The 1970-S Washington quarter is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors due to rare minting errors. Some of these errors can make the coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. A regular 1970-S quarter might only be worth 25 cents, but if it has one of these five specific errors, its value could shoot up to $500,000 or more. Let’s dive into the errors that make these coins worth a small fortune.
Double Die Obverse (DDO) Error
One of the most valuable errors in the 1970-S quarter is the Double Die Obverse (DDO) error. This happens when the coin’s die is misaligned during production. As a result, parts of the coin’s design appear doubled, which can be seen most clearly in the inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Coins with a clear and distinct Double Die Obverse error are highly prized by collectors. These coins can be sold for a lot more than their face value, sometimes reaching up to $500,000 or even higher at auctions, depending on the clarity of the error and the coin’s condition.
Off-Center Strikes
The Off-Center Strike error occurs when the coin is struck off-center, meaning the design is not aligned properly on the coin. This happens when the coin blank is not positioned correctly in the press. The result is a misaligned design. For the 1970-S quarter, this error can range from a small 10% off-center to as much as 50% misalignment.
Coins with off-center strikes are worth more depending on how much the design is misaligned and the condition of the coin. Well-preserved off-center strikes can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
Wrong Planchet Errors
A Wrong Planchet Error happens when a coin is mistakenly struck on a blank that was intended for a different denomination. For example, the 1970-S quarter might have been struck on a blank meant for a dime or another coin, which changes its size and weight.
These types of errors are extremely rare, and when they do appear, they can command high prices at auctions due to their uniqueness. A 1970-S quarter struck on the wrong planchet could sell for six figures.
Clipped Planchet
Another rare error is the Clipped Planchet. This occurs when part of the coin’s blank is missing before the coin is struck. A clipped planchet can range from a small clip to a large section missing from the coin. These coins are valuable, but their worth depends on how much of the coin is clipped and how well it’s preserved.
Clipped planchet errors in the 1970-S quarter are uncommon but can be worth significant amounts depending on the size of the clip. Coins in excellent condition with a clipped section can be worth thousands of dollars.
Broad Strike
A Broad Strike happens when a coin is struck without the usual retaining collar that shapes the edge. This causes the metal to spread more than usual, making the coin larger in diameter and with a distorted design.
Broad strike errors in the 1970-S quarter are rare, but they can be valuable, especially when the coin remains in excellent condition. These coins often sell for higher prices, particularly at auction.
Key Errors and Their Values
Here’s a quick look at the key errors and their value ranges:
| Error Type | Description | Value Range | Rarity Level | Notable Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Doubling in inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” | High (up to $500,000+) | Rare | Over $500,000 at auctions |
| Off-Center Strike | Misaligned design due to improper blank alignment | Moderate to High | Uncommon | Tens of thousands of dollars |
| Wrong Planchet | Coin struck on a blank meant for a different denomination | High (six-figure sums) | Very Rare | Six-figure sums |
| Clipped Planchet | Missing portion of the coin due to incomplete blank | Variable | Uncommon | Varies based on clip size |
| Broad Strike | Expanded coin diameter without a retaining collar | Moderate to High | Rare | Significant premiums in excellent condition |
How to Spot These Errors
Identifying these errors requires careful inspection of the coin. A magnifying glass or magnification tool is often necessary to clearly see the differences in design, size, or shape. For example, the Double Die Obverse error will clearly show doubled lettering, while the Off-Center Strike will show a design that is shifted to one side of the coin.
If you find a 1970-S quarter that you suspect might have one of these errors, it’s important to have it authenticated by a professional numismatist or a reputable coin grading service. This ensures that the coin is genuine and allows you to accurately assess its value.
Conclusion
Owning a 1970-S quarter with one of these rare minting errors is like holding a piece of history. These coins are unique and rare, making them valuable treasures for collectors. Whether it’s the Double Die Obverse, Off-Center Strike, Wrong Planchet, Clipped Planchet, or Broad Strike, each error can make the coin worth far more than its face value. If you think you have one of these special quarters, it’s a good idea to get it appraised to understand its true worth. You could be sitting on a $500,000 treasure without even knowing it!
FAQs
1. What is a 1970-S quarter?
The 1970-S quarter is a coin from the United States, minted in 1970 with the “S” mintmark, which signifies it was made in the San Francisco Mint. It’s part of the Washington quarter series, which features a portrait of George Washington on the front.
2. What makes the 1970-S quarter valuable?
Most 1970-S quarters are not particularly valuable, but those with rare minting errors can be worth a lot more. Certain mistakes during the minting process, such as a Double Die Obverse, Off-Center Strikes, or Wrong Planchet, can turn a 1970-S quarter into a rare and valuable collector’s item, sometimes fetching prices of over $500,000.
3. What is a Double Die Obverse error?
A Double Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs when the coin’s die (the tool used to imprint the design) is misaligned during the minting process. This results in parts of the design, like the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, appearing doubled. This is a highly sought-after error among collectors.