Ok, I have tried for sometime now to get a straight answer or have someone show me how to determine if the 70-s is a small or large date. Is the S the only thing that is small (kinda like a 45-s mirco merc) or is it the date that is small (like a 60 sd lincoln)? I have a ton of 70-s lincolns and I have tried and tried to tell the difference in these coins (with as many as I have I figured I gotta have at least one) but the only thing I ever get out of the deal is a headache. If someone could explain (or better yet send me a picture of each) I would REALLY appreciate it! Buck
What I don't know about Lincoln cents already fills several books. Here are the Red Book's 2,000 words on the subject:
The height of the seven is the same height as the zero for the small date 1970. That's the one you want! Coin Prices (September 2004) lists the small date in MS65 condition at $55.00.
There's an easier way to tell. If LIBERTY is bold and well struck it's a large date. LIBERTY is weak and "washed out" looking on every small date I've ever seen. I don't have pics, nor do I know where to find them. But if you LQQK at the next small date that you find you'll see what I mean. It's very obvious and I can consistently spot it with the naked eye. Nick
As already stated - there is more than one way to tell. Myself - I've always preferred to look at the 9. In the small date the 9 is almost a closed loop. In the large date it is much more open. This can also be seen with the naked eye.
