Imagine that the quarter, a coin you use daily, could be worth thousands of dollars. It may sound strange, but it’s true. A 1970 George Washington quarter can bring big surprises to collectors. This article explores why this common coin has become so special and valuable, especially if you happen to have one in your pocket.
What Does the 1970 Quarter Look Like?
The 1970 quarter has a unique design on both its front and back.
Obverse (The Head Side)
The front side of the quarter shows a bust of George Washington, facing left. This design is based on a sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon. On this side, you’ll see the words “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and the year the coin was made.
Reverse (The Tail Side)
On the back, there is an image of an eagle with its wings spread wide. The eagle holds arrows in its talons and faces left, just like Washington on the front. The reverse side also has the words “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Average Values Based on Condition
| Coin Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| MS-63 | Up to $2 |
| MS-64 | Up to $5 |
| MS-65 | Up to $16 |
| MS-66 | Up to $22 |
| MS-67 | Up to $65 |
| MS-68 | Up to $2,800 |
| MS-69 | Over $15,000 |
Key Coin Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse | Bust of George Washington facing left |
| Reverse | Eagle holding arrows in talons |
| Diameter | 24.30 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Mintage | 417,341,364 |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
What Makes the 1970 Quarter So Special?
While the 1970 quarter might seem like any other coin, there’s more to it than meets the eye. A big reason for its special value comes from mistakes that happened during its production. Some of these quarters were minted on thinner metal slabs that were meant for dimes. These errors make certain 1970 quarters extremely rare and valuable to coin collectors.
How Much Can the 1970 Quarter Be Worth?
Not all 1970 quarters are worth a lot of money, but some can sell for huge amounts at auction, especially if they were made with mistakes. For example, a quarter from Denver, minted in 1970, might sell for over $15,000! However, the value of a coin depends heavily on its condition.
Here’s a breakdown of how much different 1970 quarters can be worth based on their quality:
- MS-63: Up to $2
- MS-64: Up to $5
- MS-65: Up to $16
- MS-66: Up to $22
- MS-67: Up to $65
- MS-68: Up to $2,800
- Mint Condition (MS69): Over $15,000
The highest value came from a quarter in near-perfect condition, which was sold at auction for an amazing $15,000!
What to Look For When Checking Your 1970 Quarter
If you think you might have a valuable 1970 quarter, it’s important to check its condition. Coins that have been well taken care of are worth much more. Even small scratches or wear can reduce a coin’s value. Also, the mint mark matters. The 1970 Denver-minted quarters are the ones most likely to have rare mistakes and are generally the most valuable.
Conclusion
So, before you spend your 1970 quarter, take a closer look! A small mistake during its production could mean big money in your pocket. If you happen to find one in excellent condition, it could even be worth thousands of dollars. Collectors are always on the lookout for these rare coins, and who knows? You could be holding a hidden treasure.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1970 quarter so valuable?
The 1970 quarter became valuable due to minting errors, such as being minted on thinner metal meant for dimes, making certain versions rare and highly sought after.
How much can a 1970 quarter sell for?
Depending on its condition, a 1970 quarter can range in value from just a couple of dollars to over $15,000 at auction.
What is the mint mark on a valuable 1970 quarter?
The most valuable 1970 quarters were minted in Denver, so look for the “D” mint mark on the back of the coin.
How do I know if my 1970 quarter is worth money?
To determine if your 1970 quarter is valuable, check its condition and look for any minting mistakes like being thinner than usual or other visible errors.
Why do collectors want 1970 quarters?
Collectors are interested in 1970 quarters because some were made with rare minting mistakes, making them a unique and valuable addition to coin collections.