1970 Quarter Value: How Much Is a 1970 Quarter Worth Today?

The 1970 US quarter is part of the long-standing Washington quarter series, first minted in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. 

Most 1970 quarters are worth face value to under $1 if circulated, a few dollars if nice uncirculated, and much more only in top certified grades or as unusual errors.

What is a 1970 quarter worth in special cases? An app you can use for collecting may help you understand it. 

1970 Washington Quarter: Key Facts and Specifications

A 1970 quarter is a U.S. Washington coin dated 1970. It has George Washington on the obverse, the traditional eagle reverse, a reeded edge, and standard specs of 24.30 mm and 5.67 g. The normal 1970 issues were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D), while San Francisco struck proofs only (S).

It is not a silver piece in normal form. By 1970, regular Washington quarters were already copper-nickel clad over a copper core, so ordinary circulated pieces are usually just face value unless they are in high Mint State or have a notable error.

So:

• 1970 quarter without mint mark = Philadelphia business strike

• 1970-D quarter = Denver business strike

• 1970-S quarter = San Francisco proof coin for collectors

1970 Quarter D, S & No Mint Mark Value

1970 Quarter with No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint)

The 1970 no mint mark quarter value is equal to the face value in circulated condition. However, uncirculated examples or those with errors can be more valuable.

Nice uncirculated coins bring a small premium, and the real jumps start only in high certified Mint State grades. PCGS lists a mintage of 136,420,000.

1970 Quarter D (Denver Mint)

It is also a regular business strike, but with a much larger mintage of 417,341,364. Most circulated pieces are also worth under $1. Better Mint State coins can be worth more, and the top-end certified pieces are the scarce ones. PCGS shows an auction record of $15,000 for MS69.

1970 D quarter error coins, such as those with off-center strikes or die anomalies, can significantly increase value.

1970 S Quarter (San Francisco Mint)

Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint are more valuable due to their limited mintage and higher quality. 1970 S quarters can be worth a few dollars to much more if they have errors.

Ordinary proof examples are common and usually sell for a small premium, often just a few dollars, while strong Cameo / Deep Cameo pieces in high proof grades are worth more. The coin is fairly common up to about PR69, while recent completed sales for ordinary proofs are often around $2 to $5.

Article for you: Most Valuable Quarters. 

Rare 1970 Quarter Error List With Values

Is a 1970 quarter valuable if it has other misprints? The error list includes several other anomalies. The best-known examples are not ordinary circulation coins. Most are scarce specialist pieces, and the value of 1970 quarter depends on grade and how strong the error looks.

• 1970-S quarter overstruck on a Canadian quarter — the standout error in the series. A 1970-S proof overstruck on a George V Canada coin sold for $7,800 at Heritage in 2020.

• 1970-D Doubled Die Obverse, FS-102 — one of the strongest recognized varieties for the date. A PCGS MS65 example sold for $2,875 at Heritage.

• 1970-D double struck, second strike 70% off-center — a dramatic major 1970 error quarter. A PCGS MS64 piece sold for $1,020.

• 1970-D struck on dime stock — thinner than a normal planchet and usually weakly struck. Heritage records include $192 for an XF45 PCGS example and $111 for an AU58 PCGS dime-stock-thickness piece.

• 1970-D missing clad layer — one side shows exposed copper core color instead of the normal clad surface. Heritage records show $192 for an MS66 NGC reverse missing clad layer example and $138 for an earlier MS65 ANACS coin.

• 1970-D Doubled Die Reverse, FS-801 / FS-802 — a smaller premium variety than the DDO, but still collectible. Heritage records show $180 for an FS-801 MS66 coin, $59 for an FS-802 MS66 coin, and PCGS shows $41 for an FS-801 MS64 example.

• 1970 or 1970-D off-center strikes — values rise when the date stays visible and the off-center percentage is dramatic. Heritage sold a 1970 MS65 struck 65% off center for $159 and a 1970-D MS60 struck 45% off center for $89.

These 1970 quarter misprint examples can increase the value a lot. Sometimes it can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but it depends on the rarity and condition.

