1970 Lincoln Cent

About This Coin

The 1970 Lincoln Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Memorial Cents 1959-2008 series — 12th of 50 years in the series. In 1970, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 3.3 billion. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 3.7 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right and the reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial building in Washington, D.C.. The 1970-S Small Date is a key date, especially scarce in high grade. Struck in 95% copper, 5% zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 306 known die varieties for this date across 12 categories, including atypical die clash, bie die break cent, cud and 9 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $15K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.5K in PR70 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner/Frank Gasparro.