7 High-Value Coins from the 1970s That Could Be Hiding in Your Pocket Change

The 1970s was a decade filled with disco, bell-bottoms, and political shifts—but it was also an era that produced some of the most valuable coins in American history.

The 1970s was a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and political shifts, but it was also an era that yielded some of the most valuable coins in American history.

These coins, which are prized by collectors for their minting errors, unique compositions, or limited releases, have become small fortunes to those lucky enough to observe them. Some of these rare finds have sold for over $15,000 at auction.

Here are seven high-value coins that have captured the attention of numismatists worldwide:

1. 1970-S Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die Obverse)

One of the most famous error coins from the decade is the 1970-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse. This rare variety was minted in San Francisco and features noticeable doubling on the word "LIBERTY" and the date.

This error happened when the hub stamped the die multiple times at slightly different angles, creating a raised double image. It's believed that this variety was made due to an adjustment in the minting presses.

Due to its rarity, only a few hundred of this variety are known to exist, and well-preserved specimens have sold for over $24,000 at auction, making it a must-have for serious collectors.

2. 1971-S Lincoln Cent

Another stunning error coin from the early 1970s is the 1971-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse. While not as well-known as the 1970 version, this coin features similar doubling, most prominently on the date and lettering.

The assigned variety number for this coin is DM-01, and it showcases clear doubling throughout the obverse design. Rarity plays a crucial role in determining the value of coins, and this variety is no exception.

Since fewer examples of the 1971-S cent exist compared to the 1970-S cent, collectors are willing to pay premium prices for them. Well-preserved specimens of this coin in MS65 condition have fetched over $10,000, and values continue to rise as more collectors seek them out.

3. 1974-S Lincoln Cent (Aluminum)

During the mid-1970s, the U.S. Mint experimented with striking coins in different metals due to a shortage of copper. This led to the creation of the 1974-S Lincoln Cent struck in aluminum.

However, almost all of these experimental coins were destroyed by the mint, but a few managed to escape into private hands.

Due to their extreme rarity and uncertain legal status, these coins can easily sell for over $15,000, and some experts believe an example in perfect condition could be worth six figures.

4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was released to celebrate America's 200th birthday and features a colonial drummer on the reverse. Most of these quarters were made from copper-nickel, but a limited number of silver proof versions were also produced.

The most valuable versions of this coin feature deep cameo contrast, where the design appears to "float" above a mirror-like background. Additionally, some of these quarters with exceptional strike quality or rare minting errors have been known to sell for well over $15,000 at auction.

5. 1970-S Proof Half Dollar (No S)

Proof coins are special collector’s coins that usually have superior quality to regular coins. However, a rare minting error resulted in some 1970-S Proof Half Dollars being struck without the "S" mint mark.

This mistake, likely caused by using an unmarked die in the minting process, is significant because it’s one of the few errors that can be made in the U.S. coin production.

With fewer than 50 known examples, this variety is highly sought after by collectors. Some of these coins have sold for over $30,000, making them among the most valuable modern U.S. coins.

6. 1975 Roosevelt Dime on a Penny Planchet

Minting errors can lead to highly collectible coins, and the 1975 Roosevelt Dime struck on a penny planchet is one such example.

This error happened when a copper penny blank was mistakenly fed into a dime press, resulting in a coin with the size and composition of a penny but the design of a dime.

Due to its rarity, this type of error has been known to sell for $15,000 or more, especially when in excellent condition. A coin in MS65 condition could command even higher prices.

7. 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar (Type II Proof