1970 Penny Error List with Pictures
Five documented error types — from affordable clipped planchets to an $18,400 doubled die proof
Production pressures in 1970 across all three mint facilities created ideal conditions for a variety of striking and die errors. The most coveted is the 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse, documented by PCGS CoinFacts as one of the rarest modern error coins in the Lincoln Memorial cent series. Understanding what each error type looks like — and what it is actually worth — helps collectors separate genuine finds from common damage.
Table 3: 1970 Penny — Error Coin Reference
| # | Error Type | Rarity | Circulated | MS / Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) ⭐ | Extremely Rare (1970-S) | $200–$2,000+ | $15,000–$18,400+ |
| 2 | Floating Roof | Uncommon | $5–$20 | $25–$100+ |
| 3 | Off-Center Strike | Occasional | $10–$150 | $75–$500+ |
| 4 | Cud Error (Die Break) | Common (minor) | $15–$150 | $50–$400+ |
| 5 | Clipped Planchet | Occasional | $5–$75 | $20–$150 |
Error #1: 1970 Penny Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The rarest modern Lincoln cent error — hub doubling on LIBERTY, date & IN GOD WE TRUST
1970-S DDO — doubling visible on LIBERTY, date numerals, and motto inscriptions
The doubled die obverse represents the most significant and valuable error found on 1970 Lincoln cents. This manufacturing defect occurs during die production when the working hub strikes the die multiple times with slight misalignment between impressions, creating visible doubling on design elements including the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The 1970-S DDO stands as one of the rarest modern error varieties, with so few authenticated examples that standard price guides cannot establish consistent market values.
How to identify: Examine obverse inscriptions with 10–20x magnification • Strong doubled dies show complete secondary impressions on letter forms, creating notched serifs or split characters • Focus on date digits — the 1, 9, and 7 frequently display the clearest doubling • Check LIBERTY for separation in vertical strokes of L and T • Distinguish genuine hub doubling from worthless machine doubling by confirming consistent sharp doubling across multiple design elements
Value: $200–$2,000+ (circulated varieties) — up to $18,400 (1970-S proof DDO, 2005)
Error #2: 1970 Penny Floating Roof Error
Die over-polishing creates the illusion of the Memorial roof suspended above its columns
1970 Floating Roof — gap between Memorial roof and column capitals, FG initials may be missing
The floating roof error stands as one of the most recognizable die varieties specific to 1970 Lincoln Memorial cents. This visual anomaly occurs when excessive die polishing removes metal from recessed areas between the Memorial's roof and columns, creating the optical illusion that the roof structure floats detached from its supporting architecture. Floating roof varieties appear most prominently on 1970-S and 1970-D cents, with varying degrees of severity affecting collector desirability.
How to identify: Examine the reverse Memorial design under strong magnification and angled lighting • A floating roof displays visible gaps or missing connection points between the roof and columns • Check for the accompanying absence of FG designer initials to the right of the Memorial • Most desirable specimens show the roof completely separated with clear space visible between architectural elements • Compare against reference images to gauge severity level
Value: $5–$20 (minor) — $25–$100+ (dramatic with missing FG initials)
Error #3: 1970 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Misaligned planchet creates partial design with blank crescent — most common from Denver
1970 Off-Center Strike — visible blank crescent, date retained on partial design
Off-center strike errors develop when the blank planchet fails to seat properly between the dies during striking. Rather than centered alignment producing a uniform coin, the misaligned blank receives only a partial impression, creating dramatic errors where design elements extend beyond the planchet edge while opposite areas remain blank. 1970-D off-center strikes appear more frequently in the marketplace than Philadelphia or San Francisco examples.
How to identify: Rotate the coin to identify how much of the design extends beyond the planchet boundary • The most valuable off-center strikes show 15–40% misalignment while retaining a fully visible date • Verify the off-center striking affected both obverse and reverse identically • Examine the blank crescent area for natural planchet texture • Coins missing dates command significantly lower premiums unless dramatically off-center (75%+)
Value: $10–$30 (5–10%) — $50–$150 (10–25%, date visible) — $150–$500+ (25–50%, date visible)
Error #4: 1970 Penny Cud Error
Catastrophic die failure creates raised featureless blob at the coin rim
1970 Cud Error — raised featureless metal blob extending inward from the rim
Cud errors develop through catastrophic die failure when a section of the die edge breaks completely away from the rim area. During subsequent striking operations, metal flows unrestricted into the void, producing a raised blob of featureless metal extending from the coin rim inward. Cuds vary from minor rim breaks to major failures consuming significant portions of the design, with each representing a unique error variety.
How to identify: Examine the coin rim carefully for raised, featureless blobs extending inward from the edge • Genuine cuds connect directly to the rim and show a flat, raised surface lacking any design impression • Check the opposite side for corresponding weakness in the same location • Cuds covering letters in LIBERTY or UNITED STATES command higher premiums • Distinguish cuds from retained cuds, where the die piece cracked but remained in position
Value: $15–$40 (small rim cud) — $50–$150 (medium, affecting letters) — $150–$400+ (large, major design elements)
Error #5: 1970 Penny Clipped Planchet Error
Incomplete circular blank from the punching operation — an affordable entry into error collecting
1970 Clipped Planchet — smooth arc missing from rim, date retained
Clipped planchet errors originate during the blanking operation when circular planchets are punched from rolled metal strips. These errors occur when planchets overlap during punching or when blanks are cut too close to the strip edge, resulting in incomplete circular forms missing curved or straight sections. While less dramatic than striking errors, clipped planchets appeal to collectors seeking affordable entry points into error coin collecting.
How to identify: Rotate the coin to identify the missing section, which should appear as a smooth arc (curved clip) or straight edge (straight clip) • Verify the clip affects both obverse and reverse identically through the full thickness • The design should flow naturally into the clipped area without signs of post-mint removal • Check that the date remains fully visible • Distinguish genuine mint clips from environmental damage by examining edges under magnification for mint luster
Value: $5–$15 (minor clip) — $20–$60 (moderate) — $75–$150 (large clip, date visible)
