The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent (Buy on eBay) is a variety similar to the small and large date varieties found for the 1960 Lincoln Cents. For the 1970-S, the difference between the small and large date varieties is much more subtle. On the small date, the 7 is placed high compared to the other digits, while on the large date, the 7 is placed low.
The small date, which may also be referred to as the “high 7”, is the scarcer variety and carries a premium even in lower mint state grades. The variety occurs both for circulation strike and proof coins. Most coin albums include a spot for the two different varieties, which maintains collector awareness of the variety.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Edge: Plain
