Here are 10 rare and valuable coins from the 1970s that can fetch millions of dollars. If you have a collection of old coins, you may be unknowingly owning a priceless treasure.
The charm of 1970s coins
The 1970s was a time of change for US coins. During this period, there was a shift from silver to clad coins, which led to many rare and mint error coins. Limited mintings, special editions and unique designs of some coins make them extremely rare and expensive today.
Let’s take a look at 10 priceless coins that can change your fortune.
1. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (minted on a 1941 Canadian quarter planchet)
Estimated value: $35,000 – $50,000
This coin is the result of a unique error where the planchet of a 1941 Canadian quarter went to the US Mint by mistake and was engraved with the image of a 1970-S Washington quarter. This coin represents a time gap of over a decade and is extremely expensive due to its rarity.
2. 1972 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Estimated value: $20,000 – $35,000
This coin is famous for its double printing (double die), with the double image clearly visible on the date and letters of “1972”. This error makes it a unique and collectible coin, especially if it is found in uncirculated condition.
3. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $15,000 – $25,000
This coin is characterized by the size of its date, which is smaller than normal coins. The numeral “7” appears raised, making it stand out from other coins. This coin in good condition has sold at auction for over $20,000.
4. 1974 Aluminum Cent
Estimated Value: Priceless (illegal to possess)
This coin was created by the US Mint as an experiment to cut costs. However, most of these coins were destroyed. Some coins ended up in private hands, but these are considered government property and are illegal to possess. If offered at auction, it could be worth millions of dollars.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Edition)
Estimated Value: $5,000 – $15,000
Bicentennial quarters were issued in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of America’s independence. Some of these special editions were made from silver. If a coin is in perfect condition or with a minting error, its value can reach thousands of dollars.
6. 1971-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar (“Peg Leg” Variety)
Estimated Value: $10,000 – $20,000
This special edition coin appears to have the bottom portion of the letter ‘R’ in “LIBERTY” missing, giving it the name “Peg Leg.” This error is rare and collectors are willing to buy it at a high price.
7. 1975 Roosevelt Dime (minted on a copper cent plank)
Estimated Value: $10,000 – $30,000
This coin is the result of another minting error, where the 1 cent (copper) plank was mistakenly used for the 10 cents. This coin is slightly smaller in size and coppery in color, making it unusual and rare.
8. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar (without FG letters)
Estimated Value: $15,000 – $25,000
The initials of designer Frank Gasparro (FG) are missing on the reverse (back side) of this coin. This small mistake makes it extremely rare and important to collectors.
9. 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar (Double Die Obverse)
Estimated Value: $8,000 – $20,000
This coin is valuable because of its double die error, where Eisenhower’s image and the coin’s lettering appear to have double printing.
10. 1977-D Jefferson Nickel (Minted on Copper Plank)
Estimated Value: $5,000 – $15,000
This coin was mistakenly minted on a 1-cent plank, making it unusual in color and weight. Such minting error coins are always rare and valuable.
How to Identify if You Have a Rare Coin?
- Use a microscope or magnifying glass – to look for a double die error, mintmark error, or other abnormalities.
- Study the coin’s date and design – paying special attention to the 1970, 1972, and 1976 coins.
- Weigh the coin – some error coins may be lighter or heavier than normal coins.
- Get it authenticated – get the coin graded by an authentication service like PCGS or NGC.
Conclusion: You could have a million-dollar treasure hidden in your pocket!
These rare coins from the 1970s could be hiding in ordinary pocket money. If you have a collection of old coins, be sure to check it out—you might have a coin that could make you rich overnight!
FAQs
Can 1970s coins really be this valuable?
Yes, some rare and flawed coins have sold for thousands to millions of dollars. These include doubled dies, coins minted on the wrong planchet, and coins with rare mintmarks.
What is the most valuable 1970s coin?
The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (minted on a 1941 Canadian quarter planchet) and the 1974 Aluminum Cent are two of the rarest coins.
Why is the 1974 Aluminum Cent considered priceless?
Because this coin cannot legally be held in private ownership. It is considered property of the US government, and it is not possible to legally auction it. If it were ever auctioned, it could sell for several million dollars.