1974 Lincoln Cent Large Date vs. Small Date: How to Tell Them Apart

Like 1960, 1970-S, and 1982, the 1974 Lincoln cent has a recognized Large Date and Small Date split. Unlike those other three years, though, it’s a variety you’ll mostly find discussed on specialist forums rather than priced separately by the major grading services—because unlike the others, neither 1974 date style commands a real premium.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed. See our overview of Large Date/Small Date Lincoln cents across 1960, 1970-S, 1974, and 1982 for how this year compares to the others.

What makes the 1974 Large Date/Small Date split different from other years?

The U.S. Mint changed the Lincoln cent’s obverse master die twice during 1974, producing two recognizable date styles. Unlike 1960 or 1970-S, where the split happened at a single mint, 1974’s date change shows up across all three mints that struck cents that year—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—giving six total date/mint combinations (1974, 1974-D, and 1974-S, each in Large Date and Small Date).

The key difference from the other recognized years: PCGS does not attribute or separately price the 1974 date varieties, even though it does for 1960, 1970-S, and 1982. That’s not an oversight—it reflects mintages in the billions for every combination, with no meaningful scarcity or price difference between Large Date and Small Date in any of the six. Specialist Lincoln cent collectors and dedicated variety-attribution sites still track and collect the distinction; it’s simply not treated as a premium-commanding variety by the major third-party grading services.

How to identify a 1974 Large Date versus Small Date cent

Several diagnostics distinguish the two, though the date itself is the most reliable single check:

• The triangular gap inside the “4”: on the Small Date, this opening is noticeably taller than it is wide. On the Large Date, it’s roughly equal in width and height. This is the most consistently cited diagnostic among Lincoln cent specialists.
• The “4” and its crossbar overall: the Small Date’s numeral is narrower and more compact than the broader, more open Large Date “4.”
• The “9” and “7”: both digits are thinner on the Small Date than on the Large Date.
• Portrait and lettering detail: the Large Date die tends to show crisper detail in Lincoln’s hair and lapel, with the motto and date sitting slightly closer to the rim; the Small Date is comparatively softer, or “mushier,” in these same areas.

Compare several of these points together rather than relying on any single one, since strike quality and wear can make an individual feature harder to judge in isolation. Small Date examples are believed to be somewhat less common than Large Date across the mintage, but not to a degree that translates into a meaningful price difference.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

Because PCGS and NGC don’t attribute the 1974 date styles separately, there’s little reason to pay a premium for a “certified Small Date” or “certified Large Date” 1974 cent—the certification cost typically exceeds any value difference. This variety is more of a specialist attribution exercise than an investment-grade purchase.

Understanding grades

As with any 1974 cent, color designation (BN, RB, or RD) and grade drive value far more than date style. See our 1974 Lincoln cent guide for current grade-by-grade pricing, which applies equally to both date styles.

Problem coins

Cleaning, spotting, corrosion, and environmental damage reduce value the same as with any bronze Lincoln cent of this era.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1974 Lincoln cent,” “1974-D Lincoln cent,” or “1974-S Lincoln cent.”

Then narrow by:

• Date style: Large Date or Small Date, where specifically attributed by the seller
• Mint: Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (“D”), or San Francisco (“S”)
• Grade and color designation: BN, RB, or RD

Because grading services don’t attribute this variety, expect most dealer listings to identify the coin by date, mint, and grade only—not by date style.

Availability and pricing notes

Both date styles are common and inexpensive at every mint. Listings and asking prices don’t necessarily represent completed-sale values, and since date style doesn’t meaningfully affect price, there’s no reason to pay above ordinary 1974-cent market value for either variety.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1974 Lincoln cent” (or the specific mint and grade you want) to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by mint, grade, color designation, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save it as a wishlist item.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify photographs and grading, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1974 Small Date Lincoln cent rare?

No. It’s believed to be somewhat less common than the Large Date, but mintages for both run into the billions across all three mints, and neither commands a meaningful premium.

How do I tell a 1974 Large Date from a Small Date cent?

Look at the triangular opening inside the “4”—taller than wide on the Small Date, roughly equal on the Large Date. The “9” and “7” are also thinner on the Small Date, and the Large Date typically shows crisper portrait and lettering detail.

Why doesn’t PCGS attribute the 1974 date varieties like it does for 1960, 1970-S, and 1982?

Because none of the six 1974 date/mint combinations show meaningful scarcity or price differences. PCGS attributes varieties that collectors will pay a premium for; this one doesn’t meet that bar.

Which mints have the 1974 Large Date/Small Date split?

All three that struck cents that year: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1974 Lincoln cent” to your wishlist below, noting the date style if you’re specifically after one. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

Looking to buy or check current prices for this coin?Search it on CoinHunt →