5 Rare 1970s Coins:
Imagine sifting through a used jar of coins and coming up with a small fortune. While it is a plot out of some treasure-hunting movie, for some fortunate coin enthusiasts, this is just how a dream has turned out in reality.
A time marked by disco, bell-bottoms, and turmoil in politics gave birth to the most valuable coins of modern American numismatics. Let’s discover five hidden gems that could fetch over $15,000 for each coin within the world of rare 1970s coins.
The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter on Canadian Minting Mishap Turned Treasure
In the coin collecting world, errors equal money. The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter, struck on a Canadian planchet, is a classic example of this fact.
The Story Behind the Coin
In a seldom minted error, a few 1970-S Proof Washington Quarters were mistake-struck on planchets intended for Canadian quarters. Since a difference in currency, the error coin is generally smaller and lighter than a standard U.S. quarter and was composed of nickel instead of its standard copper-nickel clad.
Why It Is Valuable
The rarity of this error, added to its uniqueness, makes it the holy grail for error coin collectors. As only a handful are known to exist, these coins fetch as much as $35,000 in mint condition.
How to Identify
Check the weight and diameter of your 1970-S Proof Washington Quarters. If one weighs about 2.8 grams instead of the standard 5.67 grams, you may have struck the jackpot!
The 1971-S Proof Lincoln Cent
Struck on Silver Dime Planchet
When a Penny Becomes More Than a Dime
Another minting error that has coin collectors salivating is the 1971-S Proof Lincoln Cent struck on a silver dime planchet.
A few Lincoln Cent dies were inadvertently used with planchets for silver dimes at the San Francisco Mint. What came out? A 90% silver penny-sized coin, but a coin with the appearance of a Lincoln Cent.
Value and Rarity
There are only a few known examples of this series. When found in top condition, these gems will bring over $25,000, the true numismatic treasure.
How to Find This Gem?
Look for a 1971-S Proof Lincoln Cent that is slightly smaller and shinier than usual. If it has a silvery color instead of the typical copper tone, you might have struck gold (or in this case, silver)!
1974 Aluminum Penny
The Coin That Almost Was
The 1974 Aluminum Penny is not only rare; it’s a piece of numismatic history that was never meant to circulate.
The Intriguing Background
Due to increased copper prices in 1974, the U.S. Mint started trying aluminum as an alternative material for pennies. Approximately 1.5 million were struck, but the project was abandoned, and most coins were destroyed.
Why It’s So Valuable?
Only a few of these coins are known to exist-most of which are government property-so any 1974 Aluminum Penny in private possession could be worth over $250,000!
The Legal Controversy
These are complicated by issues regarding the law; most of this coin is thought of as U.S. property, owned and governed by the federal government, but their value and existence persist to intrigue many collectors.
S Mint Mark 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
A Patriot’s Rarity
The Bicentennial Coins were common in the year 1976, except for one which was extremely rare.
The Vanished “S”
A few of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were minted at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark. That makes them extremely rare and valuable.
The Collector’s Dream
With only a few known to exist, these can sell for over $100,000 in better than choice condition. It is a numismatic unicorn that most collectors dream of finding.
How to Check Your Quarters
Inspect your 1976 Quarters carefully. If you come across one with the Bicentennial reverse (with the colonial drummer) but no “S” mint mark, get it authenticated right away!
1970-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar,
No Mint Mark
The Coin Whose Absence Makes It Grow Valuable
Our last rare coin is one of those “all about what’s not there” stories.
The Mystery of the Mint Mark
Not surprisingly, 1970-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollars were occasionally minted without the “S” mint mark. This kind of error is a very rare mistake that many would be happy to add to a collection.
Value
In flawless condition, a specimen can go for more than $30,000 in an auction. Their relative scarcity and immense popularity among the collectors of half dollars make such issues very valuable pieces.
Check your 1970 Proof Kennedy Half Dollars carefully. If you find one without an “S” mint mark, you might be holding a small fortune!
Tips for Amateur Coin Hunters
- Learn about Coin Grading
- Learn about mint marks
- Know what makes a coin valuable.
- Check Your Change: You never know when a valuable coin might pass through your hands.
- Attend Coin Shows: These events are great for learning and potentially finding rare coins.
- Be Patient: Building a valuable collection takes time and persistence.
- Beware of Fakes: As values rise, so does the incentive for counterfeiting. Always verify authenticity.
More Than Just Money
The potential monetary windfall from discovering one of these extremely rare coins is exciting, but for most collectors, the true value is in the hunt itself. It is about a connection to history, understanding the stories behind those small metal discs, and participation in a hobby that has spanned generations.
The Community Aspect
Coin collecting is not an individualistic hobby. It represents a living community of enthusiasts who share knowledge, swap stories, and help each other in their quest for numismatic treasures. Whether you are an old established or a new comer, there is a place for you in that interesting world of coins.
Conclusion: Every Coin Tells a Story
As we’ve explored these five rare 1970s coins, each worth potentially over $15,000, we’ve uncovered more than just valuable pieces of metal. We’ve delved into stories of mint errors, historical experiments, and the quirks of fate that can turn everyday objects into extraordinary treasures.
FAQS
What makes a 1970s coin valuable?
A 1970s coin can be valuable because of its scarcity, minting errors, some nearness to condition, or just demand by collectors.
How will I know if my coin is worth $15,000?
You might hold your 1970s coin up against certain rare attributes that include mint errors, strange wear, or how scarce it is to find whether it has the value of $15,000.
Where can I sell my rare 1970s coins?
There are various channels available to sell your rare 1970s coins; you may deal with them via the reliable auction houses, reliable coin.