Hidden in your spare change might be one of the most valuable pennies ever minted—the 1970-S Lincoln penny with a rare doubling error, now known to have sold for as much as $110,000 at auction.
What makes this ordinary-looking one-cent coin command such a staggering price? The answer lies in a tiny but powerful minting mistake that only sharp-eyed collectors can spot.
Here’s what you need to know to check your pocket change for this valuable treasure.
What’s So Special About the 1970-S Penny?
The 1970-S Lincoln penny was minted in San Francisco and is part of the regular circulation series featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. But a small batch of these pennies came out with a striking error—a doubled die on the obverse (front). This means the date and inscriptions were accidentally stamped twice during the minting process, creating a noticeable doubling effect.
This doubling is especially prominent on the date “1970” and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Only a limited number of these error coins are known to exist, which is why collectors are willing to pay a premium—sometimes up to six figures—for well-preserved examples.
How to Identify the Rare 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
You don’t need to be a coin expert to spot this coin, but you do need to know what to look for:
🔍 Check the Mintmark
The rare version comes with a “S” mintmark, meaning it was minted in San Francisco. You’ll find this mark just below the date.
🔄 Look Closely at the Date
The biggest giveaway is the doubling on the date “1970.” With the naked eye or a magnifying glass, you might see a clear doubling of the numbers, especially the “7” and “0.”
✝️ Examine the Inscriptions
The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” may also show obvious doubling. It looks as if each letter has a shadow or echo, but it’s not from wear—it’s a result of the die striking twice slightly off alignment.
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of this penny depends heavily on its condition and authenticity. Some 1970-S doubled die pennies have sold for more than $100,000 at public auctions. Here’s a breakdown based on quality:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Fine to Very Fine | $500 – $1,500 |
| Extremely Fine | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Mint State (Uncirculated) | $10,000 – $110,000+ |
To get top dollar, coins should be certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, and should ideally be in “Red” uncirculated condition—meaning they still retain their original reddish luster.
Real-World Example: $110,000 Penny Sale
In a headline-making auction, a pristine 1970-S doubled die penny sold for $110,000, stunning the coin-collecting community. It had been verified by experts, preserved in a protective holder, and graded MS-65 Red—one of the highest classifications possible for copper coins.
This sale confirmed what collectors have suspected for years: some of the most valuable coins are not gold or silver but simple, unassuming pennies.
How These Rare Pennies Still Circulate
While rare, some 1970-S doubled die pennies may still be hiding in old coin jars, bank rolls, or family collections. Because these coins look ordinary to most people, they’ve occasionally turned up in garage sales, estate finds, and even as pocket change at cash registers.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can reduce its value significantly.
- Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling.
- Compare with images from trusted coin databases or auction listings.
- Have the coin authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC before attempting to sell.
Final Thoughts: That Penny Could Change Everything
The next time you get change back from a coffee shop or find an old coin jar in the attic, don’t overlook the pennies. That worn copper coin could be a 1970-S doubled die Lincoln penny, possibly worth thousands—or even over $100,000.
Take a moment to inspect your pocket change. Because sometimes, all it takes is one lucky find to turn a single cent into a small fortune.
