What's the Value of a 1970 Quarter?
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What's the Value of a 1970 Quarter?
Discover valuable mint errors, grading secrets, and how some 1970 quarters are worth thousands of dollars
Introduction
The Washington quarter had several mint errors in 1970, creating some of the most valuable quarters in U.S. history. While some of these 1970 quarters are worth hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, when it comes to normal 1970 quarters, only the best specimens command premium prices. Understanding what makes these quarters valuable can help collectors and investors identify valuable coins in their possession.
Like other precious metals investments, coin collecting requires knowledge of market dynamics and valuation principles. For investors interested in precious metals beyond numismatics, tracking current gold prices and monitoring silver market trends provides insight into the broader precious metals landscape that influences coin values.
Table of Contents
1970 Washington Quarter Mintages
Understanding production numbers helps explain why certain 1970 quarters are more valuable than others. The three U.S. Mints produced dramatically different quantities:
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Quantity Produced | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (P) | 136,420,000 | Circulation |
| Denver | D | 417,341,364 | Circulation |
| San Francisco | S | 2,632,810 | Proof Only |
With more than 553 million quarters and more than 2.6 million proofs made in 1970, a quarter needs something special to stand out. Fortunately for collectors, there were numerous minting errors at all three facilities that year, creating valuable varieties.
The Most Valuable 1970 Quarter: The $35,000 Quarter
The most famous and expensive 1970 quarter is the 1970-S quarter struck on an 80% silver 1941 Canadian quarter. This unique coin has been appraised at a whopping $35,000!
$35,000 Canadian Overstrike
- 1970-S quarter on 1941 Canadian quarter
- 80% silver composition
- Graded PF65 by NGC
- Owned by error coin specialist Mike Byers
Other Canadian Overstrikes
- 1970-S on George V Canadian quarter: $7,800
- Graded PF64 by NGC
- Date obscured by Washington's neck
- Sold in August 2020
Philippines Overstrike
- 1970-S on Philippines 25 centavos
- Distinctive "brassy" appearance
- Graded PR64
- Sold for $4,600 in 2010
Expert Insight
Error coin specialist Mike Byers describes the $35,000 Canadian overstrike as "one of the most fascinating and intriguing proof mint errors ever discovered." These dramatic foreign planchet errors represent the pinnacle of 1970 quarter collecting.
Weird Is Valuable: 1970 Quarter Errors
Error coins can be some of the weirdest coins you will ever see. Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank isn't completely inserted into the press, causing the design to shift and leaving part of the coin smooth. The more off-center the design, the more valuable the coin becomes.
Double Strike Off-Center
$1,020 (2021 sale)
- 1970-D quarter
- Second strike 70% off-center
- Graded MS64
- Extremely unusual error combination
Wrong Planchet Errors
$216 - $1,260
- 1970-D on Lincoln cent planchet: $1,260
- 1970-D on Jefferson nickel planchet: $216
- Easily recognizable size differences
- Multiple documented examples
Cladding Errors
$540 - $1,175
- Missing copper-nickel cladding: $540
- Double struck in collar: $1,175
- Die rotation between strikes
- Visible manufacturing defects
The "Thin" 1970-D Washington Quarter
One of the most interesting 1970 errors occurred at the Denver Mint when someone accidentally fed dime-thickness metal strips through the quarter blank-cutting machine. These blanks were then struck as quarters, creating "thin quarters" with the same thickness as dimes.
Thin Quarter Facts
- Officially called "1970-D Quarter on Dime Stock"
- Estimated 100,000 produced before discovery
- Same thickness as dimes (1.35mm vs 1.75mm)
- Most accessible 1970-D error for collectors
- Still possible to find in circulation
Value Range: $30 for moderately worn pieces to $350 for uncirculated examples. These represent one of the few 1970 errors that collectors might actually discover in their change!
Important Distinction
Don't confuse thin quarters (struck on dime-thickness stock) with quarters struck on actual dime planchets. The thin quarters are the same diameter as normal quarters but thinner, while dime planchet strikes are both smaller and thinner.
Grading 1970 Quarters: Appearances Are Everything
Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, where Mint State 70 represents a flawless coin even under magnification. Understanding grading is crucial because just one grade point can dramatically affect value.
| 1970 Quarter Type | Grade | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-P Washington | MS67+ | $2,160 | Finest known |
| 1970-P Washington | MS67 | $264 | High grade |
| 1970-P Washington | MS66 | $34 | Nice uncirculated |
| 1970-D Washington | MS68 | $2,160 | Finest known |
| 1970-D Washington | MS67 | $47 | High grade |
| 1970-D Washington | MS66 | $11 | Nice uncirculated |
Proof Quarter Values
Proof coins from San Francisco command different premiums based on their finish quality:
- 1970-S Proof (Standard): PR69 = $14, PR68 = $12
- 1970-S Proof Cameo: PR69 CAM = $34, PR68 CAM = $16
- 1970-S Proof Deep Cameo: PR69 DCAM = $455, PR68 DCAM = $88
Deep Cameo proofs show exceptional contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields, making them the most desirable proof variety.
What Is A Proof Coin?
Proof coins are struck multiple times to give the field of the coin (the surface around the head and eagle) a mirror-like finish. Understanding proof designations helps collectors identify the most valuable examples.
Standard Proof
- Basic mirror finish
- Multiple strikes for clarity
- Careful handling during production
- Most common proof type
Cameo Proof
- Deeper mirrored appearance
- Contrast between devices and fields
- Moderate premiums over standard
- CAM designation
Deep Cameo Proof
- Exceptional mirror-like finish
- Maximum contrast and eye appeal
- Highest premiums
- DCAM designation
Can You Find A 1970 Quarter Worth Money?
It is still possible to find valuable 1970 Washington quarters in circulation! "Thin" quarters, double-strikes, and off-center coins may still be lurking in your change. Here's what to look for and how to preserve their value.
Hunting Tips
- Check quarter thickness against known good quarters
- Look for off-center designs or doubled images
- Examine mint marks carefully (P, D, or S)
- Watch for unusual coloration or "brassy" appearance
- Compare weight if you have a scale
Critical: Don't Clean Coins!
If you find a valuable quarter, don't clean it under any circumstances. Coins need to maintain their natural appearance built up over years. A cleaned coin becomes undesirable to collectors and is worth only a fraction of an uncleaned coin's value. The few seconds it takes to check your change could result in a significant discovery.
Building a Precious Metals Portfolio
While hunting for valuable quarters can be rewarding, serious precious metals investors often diversify beyond numismatics. Consider adding gold bullion and silver investments to your portfolio for broader exposure to precious metals markets. These investments complement collectible coins by providing direct exposure to metal values tracked through current gold prices and silver market data.
Conclusion
The 1970 Washington quarter represents a fascinating chapter in U.S. mint history, where production errors created some of the most valuable quarters ever produced. From the $35,000 Canadian overstrike to the accessible thin quarters worth $30-$350, these coins demonstrate how minting mistakes can become numismatic treasures.
Success in finding valuable 1970 quarters comes down to knowledge, patience, and careful observation. Whether you're checking pocket change or building a serious collection, understanding the difference between common and valuable varieties is essential. Remember to preserve any discoveries in their natural state—cleaning coins destroys their value and collectibility.
Good luck in your hunt for these remarkable pieces of minting history!