeit this variety specifically, but general wheat-era authenticity checks, such as verifying weight and diameter, remain good practice.