Crafting the Controversial 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent: A Coin Ring Artisan’s Metal Analysis

Not Every Coin Rings True: The Artisan’s Hard Truth

After twenty years of transforming coins into wearable art, I’ve learned this the hard way: some pieces belong in collections, not on fingers. The recent buzz about Ben The CoinGeek’s 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent (graded PCGS MS-65) isn’t just numismatic gossip – it’s a masterclass in why metal composition matters. Let’s explore why this controversial cent might disappoint crafters despite its numismatic value.

Why Collectors Treasure the 1970-S Small Date Cent

Before we even consider hammering this beauty into a ring, let’s appreciate its place in history. This transitional rarity from the San Francisco Mint showcases American coinage evolution at its most fascinating:

• Minting Drama: Born during the brief “date size experiments” of 1970
• Survivor Story: Only 1 in 4 survived with any collectible luster
• Error Potential: Dramatic doubling (DDO-001 through DDO-003) makes some specimens doubly desirable

That brilliant red patina you see? That’s not just eye appeal – it’s a time capsule from when Nixon was in office and gas cost 36 cents a gallon.

Metal Matters: The Crafting Reality Check

Clad Coinage Conundrum

Forget what you know about silver coins – this 1970 cent fights back during shaping:

• Copper Core: 95% soft copper heart wrapped in nickel armor
• Clad Warfare: Those beautiful layers can betray you, peeling apart like an onion during doming
• Crafting Nightmare: Nickel’s stubborn hardness (Mohs 3.5-4) laughs at basic silver-working techniques

The Silver Lining That Isn’t

Wake-up call: This coin contains ZERO silver. For jewelers used to pre-1965 dream metal:

• Oxidation appears faster than bad news at a coin show
• Metal fatigue hits like a rookie with a mallet
• Polishing? You’ll need specialty compounds just to make it shine

Grading Debates: When Flaws Tell Stories

The MS-65 Mystery

Collectors are still sparring over this coin’s controversial grade. Those shoulder marks? Lapel imperfections? The “chewed” ear details? Here’s what artisans see:

“Those aren’t mint errors – they’re battle scars.” – @lsica, Forum Sage

1. Every nick weakens the metal’s soul
2. Strike-through errors might boost collectibility but sabotage structure
3. Those shoulder marks? They’ll crack under ring-sizing pressure like stale bread

High-Risk Crafting Zones

Studying the reference image (View Here) reveals danger zones:

Beauty or Beast? The Jewelry Perspective

Small Date Advantages

Design-wise, this variety outshines its Large Date cousin:

• Sleeker profile with better date-portrait separation
• That straight-crossbar “7” becomes jewelry gold
• Enhanced rim definition after doming – when done right

Lincoln’s Last Stand

Our 16th president fights transformation every step:

• Prominent Nose: First to wear thin
• Lapel Edge: Natural ring-sizing guide… when not damaged
• Hair Details: Disappears faster than a proof coin at a yard sale

Those controversial marks cluster where the ring’s focal point should be – forcing heartbreaking design compromises.

The Collector vs. Crafter Standoff

Numismatic Reality Check

Let’s talk hard numbers:

• PCGS Value: $225-$350 in mint condition
• Population Report: Just 141 MS-65 Reds known
• Rarity Factor: Scarcer than honest politicians

Destroying this for jewelry isn’t craftmanship – it’s numismatic sacrilege when:

1. Lower-grade examples exist
2. Gem survivors deserve preservation
3. PCGS slabs weren’t meant to be smashed

When Ring-Making Wins

Only consider conversion if:

• The coin’s already environmentally damaged (PVC scars, corrosion)
• Details shine brighter as jewelry than as collectibles
• A client demands this exact rare variety

“Finding BU 70-S Small Dates in parking lots? That’s not luck – that’s divine intervention!” – @lsica

The Final Verdict: Preserve or Punish?

After weighing metal against history, my jeweler’s loupe reveals:

Let This One Rest

This 1970-S Small Date cent deserves protection, not punishment. Between its:

• Questionable structural integrity
• Impressive numismatic value
• Uncooperative nickel-clad composition

it’s simply not ring material. Instead, try these crafting-friendly alternatives:

1. Environmentally damaged wheat cents
2. 1943 Steel Cents (for striking metallic contrast)
3. Post-1982 zinc cents for practice runs

If you absolutely must craft a 1970-S Small Date ring:

• Seek VF or lower-grade coins
• Prioritize PVC-damaged survivors
• Never sacrifice a premium gem

Conclusion: Respect the Metal, Honor the History

The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent teaches us that true craftsmanship respects provenance. While its PCGS grade sparks collector debates, the real story lives in its copper-nickel heart – one better preserved than transformed. Sometimes the most valuable art is knowing when to walk away.

To fellow artisans: master common-date clad coins before touching rare varieties. The skills you gain will serve you when you finally discover that perfect coin where history and craftsmanship sing in harmony – a ring that truly rings true.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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