A Quarter That’s a Hidden Treasure
The 1970-S quarter may look like just another 25 cents, but some of these coins are worth a fortune due to rare minting errors. One such quarter sold for over $500,000 at auction, making it a collector’s dream. Minted in San Francisco, these quarters can have mistakes that turn pocket change into life-changing money. With millions of these coins made, a few stand out because of errors like wrong metals or misprinted designs. Let’s explore the top five errors that make the 1970-S quarter so valuable and how you can spot one.
Why the 1970-S Quarter Stands Out
In 1970, the U.S. Mint produced quarters at its San Francisco facility, marked with an “S” on the front. Most were made of copper-nickel, but some were struck on special metals or with errors that collectors prize. For example, a 1970-S quarter in pristine condition with a rare error, graded PR70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), can fetch over $500,000. These coins are part of the proof sets made for collectors, which means they were crafted with extra care, but mistakes still happened. Checking your coins for these errors could uncover a gem.
Top 5 Errors That Boost Value
Certain mistakes during minting make the 1970-S quarter incredibly valuable. Here are the top five to look for:
- Proof Over Mint Mark: The “S” mint mark is struck over a different mark, like a “D,” worth $35,000 to $100,000.
- Double Die Obverse: The front design, like “LIBERTY” or the date, appears doubled, valued at $10,000 to $50,000.
- Struck on Wrong Planchet: The quarter is struck on a dime or other coin’s blank, worth $50,000 to $200,000.
- Missing Clad Layer: One side lacks the copper-nickel coating, showing a copper core, valued at $5,000 to $20,000.
- Off-Center Strike: The design is misaligned, sometimes missing part of the image, worth $1,000 to $15,000.
| Error Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Proof Over Mint Mark | $35,000 – $100,000 |
| Double Die Obverse | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Wrong Planchet | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Missing Clad Layer | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Off-Center Strike | $1,000 – $15,000 |
How to Spot a Valuable 1970-S Quarter
To find a rare 1970-S quarter, start by checking the mint mark. Look for the “S” on the front, near Washington’s neck. Use a magnifying glass to spot doubling in the letters or date, or check if the design is off-center. If the coin looks unusual, like it’s the wrong size or metal, it might be struck on a wrong planchet. Weighing the coin helps too—a standard 1970-S quarter is 5.67 grams, but one on a dime planchet is lighter, around 2.27 grams. If you think you have a rare coin, take it to a professional grader like PCGS or NGC for appraisal.
A Tiny Coin With Big Rewards
The 1970-S quarter is a piece of American history that could be hiding in your change jar. Its errors, from doubled designs to wrong metals, make it a favorite among collectors. Stories of these quarters selling for hundreds of thousands keep the hunt exciting. Next time you find a 1970-S quarter, grab a magnifying glass and check for these errors. You might be holding a coin worth more than a house. If you suspect a treasure, get it checked by a coin expert to confirm its value. Happy hunting