1970 D Quarter Error Close Up: What to Look For

A real 1970-D specimen should have the D mint mark on the obverse, to the right of Washington’s ribbon. Check whether the coin matches one of the known error patterns instead of random damage. 

The best-known variety in the 1970 D quarter error list is the Doubled Die Obverse FS-102. On that coin, the obverse lettering looks unusually thick, especially LIBERTY, and doubling also affects the date and motto.

Another important one is the 1970-D quarter struck on dime stock, often called a thin quarter. These pieces look slimmer than normal, with weak peripheral detail, incomplete metal flow, and a weight of about 4.2 grams instead of the normal standard. 

Also watch for a missing clad layer. A genuine example usually shows a copper-colored side, not the normal silver-gray surface, and it should weigh about 15% less than normal if one outer layer is missing. 

For dramatic strike errors, look for a clear off-center strike, double strike, or broadstruck shape. The key is distortion from the strike itself, not later damage. If the rim is expanded, the design is shifted, or the coin is clearly wider than normal, that points to a real mint error.

Is a 1970 Quarter Worth Anything Today?

For the San Francisco proof, common pieces stay inexpensive. USA Coin Book places a normal 1970-S proof at about $6.25 or more, while PCGS auction-price records show PR68 at $8 and PR69 at $14 in guide value. Auction record is $110, but the Deep Cameo version is a different market tier, with a PCGS auction record of $2,760. 

What Makes a 1970 Quarter Valuable?

Face Value vs. Collector Value

• Circulated Coins: Most are worth their face value of 25 cents.

• Uncirculated Coins: May fetch between $1 and $5, depending on demand.

• Error Coins: 1970 quarter value error examples vary; minor errors might be worth $50, while significant errors can reach into the thousands.

Exceptional cases like the overstruck coin on a 1941 Canadian coin can reach prices as high as $35,000 due to their uniqueness.

Market Factors

• Demand: Collector interest can drive up prices.

• Rarity: A 1970 rare quarter is expensive. The fewer coins available with a particular error, the more valuable they become.

• Condition: Coins in better condition command higher prices.

“The 1970-P Washington Quarter is fairly common up to about MS66 grade and most collectors should be able to easily obtain one. In MS67 it is much scarcer.”
— Jaime Hernandez, numismatist
PCGS

Auction Records

Is 1970 quarter worth anything at auctions? A few high-grade specimens have fetched impressive prices. 

How to Identify a Valuable 1970 Quarter

Look for Errors

1. Look for Anomalies: Check for any irregularities in the design, such as doubling of letters or numbers, misalignments, or unusual markings.

2. Use Magnification: A jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass can help reveal subtle errors not visible to the naked eye.

3. Weigh: Errors in composition can sometimes be detected by discrepancies in weight.

Coin's Condition

• Uncirculated Coins: Pieces that show no signs of wear can be worth more.

• Proof Coins: These are specially made for collectors and have a higher level of detail and finish.

Consult Experts

If you believe you've found a rare 1970 quarter and want to know its value, consider:

• Professional Appraisal: Have the coin evaluated by a reputable dealer or grading service like NGC.

• Certification: Getting the coin certified can authenticate its condition and error status, increasing its marketability.

Where to Sell or Appraise Your 1970 Quarter

Professional appraisers can provide an accurate valuation and may offer to buy your coin.

Auction houses for rare and high-value examples can attract serious buyers.

Selling directly to collectors through online marketplaces can yield good results.

Try to visit events where dealers and collectors buy, sell, and trade, e.g., coin shows or auctions, where you can even find a 1921 silver dollar.

Tips for Sellers

1. Authenticate: Certification from a recognized grading service can increase buyer confidence. Try to start with the Coin ID Scanner app. 

2. Provide Clear Images: High-quality photos highlighting the features and errors can attract more interest.

3. Set a Realistic Price: Check previous years' sales to gauge the market value.

FAQ: 1970 Quarter Worth and Value

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 1971 Quarter Coin Value
• 1972 Quarter Coin Value
• 1973 Quarter Coin Value 
• 1974 Quarter Coin Value 
• 1976 Quarter Coin Value
• 1977 Quarter Coin Value