Imagine finding a penny in an old coffee can that’s worth almost a million bucks. That’s exactly what happened to a family in Ohio in 2025 when they discovered a rare 1970-S Small Date Lincoln penny among their late grandfather’s belongings. Tucked away in a rusty can with screws and buttons, this tiny coin sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $800,000. Stories like this are sparking a frenzy among coin collectors, and here’s how you can spot one of these valuable pennies yourself.
A Surprise Find in a Dusty Can
The family was cleaning out their grandfather’s garage when they stumbled on the coffee can. At first, they thought the coins inside were just pocket change. But one penny caught their eye—it had a shiny look and an “S” mark below the date. Curious, they looked it up online and learned it might be a 1970-S Small Date penny, one of the rarest coins from the 1970s. They took it to a coin expert, who confirmed it was a high-grade, uncirculated small date variety, sending its value through the roof.
Why This Penny Is Worth So Much
The 1970-S Small Date penny is a collector’s dream because of its rarity and unique features. In 1970, the San Francisco Mint made two types of pennies: large date and small date. The small date version is scarcer, with fewer made due to a minting change. Collectors love these coins, especially if they’re in mint condition or have errors like a doubled die, where the design looks blurry. A top-grade small date penny, like the one this family found, can fetch hundreds of thousands at auction.
| Feature | What to Look For | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Date Style | Small, delicate “1970” with high 7 | Increases value significantly |
| Mint Mark | “S” below the date | Confirms San Francisco mint, rarer |
| Condition | Uncirculated, shiny, no wear | Can boost value to $800K or more |
| Doubled Die | Blurry “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” | Adds thousands to value |
How to Identify a Small Date Penny
Spotting a 1970-S Small Date penny takes a keen eye. Look for the “S” mint mark under the date. Then, check the date itself: on small date pennies, the “7” sits level with the “1,” “9,” and “0,” and the “9” has a sharp, curved tail pointing toward the “7.” The word “LIBERTY” is often weak or soft-looking. Compare it to a large date penny, where the “7” is lower and the “9” points toward the “S.” Use a magnifying glass to be sure, and don’t clean the coin—it could ruin its value.
Where to Sell a Rare Coin
If you think you’ve got a 1970-S Small Date penny, don’t spend it. Get it checked by a professional grader like PCGS or NGC to confirm its condition and authenticity. These services certify the coin, making it easier to sell. You can then list it on eBay, work with a coin dealer, or contact big auction houses like Heritage Auctions, where this family sold theirs for $800K. Always get an appraisal first to know its true worth.
Check Your Change Today
Stories like this Ohio family’s are a reminder that treasure can hide in plain sight. The 1970-S Small Date penny isn’t impossible to find—some are still in circulation or stashed in old jars. Next time you’re digging through loose change or family heirlooms, take a closer look. With a bit of luck and a sharp eye, you might uncover a penny that’s worth a fortune, just like this family did.