A penny is worth just one cent, right? Not always. Some rare pennies are worth thousands—or even millions. One of the most surprising examples is the 1970-S Small Date penny. This tiny coin might look normal, but it has a special mistake that could make it worth up to $7 million. Yes, you read that right.
Here’s why collectors are paying huge money for this little coin and how you can check if you have one in your own collection.
What Is the 1970-S Small Date Penny?
The 1970-S Small Date penny is a version of the Lincoln cent made in San Francisco in 1970. It looks almost identical to a regular penny, but the number “7” in the date is smaller and shaped differently. This design was only used briefly and in small numbers.
Even more exciting, some versions of this penny were accidentally struck on a 1941 Canadian coin—a rare minting mistake that makes them even more valuable.
What Makes It So Rare?
There are two major reasons why this coin is so special:
- Small Date Design – Most 1970-S pennies have what’s called a “Large Date.” The Small Date version is much harder to find.
- Double Denomination Error – A few were mistakenly struck on old Canadian coins, which were made of a different metal and had different designs.
Because of these factors, the 1970-S Small Date penny is one of the rarest and most valuable pennies known. One rumored example sold privately for $7 million.
How to Spot a 1970-S Small Date Penny
To find out if you have a rare 1970-S Small Date penny, you’ll need a magnifying glass or coin loupe. Here are the main signs to look for:
- The “7” in the date is level with the other numbers, not slightly higher.
- The word “LIBERTY” looks faint or weakly struck.
- There’s an “S” mint mark under the date (showing it was made in San Francisco).
- In rare cases, the coin will be thinner and have a different color if struck on a Canadian planchet.
Be careful—some copies are fake. Always have rare coins checked by professional graders like NGC or PCGS.
1970-S Small Date Penny
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco Mint) |
| Type | Small Date Lincoln Cent |
| Rarity | Very rare |
| Known Errors | Some struck on 1941 Canadian coins |
| Estimated Value | Up to $7 million |
| Identification Tip | “7” is level and thinner in Small Date |
Where You Might Find One
You could be holding one of these rare pennies right now. People have found them in:
- Old coin jars
- Inherited collections
- Bank coin rolls
- Estate sales or antique shops
While most 1970-S pennies are not valuable, it only takes one special coin to make you rich.
Other Rare Pennies to Know
If you’re checking your coins, here are a few other valuable pennies to look for:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Worth up to $10 million
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth up to $2,000
- 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Worth $25,000+
- 1992 Close AM Penny – Worth up to $20,000
Keep a close eye on the year, mint mark, and unusual design features.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how a small difference in a penny’s design can make it worth millions of dollars. The 1970-S Small Date penny proves that rare coins can be hiding in plain sight. If you’re lucky enough to find one—especially one struck on a Canadian coin—it could change your life.
Always check your change, dig through old collections, and stay informed. That little brown coin could be worth far more than just one cent.
FAQ’s
Q1: What makes the 1970-S Small Date penny different from a regular one?
The “7” in the date is smaller and level with the other numbers. The word “LIBERTY” may also look weaker than usual.
Q2: How many 1970-S Small Date pennies are there?
Exact numbers are unknown, but they are very rare—especially those struck on Canadian coins.
Q3: Who should I contact if I think I have one?
Reach out to PCGS or NGC, two of the top coin grading services. They can confirm if your coin is real and how much it’s worth.
