What is a rare 1970 S penny?

A rare 1970 S penny typically refers to specific varieties that exhibit minting errors or unique characteristics, making them highly valuable to collectors. The most notable and valuable examples from the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) are the 1970-S Large Date Doubled Die Obverse and the 1970-S Small Date pennies.

Understanding Rare 1970 S Pennies

While millions of pennies were minted in 1970, certain variations from the San Francisco Mint are exceptionally scarce and sought after by collectors. These rare coins are distinguished by subtle differences in their design or minting errors that occurred during production.

1970-S Large Date Doubled Die Obverse

This variety is considered one of the most significant error coins of the 1970s. A "doubled die" error occurs when the coin's design is impressed onto the die twice, with a slight misalignment between the two impressions. For the 1970-S Large Date Doubled Die Obverse, this doubling is evident on the obverse (front) side of the coin, particularly noticeable in the lettering of "LIBERTY" and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," as well as the date. The "Large Date" distinction refers to the size and placement of the numbers in the date, which are larger and positioned slightly higher than the "Small Date" variety.

1970-S Small Date

The 1970-S Small Date penny is another highly valuable variety. This coin is characterized by a noticeably smaller and lower-set date compared to the more common "Large Date" version. Identifying the Small Date requires careful comparison, often looking at the position of the "7" in 1970 relative to the bottom edge of the coin and the overall appearance of the numbers. Only a small fraction of the 1970-S production featured this smaller date, making it a rare find.

Value of Rare 1970 S Pennies

The value of these rare pennies can be substantial, depending on their condition and the specifics of the error or variety. Here's a look at their record sales prices:

Collectors should always have potential rare coins authenticated by a professional grading service to confirm their authenticity and condition, which are key factors in determining their market value.