The 1970 US quarter is a great coin to collect, and its value can vary depending on its condition and rarity. In mint condition, a 1970 US quarter can be worth around $1 to $2.
If you're new to coin collecting, you might be wondering what makes a coin rare. One key factor is the presence of mint errors, such as misprinted dates or dies. A 1970 US quarter with a mint error can be worth significantly more than its face value.
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 1.2 billion 1970 US quarters, making them relatively common. However, coins that were not circulated, or were stored in a protective environment, can retain their value and even increase in worth over time.
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Coin History
The 1970 US quarter series was a special commemorative series honoring George Washington's 200th birthday. It was one of many series produced by the US Mint to honor US presidents.
The obverse side of the coin was designed to be based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1785 bust of George Washington. This was a strict requirement that designers had to follow.
The reverse side, on the other hand, was designed by John Flannigan. He was the chosen artist in charge of creating the design.
Here are some key facts about the 1970 US quarter series:
- The 1970 US Mint quarter series honored George Washington's 200th birthday.
- The obverse design was based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1785 bust of Washington.
- John Flannigan designed the reverse side.
- The Mint released various quarter varieties with different compositions.
George Washington was born in Virginia on February 22nd, 1732, which is the same day the quarter series was honoring. The mints were asked to release the quarter designs by this date.
Coin Features
The 1970 Washington quarter is a coin type that was struck with slight differences in appearance from 1932 to 1998. It's interesting to note that these coins were minted in honor of George Washington.
The 1970 quarter is made of a copper and nickel alloy, specifically 91.67% copper with a small percentage of nickel. This composition is a result of the US Mint's switch to this alloy in 1965.
This coin is round, with a diameter of 24.30 mm (0.96 inches) and a thickness of 1.75 mm (0.07 inches). Its weight is 5.67 g (0.20 ounces), which is the same as other clad quarters from that era.
Features
The 1970 Washington quarter has a unique design, with Washington's bust facing the left side of the coin, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's sculpture.
The obverse of the coin features Washington's centrally positioned figure, with LIBERTY struck above and IN GOD WE TRUST written in capital letters below his chin. The year of minting, 1970, is placed at the bottom.
The 1970 quarter is made of a copper and nickel alloy, with a composition of 91.67% copper and a low percentage of nickel. This is a significant change from the earlier silver content.
The coin is round, with a value of twenty-five cents and an edge containing 119 reeds. It has a diameter of 24.30 mm (0.96 inches) and is 1.75 mm (0.07 inches) thick.
The 1970 quarter weighs 5.67 g (0.20 ounces), the same as clad quarters from other years.
The Reverse
The 1970 quarter reverse features a widespread wings eagle holding wrapped arrows in its claws, with its head facing left.
Its head is facing left, similar to Washington's head on the obverse. The eagle's wings are spread wide, giving the coin a sense of grandeur.
The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is situated above the eagle's head along the coin's rim. The famous US motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is above the bird and under the country name.
Two olive branches stretch from both sides under the eagle and cross under the bundle of arrows. Below them is another engraving in capital letters, QUARTER DOLLAR, representing the coin value.
Here are some key details about the 1970 quarter reverse:
Grading
Grading is a crucial aspect of determining the value of a 1970 US quarter. The Sheldon grading system is used to assess the coin's condition, with mint state coins being the most valuable.
A coin in mint state, ranging from MS 60 to MS 70, is considered perfect, even when viewed closely. However, achieving a perfect 70 is rare, especially for circulation-strike coins, which are often bumped and bruised during storage.
Consider reading: How Much Is a 50 State Quarter Collection Worth
The best chance of achieving a perfect 70 is with proof coins, which are handled with care and sealed into sets. A few proof coins have received a PR69, nearly reaching that prestigious rank.
Here's a breakdown of the Sheldon grading system for 1970 quarters:
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.
Coin Guides
If you're looking to buy a 1970 Washington quarter, you can find uncirculated specimens for a few dollars from coin dealers.
1970 quarters made at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint can still be found in circulation today for face value.
Collectors seeking an entire set of 1970-S Proof coins can buy one for under ten dollars.
