1970-S Small Date.
The 1970-S “Small Date” is the design of 1969. Early in 1970 it was noticed that the details were becoming very weak, this being most visible in the word LIBERTY. A new master die was made, creating a design change. The new design, or “Large date” has a bold LIBERTY. Other differences is that on the early type, the top of the 7 in the date is level with the other digits, while it is a bit lower on the redesigned “Large Date.” This was the third redesign in three years. Notice how the details on the 1968 cent is very high relief, the 1969 a lower relief, and then this change in 1970. The difference here is that the changes happened early in the year, producing two types. The earlier dates design changes exist only for those dates. The date is not really smaller, but popular references copied the 1960 Small date / Large date nomenclature. The 1970 Small Date is much scarcer than the Large Date.
Choice Unc – Red
