1970 Quarter Value

Key Takeaways

• In 1970, the US Mint no longer produced silver quarters for circulation, so the 1970 Washington Quarters were made of 75% copper and 25% nickel;
• Though fairly common in low Mint State grades, the 1970 Washington Quarter becomes increasingly scarce in Superb Gem condition.
• PCGS accounts for only four specimens minted at the Philadelphia Mint and graded MS67+, with an average price of $2,750 (MS67+).
• Denver issues are considerably more common. The highest-graded specimen is an MS68+ coin, evaluated at $10,000!

Factors Affecting the 1970 Quarter Value

The Washington Quarter, or Washington 25-cent coin, was introduced by the United States Mint in 1932 to celebrate the 200th birthday of the first US president, George Washington.

In this article, we will explore the design and historical significance of the Washington Quarter and examine the various factors that can affect the 1970 mintage.

Condition of the Coin: Grading

In numismatics, coins are graded using the Sheldon Scale. It goes from 1 to 70, according to the coins' condition. In this system, the coins are divided into circulated conditions (1-poor condition, 40-Extremely Fine, 50-About Uncirculated) and uncirculated or Mint State (from 60 to 70).

The condition, or grade, of a coin, reflects its wear and preservation state. Coins in better condition, especially those with minimal wear or uncirculated status, are more valuable than their average-condition counterparts due to their aesthetic appeal and scarcity.

Mint Mark and Rarity

The mint mark indicates where the coin was produced. D is for Denver Mint, S is for San Francisco Mint, and P is for Philadelphia. A coin without a mint mark means it was also minted in Philadelphia. The 1970 business strikes of Washington quarters do not bear the S Mint Mark since only proof versions of the series were produced there.

Of the 136,420,000 Philadelphia-minted 1970 Washington Quarters, an estimated 1,227,780 have survived in MS65 or better condition. According to PCGS, the Denver issue, with a mintage of 417,341,364, has about 7,512,144 estimated survivors in MS65 or better, with only one coin graded MS68+.

For instance, a lower production run often results in fewer surviving examples, which can (but not always) increase their value among collectors.

Check out our list with the most valuable quarters here

Historical Significance

Coins with historical significance, such as those commemorating important events or featuring notable designs, are often more valuable. Their connection to history can enhance coin values due to their increased desirability among collectors.

Design

The coin's iconic design plays a crucial role in its value since it represents the country's first president and the national animal, the bald eagle.

The obverse of the coin showcases a left-facing profile of George Washington, the first President of the United States, designed by John Flanagan. Washington is depicted with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed above his head and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" to his left. Below Washington’s portrait is the year of issue, "1970."

The reverse of the coin presents an image of a heraldic eagle with spread wings perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches beneath it, symbolizing readiness for war but a desire for peace. Above the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and below it is the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR."

The phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of many, one," is inscribed between the eagle and the denomination, emphasizing the unity of the states.

The reverse was only changed in 1999 by the 50 States Quarters Program.

Additionally, the classic obverse John Flanagan obverse depiction of George Washington was replaced in 2022 for Laura Gardin Fraser’s right-profile bust of the president. She had submitted her design in 1932, but it wasn’t originally picked, falling short in Flanagan’s favor.

However, with the introduction of the American Women Quarters program in 2022, the US Mint opted to introduce her design in her honor as a pioneer female artist in numismatics.

Composition of the Coin

The material composition, particularly precious metals like silver or gold, directly influences a coin’s intrinsic value. A higher content of precious metals typically increases the coin's melt value beyond its face value, especially in times of high metal prices. In 1970, the Washington quarters no longer contained silver.

Weighing 5.67 grams, the 1970 Washington Quarter is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, layered over a pure copper core.

The copper and nickel composition adds minimal intrinsic value, yet this does not lessen the coin's overall desirability, which is primarily driven by its historical significance, scarcity in high grades, and error rarities.

We gathered information about all quarters and their weight in our article here

Notable 1970 Quarter Variations and Errors

1970 25C (Regular Strike)

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The 1970-P Washington Quarter dollars are relatively common up to an MS66 grade, making them accessible for most collectors. However, they become much scarcer at MS67. Achieving an MS68 grade or higher is extremely challenging, as very few examples exist in such exceptional conditions.

The auction record for an MS67+ grade 1970 Washington Quarter is $2,160, and it was set in 2019 at Heritage Auctions.

1970-D 25C (Regular Strike)

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According to PCGS, the Denver issue's mintage was 417,341,364, and there are 7,512,144 estimated survivors in MS65 or better, with relative rarity. Circulation coins are stored in large bins and canvas bags, causing bumps and bruises that make an MS70 grade nearly impossible.

With only one graded MS68+, finding this exemplar in circulation is nearly impossible. Your best chance is through coin dealers.

The auction record for a 1970-D Washington Quarter graded MS69 was in 2023 when an exemplar was sold for $15,000 at eBay.

1970-S 25C (Proof Coins)

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Unlike the other coins, the 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter is relatively common in grades up to about PR69 for non-Deep Cameo surfaces.

However, it becomes scarce in PR67 Deep Cameo and even rarer in PR68 Deep Cameo, with fewer than a couple of hundred known examples.

Finding one in PR69 Deep Cameo is particularly challenging, with likely no more than 100 examples in existence.

