The $5 Million 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent: The Ultimate Modern Rarity

Yes, you read that right—a single 1970-S Lincoln Cent recently sold for over $5 million, making it one of the most valuable modern coins ever discovered. It’s a near-mythical variety with just five known examples, and it could be hiding in your pocket change or proof set right now.

Why the 1970-S Small Date Penny Is Worth Millions

What makes this tiny cent command such a massive price?

The Perfect Storm of Value:

Extreme Rarity: Only 5 authenticated specimens exist
Mint Error: Result of a Small Date die mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint
Transitional Year: 1970 marked the end of the 95% copper era and a shift toward major composition changes
Elite Certification: PCGS graded example in MS67+ RD—near-perfect surfaces and brilliant red luster

This is the holy grail of Lincoln Cents—and easily the most desirable modern mint error ever released.

How to Identify the 1970-S Small Date Cent

Even advanced collectors sometimes confuse the Small and Large Date varieties. Here’s what to look for at a glance:

Key Visual Markers:

Feature	Small Date (Rare)	Large Date (Common)
“7” in 1970	Sits noticeably lower than other digits	Aligned with rest of date
“LIBERTY”	Strong and sharp—“B” often looks solid	Softer details, sometimes weaker strikes
Mint Mark	Must be a clear “S” under the date	No mint mark = Philadelphia (wrong coin)

The 5-Second Test to Spot a Million-Dollar Penny

Check the Date: Is the “7” sitting low compared to the “1-9-0”?
Look at LIBERTY: Is the “B” filled in and the design crisp?
Confirm the Mint: Must be a San Francisco mint mark (“S”)—no exceptions!

Current Market Values

Grade	1970-S Large Date	1970-S Small Date
Circulated	$0.01	$25,000+
MS63	$1	$1,000,000
MS67+ RD	$5	$5,000,000+

If you’re unsure of your cent’s condition, get it graded professionally—even circulated examples can command life-changing amounts.

Common Red Flags and Fakes

As this coin gains fame, fakes follow. Here’s how to spot a fraud:

Altered Dates: Check under magnification for tool marks or surface inconsistencies
Fake Mint Marks: The “S” should be well-defined and struck, not etched or added later
Artificial Toning: Fake luster or chemical toning can hide modifications

When in doubt—send it to a certified grading service like PCGS or NGC. Authentication is the only path to a high-value sale.

The San Francisco Mint Mystery

This error is shrouded in mystery and minting chaos. Here’s how the saga unfolded:

1970: Small Date dies accidentally used at the San Francisco Mint
1985: First known Small Date found—in a U.S. Mint Proof Set
2002: Second example authenticated
2023: A record $5.1 million private sale confirms its legendary status
PCGS Population: Just 5 known, graded examples exist

“I used mine as a guitar pick for years before learning its value!”
— Original finder of the AU-58 example

What To Do If You Find One

So you’ve found a possible 1970-S Small Date cent—what now?

DO NOT CLEAN IT: Cleaning destroys value instantly.
Use Gloves: Handle by the edges with cotton gloves only.
Take Clear Photos: Use natural light to document the date and mint mark.
Weigh the Coin: Should be ~3.11g for copper.
Submit for Grading: PCGS or NGC are the gold standards.
Insure Immediately: If it’s authenticated, insure it for at least $5 million before sending or displaying.

Start Hunting—It Could Still Be Out There

As of 2025, only five examples are known—but that doesn’t mean more aren’t out there in coin jars, old proof sets, or forgotten estate boxes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime variety that could still be sitting undiscovered.

If you suspect you have one: