1970 Penny Error List with Pictures & Value
Collectors searching for 1970 penny error varieties will find several valuable types worth examining. From doubled dies to floating roofs, understanding 1970 penny value helps identify profitable finds. This guide examines major error types with identification methods and current values.
1970 Penny Doubled Die Obverse Error
The doubled die obverse represents the most significant and valuable error found on 1970 Lincoln cents. This manufacturing defect occurs during die production when the working hub strikes the die multiple times with slight misalignment between impressions. The result creates visible doubling on design elements including the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST motto. The 1970-S doubled die obverse stands as one of the rarest modern error varieties, with so few authenticated examples that standard price guides cannot establish consistent market values.
Value Range: 1970-S DDO: Market value determined by negotiation due to extreme rarity. Other 1970 DDO varieties: $200-$2,000+ depending on doubling strength and grade. The 1970-S small date proof DDO sold for $18,400 in 2005.
Identification Tips: Examine the obverse inscriptions with magnification between 10x and 20x. Strong doubled dies show complete secondary impressions on letter forms, creating notched serifs or split characters. Focus inspection on the date digits, particularly the 1, 9, and 7 which frequently display the clearest doubling. Check LIBERTY for separation in vertical strokes of the L and T. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST often shows doubling on the letter G and W. Compare suspected doubling against photographs of authenticated varieties to distinguish genuine hub doubling from worthless machine doubling or strike doubling. Genuine doubled dies show consistent, sharp doubling across multiple design elements rather than isolated anomalies.
View Doubled Die Obverse Picture
1970 Penny Floating Roof Error
The floating roof error stands as one of the most recognizable die varieties specific to 1970 Lincoln Memorial cents. This striking visual anomaly occurs when excessive die polishing removes metal from the recessed areas between the Memorial's roof and columns, creating the optical illusion that the roof structure floats detached from its supporting architecture. The effect results from mint technicians over-polishing dies to extend their working life, inadvertently removing crucial design details. Floating roof varieties appear most prominently on 1970-S and 1970-D cents, with varying degrees of severity affecting collector desirability and market value.
Value Range: Minor floating roof: $5-$20 in circulated grades. Dramatic floating roof with missing FG initials: $25-$100+ depending on condition. 1970-S floating roof with additional errors: Premium values negotiable.
Identification Tips: Turn the coin to examine the reverse Lincoln Memorial design under strong magnification and angled lighting. The normal Memorial shows the triangular roof pediment connected to the column capitals with distinct shadow lines defining architectural elements. A floating roof variety displays visible gaps or missing connection points between the roof and columns, creating a suspended appearance. The most desirable specimens show the roof completely separated with clear space visible between architectural elements. Check for the accompanying absence of FG designer initials to the right of the Memorial, as die polishing often removes these marks simultaneously. Photograph the reverse at multiple angles to capture the floating effect clearly. Distinguish genuine floating roof varieties from normal die polish by comparing to reference images showing varying severity levels.
View Floating Roof Picture
1970 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strike errors develop when the blank planchet fails to seat properly between the dies during the striking operation. Rather than centered alignment producing a uniform coin, the misaligned blank receives only a partial impression, creating dramatic errors where design elements extend beyond the planchet edge while opposite areas remain blank. These mechanical feeding errors occur across all mint facilities, though 1970-D off-center strikes appear more frequently in the marketplace than Philadelphia or San Francisco examples. The striking nature of these errors makes them immediately identifiable even to novice collectors, contributing to strong demand in the error coin market.
Value Range: 5-10% off-center: $10-$30. 10-25% off-center with date: $50-$150. 25-50% off-center with date: $150-$500+. 50%+ off-center: $75-$300 depending on date visibility.
Identification Tips: Rotate the coin to identify how much of the design extends beyond the planchet boundary. Measure the off-center percentage by estimating what portion of a normal design is missing. The most valuable off-center strikes show 15-40% misalignment while retaining a fully visible date. Verify that the off-center striking affected both obverse and reverse identically, as genuine feeding errors produce consistent misalignment through the entire coin thickness. Examine the blank crescent area to confirm it shows natural planchet texture rather than machined or damaged surfaces suggesting post-mint alteration. Check the rim formation, which should appear only where the collar was present during striking. Coins missing dates command significantly lower premiums unless dramatically off-center at 75% or greater. Document the off-center orientation using clock positions to describe where the design appears relative to the blank area.
View Off-Center Strike Picture
1970 Penny Cud Error
Cud errors develop through catastrophic die failure when a section of the die edge breaks completely away from the rim area. During subsequent striking operations, metal flows unrestricted into the void created by the missing die piece, producing a raised blob of featureless metal extending from the coin rim inward. These dramatic errors result from die stress accumulating through tens of thousands of striking cycles until metal fatigue causes brittle failure. Cuds vary dramatically in size from minor rim breaks affecting millimeters of circumference to major failures consuming significant portions of the design. The unpredictable nature of die breaks ensures each cud represents a unique error variety.
Value Range: Small rim cud (under 3mm): $15-$40. Medium cud affecting letters: $50-$150. Large cud obliterating major design elements: $150-$400+ depending on dramatic appearance and location.
Identification Tips: Examine the coin rim carefully for raised, featureless blobs extending inward from the edge. Genuine cuds connect directly to the rim and show a relatively flat, raised surface lacking any design impression. The raised area represents metal that flowed into the void where the die piece broke away. Check the opposite side of the coin for corresponding weakness or distortion in the same location, as the missing die metal affects striking pressure distribution. Measure the cud size and note which design elements it affects or obliterates. Cuds covering letters in LIBERTY or UNITED STATES command higher premiums than those affecting blank field areas. Distinguish cuds from retained cuds, where the die piece cracked but remained in position creating a raised line rather than a blob. Use magnification to examine the cud edges, which should show natural metal flow characteristics rather than geometric patterns suggesting damage. The most valuable cuds show clean, well-defined breaks with dramatic size or strategic positioning.
View Cud Error Picture
1970 Penny Clipped Planchet Error
Clipped planchet errors originate during the blanking operation when circular planchets are punched from rolled metal strips. These errors occur when planchets overlap during the punching sequence or when blanks are cut too close to the strip edge, resulting in incomplete circular forms missing curved or straight sections. The finished coins display these deficiencies as missing segments around the rim, creating distinctive crescent shapes for curved clips or flat edges for straight clips. While less dramatic than some striking errors, clipped planchets represent genuine mint errors that appeal to collectors seeking affordable entry points into error coin collecting.
Value Range: Minor clip (5% or less): $5-$15. Moderate clip (5-15%): $20-$60. Large clip (15-25%) with visible date: $75-$150. Straight clip: Generally 20-30% less than curved clips of equivalent size.
Identification Tips: Rotate the coin to identify the missing section, which should appear as a smooth arc (curved clip) or straight edge (straight clip) rather than jagged or damaged metal. Verify that the clip affects both obverse and reverse identically, extending through the full thickness uniformly. Examine the clip area to confirm the rim is incomplete or absent where the planchet material is missing. The design should flow naturally into the clipped area without signs of post-mint removal or alteration. Measure the clip as a percentage of the total circumference to establish size classification. Check that the date remains fully visible, as this significantly impacts collector demand and value. Curved clips result from overlapping blanks during punching and show the profile of an adjacent planchet. Straight clips occur at the metal strip edge and show a flat profile perpendicular to the rim. Distinguish genuine mint clips from environmental damage or deliberate alteration by examining edges under magnification for mint luster and natural metal characteristics.
View Clipped Planchet Picture
How Much is 1970 Penny Error Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Identifying and valuing 1970 penny errors demands specialized knowledge combined with proper examination tools. Modern technology has revolutionized error coin authentication, making expert analysis accessible to collectors through smartphone applications. Two outstanding mobile apps provide comprehensive identification and valuation services specifically suited for 1970 Lincoln cent varieties and errors.
CoinValueChecker
CoinValueChecker delivers professional-grade coin identification through advanced artificial intelligence image recognition technology. The application instantly analyzes uploaded photos to identify specific varieties including the challenging small date versus large date distinction critical for 1970-S cents. Beyond basic identification, the app accesses real-time auction data from major numismatic houses including Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers, providing current market values based on actual sales rather than outdated price guides. The platform maintains extensive databases covering every documented 1970 penny variety and error type, from common floating roof variations to extremely rare doubled die obverses. Users benefit from the grade estimation feature that evaluates coin condition using established industry standards, helping determine whether professional grading justifies the submission cost. The application tracks collection values over time, sending notifications when significant market movements affect holdings. For 1970 error pennies, CoinValueChecker excels at distinguishing genuine varieties from common damage or environmental effects that mislead inexperienced collectors. The authentication tools help verify off-center strikes and cud varieties by comparing user photos against verified reference specimens. This immediate feedback prevents costly mistakes when evaluating potential purchases or determining which finds merit professional grading. The app serves as an indispensable pocket reference for collectors searching through original bank rolls or examining estate coins, quickly identifying promising candidates for closer examination.
CoinKnow
CoinKnow emphasizes collector education alongside powerful identification capabilities, making it particularly valuable for enthusiasts developing long-term expertise in error coin recognition. The app provides structured learning paths covering the full spectrum of 1970 penny varieties, explaining the manufacturing processes that create each error type and why certain varieties command premium prices. Interactive tutorials guide users through proper examination techniques specific to 1970 errors, demonstrating how to recognize floating roof varieties under magnification, distinguish genuine doubled dies from machine doubling damage, and authenticate off-center strikes. The built-in digital loupe transforms smartphone cameras into powerful magnification tools reaching 20x or greater, sufficient for examining fine details like die polish marks or hub doubling characteristics. CoinKnow maintains an active community forum connecting collectors with experienced numismatists and professional authenticators who provide second opinions on questionable attributions. This collaborative approach proves invaluable when examining potential high-value errors like 1970-S doubled die obverses where authentication certainty affects thousands of dollars in value. The application includes comprehensive variety attribution guides linking to authoritative references from organizations like CONECA and major grading services. For 1970 pennies specifically, CoinKnow provides detailed comparison tools showing small date versus large date characteristics, floating roof severity levels, and documented double die varieties with professional photographs. The historical context features explain how production challenges in 1970 led to specific error types, helping collectors understand which varieties merit serious pursuit versus common anomalies with minimal value. CoinKnow particularly excels for collectors building specialized 1970 error collections who need deep knowledge rather than quick valuations, though the app provides pricing guidance from multiple market sources for comprehensive value assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 1970 penny error?
The most valuable 1970 penny error is the 1970-S doubled die obverse, which is extremely rare and allows owners to set their own price due to limited sales data. The 1970-S small date proof with doubled die characteristics sold for $18,400 in 2005. Other high-value errors include the floating roof variety and off-center strikes worth $75-$500 depending on severity. To accurately identify and value your 1970 penny errors, the CoinValueChecker app provides instant authentication and grade assessment.
How can I identify a 1970 penny floating roof error?
A 1970 penny floating roof error shows the Lincoln Memorial roof appearing detached or floating above the columns on the reverse. This subtle die anomaly requires close examination with at least 10x magnification to confirm. Look for a visible gap or separation between the roof line and the column tops, particularly evident on 1970-S pennies. The floating roof often appears with missing FG designer initials, increasing collectibility. The CoinKnow app features built-in magnification tools and detailed tutorials to help identify floating roof errors on 1970 Lincoln cents.
What is a 1970 penny doubled die obverse worth?
A 1970 penny doubled die obverse can be worth several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the variety and grade. The 1970-S DDO is extremely rare with owners able to command premium prices. Look for doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1970. Even circulated examples with clear doubling can fetch significant premiums from error collectors. For expert authentication and current market pricing, download the CoinValueChecker app which connects you with professional grading services.
How much is a 1970-D penny off-center strike worth?
A 1970-D penny off-center strike is worth $75 to $500 or more depending on the percentage off-center and overall condition. Coins struck 10-50% off-center with visible dates command the highest values. The more dramatic the misalignment, the greater the collector appeal. Off-center strikes from Denver are particularly sought after by error coin specialists. The CoinKnow app includes a comprehensive database of off-center strike values and identification guides specific to 1970 pennies.
Are 1970 penny errors common?
While nearly 5.6 billion 1970 pennies were minted across three facilities, significant errors remain relatively scarce. Common errors include minor die polishing marks and small cuds, while dramatic errors like doubled dies and major off-center strikes are rare. The 1970-S small date variety is particularly challenging to find in high grades. Most circulated 1970 pennies are worth face value unless they exhibit notable errors. Use CoinValueChecker to quickly scan your collection and identify errors worth professional authentication.
How do I distinguish 1970-S small date from large date?
The 1970-S small date shows a high 7 that aligns level with the other digits, while the large date features a low 7 sitting below the baseline. On small date varieties, the 9 tail points toward the 7 and tapers to a point. The small date is significantly more valuable, worth $0.25 to $19 in circulated grades and over $100 for proofs. Use magnification to examine the date closely and compare against reference images. For instant variety identification, try CoinKnow which uses image recognition to distinguish small date from large date varieties.
What mint marks should I look for on 1970 penny errors?
1970 pennies have three varieties: no mint mark for Philadelphia, D for Denver, and S for San Francisco. The mint mark appears below the date on the obverse. The 1970-S varieties are most valuable, particularly the small date version. Philadelphia produced 2.89 billion coins, Denver minted 2.89 billion, and San Francisco struck 693 million each of small and large date plus 2.6 million proofs. The San Francisco mint errors, especially doubled dies and floating roof varieties, command the highest premiums. The CoinValueChecker app includes a complete reference guide to 1970 mint mark varieties and their error types.
Where can I sell my 1970 penny error?
You can sell 1970 penny errors through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers, online marketplaces like eBay, local coin dealers, or specialized error coin shows. For valuable errors like doubled dies and dramatic off-center strikes, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended to maximize value. Error coins with authentication typically sell for 20-50% more than raw examples. Have significant finds authenticated before attempting to sell to establish credibility with buyers. The CoinKnow app helps determine current market values and connects you with reputable dealers and auction houses.
What tools do I need to find 1970 penny errors?
Essential tools for finding 1970 penny errors include a jeweler's loupe with 10x magnification minimum, quality LED lighting, a digital scale for detecting weight anomalies, and reference materials showing known varieties. Cotton gloves prevent fingerprints on valuable specimens. A smartphone with quality camera helps document finds for authentication. Original bank-wrapped rolls and mint sets offer the best chance of finding uncirculated error coins. The CoinValueChecker app transforms your smartphone into a complete coin examination toolkit with built-in magnification, error databases, variety guides, and community support for authenticating 1970 Lincoln cent errors.
Summary
The 1970 penny error list features five primary categories ranging from extremely rare doubled die obverses to more accessible clipped planchets. The crown jewel remains the 1970-S doubled die obverse commanding prices determined by negotiation between knowledgeable parties, with the small date proof DDO achieving $18,400 in authenticated sales. Floating roof errors specific to 1970 production offer collectors distinctive visual varieties worth $5-$100 depending on severity and accompanying features like missing FG initials. Off-center strikes provide dramatic visual appeal with 1970-D examples reaching $75-$500 based on misalignment percentage and date visibility. Cud errors resulting from catastrophic die failures span values from $15 for minor rim breaks to $400 for major breaks obliterating significant design elements. Clipped planchets offer entry-level error collecting opportunities at $5-$150 depending on clip size and date retention. Production across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities totaled approximately 5.6 billion coins, yet significant errors remain scarce enough to command substantial premiums. The 1970-S small date variety independent of errors carries inherent value from $0.25-$19 in circulated grades and over $100 for proofs. Successful error identification requires magnification equipment, proper lighting, reference materials, and increasingly, smartphone applications providing instant authentication support. Professional grading through PCGS or NGC adds 20-50% premiums to error coin values while establishing authenticity for potential buyers. The intersection of historical significance, production challenges, and manufacturing errors makes 1970 pennies particularly rewarding for collectors pursuing systematic variety and error collections within the Lincoln Memorial cent series spanning 1959-2008.
