A Gem Proof from the Memorial Era: The 1970-S Large Date Cent

This listing offers a stunning example of the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial Cent, certified and encapsulated by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS, at the prestigious PR68RD, or Proof 68 Red, grade. This coin represents the pinnacle of modern proof minting, exhibiting virtually flawless surfaces and brilliant original red coloration.

The coin features the Large Date variety, one of two distinct date styles produced at the San Francisco Mint in 1970. On the Large Date variety, the top of the digit 7 sits distinctly lower than the top of the 0 in the date, creating an easily identifiable diagnostic for collectors. The inscription LIBERTY also appears stronger on the Large Date variety compared to the Small Date.

Historical Context: The Lincoln Memorial Cent Series

The Lincoln Memorial Cent was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, replacing the iconic Wheat reverse that had been used since 1909. The obverse retained Victor David Brenner's classic portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse featured Frank Gasparro's design of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This design remained in use through 2008.

Proof production for the Lincoln Memorial series shifted to the San Francisco Mint in 1968 following a three-year moratorium on proof coinage. The 1970-S proof set had a total mintage of 2,632,810 pieces, making it relatively available, but examples achieving the PR68RD grade are significantly rarer and highly sought after by collectors.

Understanding the Large Date Variety

In 1970, the San Francisco Mint used two different obverse hubs to produce dies for the cent. The resulting coins are categorized as either Large Date or Small Date varieties. To distinguish them, draw an imaginary line across the top of the date digits. On the Large Date, the top of the 7 falls below this line, while on the Small Date, the 7 is level with the other digits. The Large Date variety is the more common of the two, but it remains a popular collectible for specialists.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner, features a right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. The inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST appear on the top periphery, LIBERTY to the left of the portrait, and the date 1970 with the S mint mark on the right side. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features a detailed depiction of the Lincoln Memorial building. The words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appear on the top and bottom peripheries, with E PLURIBUS UNUM centered above the memorial.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 1 Cent
Year: 1970
Mint: San Francisco, S mint mark
Variety: Large Date
Grade: PR68RD
Certification: PCGS
Designer, Obverse: Victor David Brenner
Designer, Reverse: Frank Gasparro
Composition: 95 percent Copper, 5 percent Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
Mintage: 2,632,810 pieces
PCGS Number: 3430

Understanding the PR68RD Designation

The PR68RD, or Proof 68 Red, designation indicates a gem-quality proof coin with exceptional eye appeal, virtually no visible imperfections, and approximately 95 percent or more of its original red mint color intact. According to PCGS population data, only a limited number of examples have achieved this grade level.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by PCGS, one of the world's leading third-party coin grading services. It is securely encased in a durable, tamper-evident PCGS plastic slab, which protects the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the PCGS slab provides a lifetime guarantee of the coin's genuineness and grade. It is a gem proof quality example, with the PR68RD grade indicating an exceptional proof coin with brilliant red surfaces and outstanding eye appeal. It features a collectible variety, as the Large Date variety is a popular and widely recognized variety within the Lincoln Memorial series. It displays a classic design, with the iconic Lincoln portrait and the Lincoln Memorial reverse, a staple of American numismatics. Most of all, high-grade modern proofs are increasingly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

This coin is more than currency. It is a gem proof from the Memorial era, offering a near-flawless example of the 1970-S Large Date cent with brilliant original red coloration. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 3.5, Width 2.25, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.1 lbs

Condition:
Excellent, as graded by PCGS.

• Low Estimate: 50.00
• High Estimate: 150.00