Just a question

[Roger]

Thought maybe Chris or someone could help me on this one.

I was sorting though my dug cents separating the copper from the zinc and ran into these two coins.
There are 4 types of the 1970-S.  I have trouble telling the difference between a large date and small date.
How the "7" sits also makes a difference, I understand.
Can anyone ID these ?

[Roger]

I found the info below on the internet, and I am thinking my top photo is a small date as all the numbers are level and "LIBERTY" is not as sharp, however that could be from wear.

PLEASE POST YOUR OPINION (if you have time).  
Thanks !!!
Roger  

Small Date Variety:

The Small Date variety is also known as the "High 7" variety.  Even though "Small Date" is the more generally accepted term, it is easier to distinguish the two varieties by focusing on the location of the 7 than the size of the date itself.  On the Small Date variety, the top of the 7 is even with the top of the 9 and 0 adjacent to it in the date.  A second diagnostic for the Small Date variety is a weak LIBERTY which actually appears "mushy".



Large Date Variety:

On the Large Date variety, the numeral 7 in the date is noticeably lower than the adjacent 9 and 0 in the date.   On the large date cents, the word LIBERTY is much stronger than on the Small date variety.


Like the general circulation strikes, the 1970 proof sets also can be found with large and small date cents.  Again, the small date variety is the more valuable of the two.

[Don]

I guess I just don't have an eye for it.  I can see the difference in the 2 pictures you just posted but looking at your coin I just can't tell which one it is.

[Roger]

Thanks Don.  I know what you mean by the "eye" thing, that is why I was asking.
To me (and maybe it is just my wishfull thinking) in the top photo all the numbers in the date look to me like they are level on the top.  In the second photo the nine looks to be higher than the seven.

Thanks for the reply !
Roger   

[Johnny Ringo]

I'm like you Roger, I think the top photo is the small date with the level 7.
Theres no doubting that! Also, the liberty does appear to be less sharp.

[Roger]

Thanks Johnny .

Roger 

[Chris J]

Yes, it's hard to tell sometimes, but there are a few subtle differences between the two not mentioned.  On the small date, the numbers are thicker, specially the 9 and 0.  The 0 is also rounder where the large date is more vertically oval.  On the 9, the large date is noticeably thinner and the inner curl does not go as far into the number.  The small date 9 inner curl goes farther into the number and actually tails up a bit.  I would say your pic is a large date.

[Roger]

Thanks for taking a look at them Chris.
I would like to bring them to the meeting so you can take a better look.  I re examined them after what you wrote and the photos maybe dont show the detail well.

Thanks !
Roger   

[Johnny Ringo]

I'm looking at it with a 19in monitor and I see those differences between your two pictures! I'm staying with my first guess that the first pictures is of a small date variety. Good points to look for Chris. You guys know quite a bit about coins and there details!