A recent coin roll search turned up something that made one collector pause—an ordinary-looking penny dated 1970 with a subtle but significant difference: it was the elusive 1970-S Small Date Lincoln cent. To the untrained eye, it might seem just like every other cent from that year. But for those who pay close attention to U.S. coinage, this small variation tells a big story.
A Tiny Detail That Makes a Big Difference
The U.S. Mint struck billions of Lincoln cents in 1970, including those from the San Francisco Mint bearing the “S” mintmark. But here’s where it gets interesting: two distinct date styles were used—known as the Large Date and Small Date varieties. While they sound like minor differences, collectors know these types are not created equal.
The Small Date version features digits that are more compact and sit higher on the coin’s surface. The “9” curls closer to the “7,” and the top of the “7” appears nearly level with the “0.” In contrast, the Large Date has more widely spaced numerals and a more pronounced slant. Spotting the difference takes a trained eye—or at least a good side-by-side comparison.
The Lincoln Cent and the Art of Design Tweaks
Why do these varieties exist at all? Sometimes, changes are made to coin dies—the metal stamps used to strike coins—during a production run. This could be due to design tweaks, die damage, or attempts to improve legibility. In 1970, these design modifications were not announced by the U.S. Mint, making the discovery of the Small Date penny more exciting for collectors in later years.
It’s also a lesson in how American coinage, even something as common as a penny, reflects the subtle decisions and imperfections of minting. In classrooms and collector communities alike, such discoveries are used to teach observation skills and historical awareness. A cent might be small, but it can hold a world of information in its copper shell.
Still Turning Up in Pocket Change
What makes the 1970-S Small Date particularly intriguing is that it still surfaces today in coin rolls and pocket change. Some collectors have found it mixed in with other pennies during routine bank searches or simply while sorting coins at home. Since its appearance is so subtle, it often goes unnoticed—slipping past both machines and people.
The idea that a potentially collectible coin could be sitting unnoticed in a jar of change makes the hunt both educational and thrilling. It encourages people to slow down and look more closely, not just at coins but at everyday objects. And in a time when digital transactions dominate, these discoveries bring renewed appreciation for physical currency.
A Moment of Mindfulness in the Everyday
Coins like the 1970-S Small Date remind us that history doesn’t just live in museums—it circulates in our pockets. From die variations to minting quirks, each coin has a backstory waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone just curious about the coins in your drawer, it’s worth taking a second look.
Not every penny will turn out to be a standout, but the process of searching is often just as rewarding as the find. It’s a chance to connect with a bit of American history, sharpen your observation skills, and perhaps even share a small moment of curiosity with others.
Also Read: This 1982 Penny Without a Mintmark Still Turns Up — Some Worth Over $15,000
Final Thought
The next time you grab a handful of change or open a roll of pennies, keep your eyes open. That 1970 penny might not be as ordinary as it seems. In a world moving fast, these small discoveries remind us that sometimes, value lies in the details we almost missed.