1970 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS65RD

A 1970 Lincoln Cent from the Philadelphia mint, graded PCGS MS65RD, is a coin in excellent uncirculated condition with full original red color.

Here’s a breakdown of what that means and its approximate value:

• 1970 Lincoln Cent: This refers to the year of mintage and the type of coin.
• Philadelphia mint (no mint mark): Coins minted in Philadelphia typically don’t have a mint mark. This is a common mintage, with over 1.8 billion produced in 1970.
• PCGS: This stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, one of the most reputable third-party coin grading companies.¹ They authenticate and grade coins, then encapsulate them in a tamper-evident holder (a “slab”).²

   

• MS65: This is the grade assigned on the Sheldon grading scale (Mint State 0-70).
  • MS (Mint State): Means the coin shows no signs of wear from circulation.³

     

  • 65: Indicates “Gem Uncirculated.” A coin graded MS65 is an above-average uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on its surface or rim.⁴ It’s a premium grade that’s highly desirable to collectors.

     

• RD (Red): This color designation indicates that the coin retains at least 95% of its original red copper color. This is the most desirable color designation for copper coins.

Value:

For a regular strike 1970 Lincoln Cent from the Philadelphia mint graded PCGS MS65RD, the value is generally modest. Based on recent sales and price guides, you can expect it to be in the range of $15-$30.

Important Considerations:

• Varieties: While the regular 1970 Philadelphia cent isn’t particularly rare, some specific varieties (like the 1970-S Small Date or 1970-S/S RPM) can be significantly more valuable, especially in high grades. However, you specified Philadelphia (“P” mint mark, or no mint mark), and the small date variety was only minted in San Francisco.
• Eye Appeal: Even within the same grade, the “eye appeal” of a coin can influence its value.⁵ Some MS65 coins might have a stronger strike, better luster, or more attractive toning, which can make them more desirable to collectors and potentially fetch a higher price.

If you have a 1970 Lincoln Cent from Philadelphia with a PCGS MS65RD grade, it’s a nice, high-quality example of a 55 year old coin.