The auction record for a PR69 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter was set at $2,760 on November 29, 2007, at Heritage Auctions.

A few proof coins minted at the San Francisco Mint have the double die error. Their classifications are: 1970-S 25C FS-801, Doubled Die Reverse, 1970-S 25C FS-801, Doubled Die Reverse, CAM, 1970-S 25C FS-801, Doubled Die Reverse, DCAM. However, no official information was found about these varieties in the PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

1970-D Double Die Obverse FS-101, FS-102 25C

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"Doubled die," also known as hub doubling, is a numismatic term that refers to the duplication of design elements on working dies. This duplication happens due to a misalignment between the die and the hub during the hubbing process.

On FS-101 Strong doubling is seen on the date, and on the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. On FS-102, Doubling is seen on all lettering and the date.

Heritage Auctions set an auction record of $2,875 for an MS65 FS-102 coin in 2012. In Gem Uncirculated condition (MS66), an FS-101 can fetch $2,500.

1970-D Double Die Reverse FS-801 and FS-802 25C

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This variety receives the DDR denomination because the doubling occurs on the reverse side. On the FS-801, Minor doubling is seen in the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR and the lower leaves ove the olive branch. On the FS-802, Doubling is seen on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR.

The auction record for an MS63 coin type FS-801 was $2,640 in 2014 at Great Collections. For its FS-802 counterpart, the auction record for an MS66 coin was $1,540 in 2014, also at Great Collections.

1970-D TYPE H Reverse 25C

This die was taken from the hub intended for proof strikes, and this variety is rare on (non-proof) circulation strike coins.

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The reverse side is more pronounced, easily identified by the arrowheads being nearly embedded within the leaf, with the leaf extending above the arrows. In contrast, the more common reverse shows a clear separation between the leaf and the arrowheads, as shown in the second image.

No precise information was found about this variety's prices.

1970 Washington Quarter Struck on 1941 Canadian Quarter

Proof coinage is struck by technicians who hand-feed the blanks into special presses. They are produced, examined, and packaged using extreme quality control. So proof error coins are extremely unlikely to happen, and when found, extremely valuable.

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This error coin is believed to be the only exemplar of this error. A Canadian quarter planchet was fed into a quarter coin press (intentionally, many believe). The 1941 date is visible from the
Canadian Silver George VI silver quarter under.

In the open market, this coin is worth US$ 40,000.00.

1970 Washington Quarter Struck on Silver Barber Quarter

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A 1970-S Proof Quarter was over-struck on a Silver Barber Quarter. The one shown above is one of only two known specimens.

This mint error was discovered among a group of San Francisco Proof Errors auctioned by the State of California. Both sides of the coin show details of the original Barber Quarter design.

This coin is one of the most famous U.S. Proof Major Mint Errors ever released from the San Francisco Mint. It is worth around $75,000.

If you wonder what other quarters are silver check here

1970-D Quarter Struck On Dime Stock

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Often called "thin quarters," the 1970-D quarter was struck on dime-thick stock.

In 1970, someone fed a strip of metal meant for dimes through the stamping machine that creates Quarter blanks. Though they do share the same base metal composition, quarters are significantly larger and heavier than dimes. A quarter weighs 5.67 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. A 1970 Roosevelt dime weighs 2.27 grams with a diameter of only 17.9.

Therefore, as the dime stock was used to create quarter blanks, it resulted in a much thinner planchet. Subsequently, the blanks were fed into coining presses to create the actual coins, creating the above-mentioned “Thin Quarters.”

They can be worth around $100 in the open market.

1970 Quarters Price Chart

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the main factors that affected the 1970 quarter value, including the condition of the coins, rarity, error coins, and varieties.

As you saw, the 1970 Washington Quarter is scarcer in uncirculated conditions and becomes even more expensive as the grade increases. When comparing issues from Philadelphia and Denver mints, coins from the Denver facility are more common, so easier to find in Superb Gem grades, though still quite rare.

Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint tend to fetch higher prices when in Deep Cameo tones since this condition highlights the design details of the coin, consequently making them more eye-appealing.

FAQs

Why is a 1970 quarter worth $35000?

The 1970-S Proof Quarter from the United States was over-struck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter, displaying significant detail from the original design. This fascinating mint error was initially offered for $35,000 but, as of June 2024, was already sold for $40,000.

What makes a 1970 quarter rare?

The most famous and expensive coin from the series is the 1970 quarter, the 1970-S, struck on an 80% silver 1941 Canadian quarter and appraised at $40,000. A Canadian dime got into the quarter coining press. Quarters are supposed to be made of copper-nickel, but this one is silver. Graded PF65 by the NGC, this unique coin is owned by error coin specialist Mike Byers.

How much is a 1970 quarter worth today?

As of June 2024, a 1970 quarter can be worth up to $2,750 for Philadelphia issues in MS67+ and $10,000 for Denver issues in MS68+. The most famous 1970 quarter, a 1970-S struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter, went to sale for $40,000.

What 1970 coins are worth money?

Philadelphia issues of the 1970 Washington 25 cents in MS67+ can fetch up to $2,750, while Denver issues in MS68+ can reach $10,000, as per the Professional Coin Grading Services price guide as of June 2024.