Hi, I'm fairly new to this amazing hobby and forum and usually try reading the internet first unless I need drastic help resulting in asking others for help. I appreciate your input. The 1970 S is a bit confusing in terms of seeing the difference as a beginner. I think I found a 1970 S small date weak liberty business strike but not sure. If you could assist me with understanding the different based on these pictures that would be great. I compared the 9 to other pennies to see the difference too. Is this a real 1970 S small? If so, is it worth grading it? I haven't had any coin graded yet so this could be a first. I'm excited to hear back. Thanks and take care! Phil
Welcome. Your coin appears to be the common large date. Here is a good site that offers a comparison of the small and large dates. http://lincolncentresource.com/smalldates/1970Ssmalldate.html
Hi Non Cents, Thanks. I saw that website before. Is it the 9 or LIBERTY that you see on my coin that makes it a large date? Only reason I ask is because the only difference is the tail in upper loop. Am I correct? Just trying to learn how to spot them. I will save this as a comparison coin. Thanks again!
'70-S large/small date is a little tough to attribute (at least for me). Best way to tell, I've found, is the relationship of the 7 to the rest of the numbers in the date. The 7 is aligned at the top with the rest of the date in the small variety, and is slightly lower in the large date.
I use the tail of the upper loop, and the angled crease where the upper horizontal bar of the ' 7 ' joins the vertical bar.
I posted this in another thread the other day. Not the best pic for the colors, but the coin is still in its proof set holder so tough to get a good pic with the lighting. anyways, take a look at 4 things: 1) The general curve (wider) on the "9" as well as the pointy tips on both the inner loop and the bottom. A large date will have much more of a flat, cut off tip on both ends. Also the inner tip of the 9 will point much more towards the 7 (as on this coin) instead of down towards the mint mark. 2) The whole word LIBERTY will be of weaker strike, not just the "Y", which is what trips up a lot of folks... they'll see the weak "Y" only and think it a small date 3) In addition to LIBERTY, the IGWT on the top will also exhibit a weaker strike which is somewhat seeable in this pic, but not greatly due to the poor lighting and angle. 4) the top of the 7 will line up exactly perfectly and straight with the zero. If the 7 is lower, or is slanted in any way, it's a large date.
Thanks so much for all your help and assistance. I do see the difference with the tip of the 9 inner loop. Good info and thanks again. Hopefully I will find one.
