The 1970 quarter without a mint mark is a relatively rare coin, with only Philadelphia-minted quarters lacking the mint mark. This can make identification a bit tricky.
The 1970 quarter was produced in large quantities, with over 1.1 billion coins minted. However, the lack of a mint mark on the Philadelphia-minted quarters means collectors and enthusiasts need to be aware of this distinction.
To identify a 1970 quarter without a mint mark, look for the "P" mint mark on the reverse side of the coin, which is actually a small "P" stamped on the bottom of the eagle's wing.
Coin Features
The 1970 Washington quarter is a quarter from the Washington quarter series that was minted from 1932 to 1998.
It's made of a copper and nickel alloy, with a composition of 91.67% copper and a low percentage of nickel, and has a copper core.
The coin is round, with a diameter of 24.30 mm (0.96 inches) and a thickness of 1.75 mm (0.07 inches).
The Obverse
The obverse of a coin is the front side, and for the 1970 Washington quarter, it's a classic design. The central figure is George Washington's bust, facing to the left.
The designer used Jean-Antoine Houdon's sculpture as a base, which is a great example of how art can be adapted and reinterpreted. The LIBERTY inscription is placed above Washington's head.
You can find the year of minting, 1970, at the bottom of the coin, just underneath Washington's head. The engraving S or D might be present, representing the mint where the coin was produced.
The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is written in capital letters and placed slightly under Washington's chin. The Philadelphia mint is the only one without this mark.
Understanding Thin
Thin quarters from 1970 are a unique error in coin production.
About 100,000 coins were produced this way before the mistake was noticed.
These coins were accidentally struck over planchets prepared for dimes, making them look thinner and lighter than standard pieces.
They can cost about $35 to $300, depending on their preservation levels.
The unique error in 1970 led to the creation of what collectors now call “thin quarters.”
These coins were the result of an accidental use of thinner dime metal stock to produce quarter coins.
The thinner metal stock used to produce these coins made them stand out in appearance.
These coins are desirable for collectors due to their rarity and unusual appearance.
The value of thin quarters can vary greatly, depending on their condition and rarity.
Some collectors are willing to pay a premium for these coins in good condition.
Grading and Evaluation
The value of a 1970 quarter with no mint mark varies greatly depending on its condition. Coins that have spent too long in circulation are generally worth less than those that haven't.
The Sheldon grading system is used to determine the value of a 1970 quarter. This system ranges from 1 to 70, with mint state coins being the most valuable.
Coins in mint state, ranging from MS 60 to MS 70, are the most valuable. However, all circulated coins graded from GOOD to ABOUT CIRCULATED are also collectible, but their prices are often significantly lower.
The Sheldon grading scale is as follows:
Coins marked with POOR, FAIR, and ABOUT GOOD grades are virtually worthless, and you can count on only precious metal value if they are made of one.
No Mint Mark
The 1970 Washington quarters without a mint mark are quite interesting. All of these coins come from the Philadelphia mint, and there were 136,420,000 of them produced.
These coins are only 50 years old and don't contain silver, which means they're not very valuable. Low-graded pieces are worth only their face value.
You can find circulated and uncirculated quarters from 1970, but the value depends on their quality and rarity. Most quality pieces are more costly than their face value.
Here's a rough guide to the value of 1970 Washington quarters in mint state:
- MS 60 quarters cost around $1
- MS 61 quarters cost around $1
- MS 62 quarters cost around $1
- MS 63 quarters cost around $10
- MS 64 quarters cost around $14
- MS 65 quarters cost around $20
- MS 66 quarters cost around $65
The most expensive 1970 Washington quarter ever sold was an MS 67+ coin from the regular strike, which was bought for $2,160 in 2019.
Errors and Variations
Collectors appreciate error coins the most, as they are rare and represent uniqueness.
A 1970-S Proof Washington quarter mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter is a fascinating example of an error coin, with remnants of the original Canadian design still visible.
Mint errors can significantly enhance the value of a 1970 quarter, including off-center strikes, double strikes, and planchet errors.
Some 1970 quarters with the mint mark D were minted over a Jefferson nickel, with an estimated price of $216.
The 1970 error quarters minted in Denver were so-called '1970 D Quarters on Dime Stock,' looking thinner and lighter than standard pieces due to being accidentally struck over planchets prepared for dimes.
About 100,000 coins were produced this way before the mint staff noticed the mistake, making them desirable for collectors and worth around $35 to $300, depending on their preservation levels.
