The 1970 Quarter: A Valuable Coin to Analyze

Coin collectors may have another famous coin to analyze soon, the 25-cent quarter featuring George Washington’s portrait that were first introduced in 1932

Coin collectors may soon have another famous coin to analyze. The 25-cent quarter featuring George Washington’s portrait was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of his birth. These coins are still in circulation today, but the ones we are discussing in this article are not the ones you will find in your pocket. Instead, we are talking about the 1970 edition of this iconic piece of currency.

Characteristics of the 1970 Quarter

What differentiates the 1970 quarter from other quarters? To figure it out, you will have to look closely at the heads and tails.

Obverse (most commonly known as head): The front side of the 1970 quarter showcases a central bust of George Washington, facing left. This depiction is based on a sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon and includes the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” as well as the minting year.

Reverse (most commonly known as tail): The back side presents an eagle with its wings extended, holding arrows in its talons, also facing left, mirroring Washington’s orientation on the obverse. It features the inscriptions “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”

Value of the 1970 Quarter and Reasons

Now that we know how to identify the 1970 quarter, let's discuss why it is valuable. The 1970 quarters minted in Denver, identified by the “D” mint mark, are particularly notable. The Denver Mint produced 417,341,364 of these coins. Their rarity arises from their brief circulation, and some being struck on planchets intended for dimes, making them thinner and lighter than typical quarters. These oddities make it so that in 2023, an MS69-graded specimen fetched $15,000 at auction due to its exceptional mint condition.

But not every coin that has these factors will fetch as much money. Several considerations, like the condition of the piece, will lower its value in the auction. The specific specs of the one that went up were:

Mint State (MS) 69 grade from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)

Sold at a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction in January 2023

Among the highest prices ever paid for a Denver Mint quarter

Although these are the most valuable ones, there are other quarter coins that were produced in 1970 that have value, even if it is not as much. The PCGS provides the following average values for 1970-D quarters in various conditions:

Mint State (MS) 60: $11

Mint State (MS) 63: $21

Mint State (MS) 65: $42

How to Preserve Valuable Coins

If you do end up acquiring or coming across one of these valuable coins, maintaining its value hinges on keeping it as close to mint condition as possible, which means not adding any further damage to its surface. Here are some tips and steps you can take to preserve them:

Handle the coins with care, preferably using cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges on the surface.

Store the coins in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can tarnish or damage the metal.

Use airtight coin holders or capsules to protect the coins from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Avoid cleaning the coins yourself, as improper methods can damage the surface and reduce their value. If necessary, consult a professional numismatist or coin dealer for proper cleaning techniques.