Consider reading: Buy Vivobarefoot
Woman's World Article Draws Attention
A 1970-S Washington quarter struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter is worth more than 25 cents, according to a Woman's World article.
This rare quarter is a prime example of a valuable coin that can be worth a significant amount of money.
In the June 2016 edition of Woman's World, an article brought attention to this special quarter, highlighting its potential value.
The article's author, Meredith Bodgas, noted that some 1970 quarters could be worth more than 25 cents, with one example being worth a yearly salary's worth.
The 1970-S Washington quarter's value is due to its unique composition, being struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter.
Discover more: 1970 Quarter No Mint Mark Value
Guides
In the world of coin collecting, having a reliable guide can make all the difference in determining the value of your coins. 1970 was a significant year for Washington quarters, with a massive production of 556,394,174 coins.
The majority of these coins came from the Philadelphia and Denver mints, producing regular coins. The San Francisco mint, on the other hand, only produced proof coins.
Here's an interesting read: Us Quarter Coins List
Coin Errors
Coin errors can be quite fascinating, especially when it comes to the 1970 US quarter. These errors can make a coin truly unique and valuable. Some of the most notable errors include the 1970-D quarter that was struck on a Lincoln cent planchet, which sold for $1,260.
The process of creating coins involves stamping round blanks with a design, and then feeding them into a coining press. However, sometimes mistakes can occur, like when a strip of metal meant for dimes was fed into the stamping machine at the Denver Mint in 1970. This resulted in the creation of thin quarters, which are now highly sought after by collectors.
Some of the most valuable coin errors include the 1970-D quarter on dime stock, which can range in value from $30 for pieces with moderate wear to $350 for the finest uncirculated specimens. Here's a breakdown of some of the most notable coin errors:
Thin
Thin coins can be a real treat for collectors. They're often the result of a mistake in the minting process, but that's what makes them so valuable. In the case of the 1970-D Quarter on Dime Stock, an estimated 100,000 coins were produced before the error was discovered.
These coins are thinner and lighter than standard quarters because they were accidentally struck over planchets prepared for dimes. They're also known as "thin quarters" among collectors. The value of these coins can range from $30 for pieces with moderate wear to $350 for the finest uncirculated specimens.
The process of creating these coins is fascinating. It involves feeding a strip of metal meant for dimes through the stamping machine, which results in blanks that are the same thickness as dimes. These blanks are then fed into the quarter coining press, producing quarters that are thinner than standard.
Here's a breakdown of the value of these coins based on their preservation levels:
It's worth noting that the value of these coins can vary depending on their condition and rarity. But for collectors, the thrill of the hunt is often what makes it all worth it.
Some Errors
Some 1970 quarters with the mint mark D were minted over a Jefferson nickel, with an estimated price of $216.
Collectors appreciate error coins the most because they are rare and represent uniqueness. They are willing to pay a premium for such coins, making them valuable.
A 1970-D quarter that lacks the copper-nickel cladding on the obverse sold for $540. This is a significant price for an error coin, highlighting their value.
The value of a coin increases with the degree of off-centering. A 1970-D quarter that was graded MS64 and had a double strike and an off-center strike sold for $1,020 in 2021.
The 1970-S proof quarter was double struck in the coin press collar, resulting in a unique error. This coin sold for $1,175.
The most well-known and expensive 1970 error quarter is the 1970-S quarter struck on an 80% silver 1941 Canadian quarter. According to appraisal, it has a value of $35,000.
This coin was graded PF65 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and is considered one of the most fascinating and intriguing proof mint errors ever discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quarter is worth $2000 right now?
The 1932-D Washington quarter is worth over $2000 in higher grades. Its rarity and low mintage make it a valuable collector's item.
Sources
- https://www.aol.com/4-decades-valuable-coins-see-110606174.html
- https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/1970-quarter-4582114
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1970-quarter-worth/
- https://rarest.org/coins/1970-quarter-value-guide-incld-rare-varieties
- https://www.boldpreciousmetals.com/blogs/1970-quarter-value
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