These unusual coins were the result of an accidental use of thinner dime metal stock to produce quarter coins, creating what collectors now call "thin quarters."
Market and Sales
The market demand for 1970 quarters can fluctuate based on several factors, including trends in coin collecting and general interest in numismatics.
To gauge the current market prices, collectors can monitor online auction platforms like eBay, which provide valuable insights into completed sales and listings.
Before selling your 1970 quarter, it's essential to research the current market trends and understand the condition of your coin.
Accurate Precious Metals is a trustworthy platform for transactions, and their reputation can help you navigate the complexities of the coin market.
The value of your 1970 quarter can be significantly impacted by its condition, with high-grade coins selling for impressive auction results.
Here are some top auction records for the 1970-S Washington quarter:
- A remarkable sale reached $2,760 for a specimen graded PR69DCAM by PCGS in November 2007.
- Another high-grade coin fetched $2,400 in May 2010, also graded PR69DCAM by PCGS.
- A PR66CAM piece graded by ANACS was sold for $1,553 in April 2006.
- The value of $1,380 was achieved again for a PR69DCAM graded by PCGS in April 2012.
- Another quarter with a PR69DCAM grade sold for $1,380 in July 2010.
- An auction recorded a price of $1,323 for a PR66CAM graded by PCGS in November 2008.
- A PR67CAM coin garnered $1,175 at auction in October 2014.
- A quarter with a PR69DACM grade captured $1,150 in September 2003.
- Another coin of the same PR69DCAM grade reached $1,006 in September 2003.
- A PR69DCAM quarter achieved $985 at an online auction platform in April 2017.
These auction prices highlight the demand and value associated with high-grade 1970-S Washington quarters, which can be a good indicator of the market demand for your coin.
Coin Care and Preservation
To keep your 1970 quarter no mint mark in great condition, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, just like the Philadelphia Mint's storage facilities.
The 1970 quarter no mint mark is made of a copper-nickel alloy, which can be prone to tarnishing, so it's essential to clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Avoid touching the coin excessively, as the oils from your skin can leave behind residue and damage the surface.
The 1970 quarter no mint mark is relatively rare, with a mintage of only 1,384,000,000, making it a valuable find for collectors.
To prevent scratches, handle the coin by the edges and never stack it on top of other coins.
Properly storing your 1970 quarter no mint mark in a protective case or album can help maintain its condition and prevent damage.
Identifying and Valuing
Identifying a 1970 quarter without a mint mark requires a keen eye for detail.
The coin's appearance should be left untouched, as cleaning it can greatly reduce its value.
To identify a valuable 1970 quarter, look for signs of wear and potential errors.
A well-preserved coin is more likely to be valuable, especially if it has been graded favorably.
The key to valuing a 1970 quarter without a mint mark lies in its condition and any unique characteristics it may possess.
Special editions and conditions can lead to considerable value, making them a fascinating study for collectors.
What Determines Value
The value of a coin can vary greatly depending on its special editions. Special editions of a coin, like the 1970-S Washington Quarter, can lead to considerable value.
Certain conditions of a coin can also impact its value. For example, a 1970-S Washington Quarter in special conditions can command high prices.
The typical price of a 1970-S quarter is not particularly high, but special editions and conditions can make a big difference. This makes them a fascinating study for both new and seasoned collectors.
Understanding the Potential
If you're looking to find valuable 1970 quarters in your change, it's essential to know what to look for. Thin quarters, double-strikes, and off-center coins can be worth money.
A cleaned coin is undesirable to collectors, so it's crucial to leave them as is. This means not cleaning them, even if they're dirty or tarnished.
The 1970-S Washington Quarter can have considerable value, especially in special editions and conditions. This makes them a fascinating study for collectors.
The 1970 Washington Quarter offers a glimpse into minting variations and their impact on collector value. Different quarters from this year can have varying prices, clearly reflecting their potential value.
How to Identify?
To identify a coin, examine it thoroughly for signs of wear. The 1970-D quarter, for instance, has a distinct "D" mint mark on the obverse, just to the right of Washington's neck.
The mint mark signifies the coin's origin and can influence its value. This is particularly true for the Denver Mint, where the 1970-D quarter was minted.
A well-preserved 1970-D quarter can be a valuable addition to your collection.
Sources
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1970-quarter-worth/
- https://coinweek.com/1970s-quarter-values-prices-and-overview/
- https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/1970-quarter-4582114
- https://accuratepmr.com/blog/1970-quarter-value-discover-if-your-coin-is-worth-money/
- https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/1970-quarter-values
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