A Penny Worth Over $5 Million?!
Yes, you read that right — a single 1970-S Lincoln Cent has sold for more than $5 million, making it one of the most valuable modern coins ever discovered. 
With only five known examples and a fascinating minting story behind it, this elusive coin could still be hiding in someone’s pocket change or proof set today.
Why the 1970-S Small Date Penny Is Worth Millions
What gives this tiny copper coin its massive price tag? It’s a perfect storm of rarity, error, and timing.
Extreme Rarity: Only 5 authenticated specimens known
Mint Error: A Small Date die was mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint
Transitional Year: 1970 marked the end of the 95% copper era
Elite Grading: The record-breaking coin was PCGS MS67+ RD, showcasing flawless red luster
This is the holy grail of modern Lincoln Cents — the kind of mint error every collector dreams of finding.
How to Identify a 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
Even seasoned collectors can confuse the Small Date with the common Large Date. Here’s how to tell the difference fast:
| Feature | Small Date (RARE) | Large Date (COMMON) |
|---|---|---|
| “7” in 1970 | Sits noticeably lower than other digits | Evenly aligned with the rest |
| “LIBERTY” | Strong strike — “B” often filled in | Softer lettering |
| Mint Mark | Clear “S” below the date | No mint mark = Philadelphia (not rare) |
The 5-Second Test to Spot a Million-Dollar Penny
Look at the “7” — is it lower than the “1-9-0”?
Check LIBERTY — is the “B” filled and bold?
Confirm the Mint Mark — must be an “S” (San Francisco).
If all three match — congrats, you might be holding a fortune! 
Current Market Value Breakdown
| 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+ |
Even circulated examples are worth tens of thousands if authentic and properly graded.
Watch Out for Fakes!
Because this penny’s value is sky-high, fakes are everywhere. Here’s what to look for:
Altered Dates: Check under magnification for tool marks.
Fake Mint Marks: The “S” should be clean and struck in, not glued or etched.
Artificial Toning: Chemical discoloration can hide alterations.
Pro Tip: Send it to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication before selling.
The San Francisco Mint Mystery
The story behind this coin reads like a minting thriller:
1970: Small Date dies accidentally used at San Francisco.
1985: First Small Date found in a U.S. Mint proof set.
2002: Second example authenticated.
2023: A record-breaking $5.1 million sale confirmed its legendary status.
Current PCGS Population: Just 5 graded examples exist worldwide.
“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 Think You Found One
DO NOT CLEAN IT! Cleaning instantly destroys collector value.
Handle by the edges only, using cotton gloves.
Take clear photos in natural light.
Weigh it — should be around 3.11 grams (copper planchet).
Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading and verification.
Once confirmed, insure for at least $5 million before shipping or display.
Keep Searching — Yours Could Still Be Out There!
As of 2025, only five verified coins are known — meaning more could still be hiding in coin jars, old proof sets, or estate boxes.
If you think you might have one:
Submit photos
Include weight and grade info
Visit PennyVerse.info to get community feedback and expert insight
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Your next penny find could change your life.
Happy hunting, treasure seekers! 
About Teacher of Coin
Hey there! I’m Teacher of Coin, your guide to the world of U.S. coin collecting and mint errors.
I help new and veteran collectors discover the hidden gems in their change — from $1 curiosities to multi-million-dollar rarities.
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Coin value breakdowns
Error identification tips
Market insights from decades of collecting experience
