One of the rarest coins in U.S. history just made headlines—a 1970-S Lincoln Cent with the elusive Small Date variety has sold for a jaw-dropping $5.1 MILLION in a private sale. Could your coin collection be hiding one of these modern treasures?
Why This Penny Is Worth a Fortune
This isn’t just another old penny. It’s a San Francisco mint error that checks all the boxes for rarity, mystery, and value:
Ultra-Rare – Only 5 confirmed examples exist worldwide
Minting Error – Wrong die (Small Date) used by mistake
Certified Gem – PCGS MS67+ RD: pristine red luster, flawless surface
Historic Year – Struck during a major transition in coin composition
How to Identify the $5 Million Penny
Don’t blink—you might miss it! Here are the key signs:
Date:
- Look closely: “7” sits lower than the other numbers
- “1,” “9,” and “0” form a straight, level line
Obverse (Front of Coin):
- “LIBERTY” is sharp, with bold lettering
- Look at the “B”—it often appears solid or filled in
Mint Mark:
- Must have a clear “S” under the date (San Francisco Mint)
The 5-Second Self-Test
You can spot a potential jackpot with your own eyes:
- Check the “7” – Does it sit lower than the rest?
- Examine “LIBERTY” – Are the letters crisp and bold?
- Verify the Mint Mark – Must be a clean, clear “S”
How Much Is It Worth?
| Grade | Large Date | Small Date |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.01 | $25,000+ |
| MS63 | $1 | $1,000,000+ |
| MS67+ (Red) | $5 | $5,000,000+ |
Fake Alert: What NOT to Fall For
Avoid being fooled by counterfeits:
Altered dates – Check for tampering or tool marks
Wrong mint mark – Must be “S”, not “D” or “no mark”
Artificial toning – Genuine coins should have natural luster
The Minting Mystery Behind the Madness
This multimillion-dollar error happened when Small Date dies were mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint.
- 1985 – First coin discovered in a proof set
- 2002 – Second verified example surfaces
- 2023 – A record-breaking $5.1M private sale
- Only 5 total confirmed by PCGS to date
“I used mine as a guitar pick for years… then I found out it was worth millions!”
— Owner of a previously circulated 1970-S Small Date Penny
What To Do If You Think You Found One
Handle it carefully—use cotton gloves
Take high-quality photos in natural light
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Insure it for $5 million+ before shipping
Final Tip: Check Your Change—Fortune Favors the Curious!
This penny is real, rare, and ridiculously valuable. Imagine turning one cent into five million dollars. All it takes is a sharp eye and a little luck. Go check your stash—this coin could be waiting for you.
