1970 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

While the majority of these copper-nickel quarters remain common due to massive mintage numbers, certain varieties and exceptional specimens can command surprising premiums. Market activity shows high-grade examples reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

In this article, we’re looking specifically at 1970 quarter values across different conditions and varieties. How much do circulated coins sell for? What makes some worth hundreds while others are worth face value? Which mint marks matter most?

Read on to see our complete analysis…

 

1970 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s a quick reference guide showing current market values for 1970 quarters across different conditions and mint marks. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1970 Quarter Worth Money

The most valuable 1970 quarters demonstrate how condition and mint mark dramatically impact worth, even for common date coins.

Leading the pack is a 1970-D MS68 specimen that sold for $3,960, proving that exceptional preservation can transform an ordinary Denver quarter into a significant numismatic prize. High-grade Philadelphia mint coins also command impressive premiums, with a 1970 MS67 reaching $2,160.

The proof varieties show their collector appeal, with cameo and deep cameo examples earning substantial values based on their visual contrast and preservation quality.

What’s particularly striking about this ranking is how grade sensitivity affects these common-date quarters—small improvements in condition can double or triple values.

The 1970-D specimens dominate the high-value positions, likely due to their massive original mintage making pristine survivors especially scarce. Even mid-grade examples like MS65 and MS67 coins command hundreds of dollars when properly preserved.

 

History of the 1970 Quarter

The 1970 quarter series is one of many that the US Mint minted to commemorate Presidents of the United States of America. In this case, they honored the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birthday.

The quarter design was commissioned with a request for designers to complete the job on time and mints to release them by February 22. On that day in 1732, George Washington was born in Virginia. The chosen artist responsible for the reverse design was John Flannigan.

He also created the obverse side but needed to follow strict recommendations about this coin side. The request was to base it on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s bust of George Washington from 1785.

Since that day, the US Mint has released several quarter varieties with different compositions. The most significant change appeared in 1964 when pieces of 90% silver were discontinued, and new cupronickel coins appeared.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is your 1970 Quarter rare?

For collectors interested in comparing these rankings against genuinely rare Washington quarters, you can check rarity scores for any coin using our CoinValueChecker App, which provides comprehensive rarity data and current market values.

 

Key Features of the 1970 Quarter

The Washington quarter from 1970 has similar features to other quarters minted in honor of George Washington. This coin type was struck with only some slight differences in appearance from 1932 to 1998.

The Obverse of the 1970 Quarter

Like other Washington quarters, Washington’s bust is in the central part, facing the left side of the coin. The designer used Jean-Antoine Houdon’s sculpture as a base at the mint authorities’ request.

The LIBERTY is struck above the President’s centrally positioned figure. The phrase, IN GOD WE TRUST, written in capital letters, is placed slightly under his chin. Finally, you can see the year of minting (1970) at the bottom, just underneath Washington’s head.

Not every coin has it, but the engraving S or D represents the mint where the coin was produced. The letter’s place is on the right behind the end of the ribbon. Pieces without this mark are from the Philadelphia mint.

The Reverse of the 1970 Quarter

The 1970 quarter reverse consists of a widespread wings eagle holding wrapped arrows in its claws. Its head is facing left, similar to Washington’s head on the obverse.

The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is situated above the eagle’s head along the coin’s rim. The famous US motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is above the bird and under the country name.

Two olive branches stretch from both sides under the eagle and cross under the bundle of arrows. Below them is another engraving in capital letters, QUARTER DOLLAR, representing the coin value.

Other Features of the 1970 Quarter

From 1965, the Washington quarter metal content changed drastically. Initially, these coins comprised 90% of silver, but the precious metal was excluded in 1965 when the US Mint switched to copper and nickel alloy.

Then, the composition became 91.67% copper with a low percentage of nickel, while the coin’s core was only copper.

The 1970 quarter is round, with a value of twenty-five cents and the edge containing 119 reeds. It has a diameter of 24.30 mm (0.96 inches) and is 1.75 mm (0.07 inches) thick. The coin weight equals clad quarters from other years, or precisely 5.67 g (0.20 ounces).

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1970 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1970 quarter mintage and survival data reveals why these coins remain so common today.

Denver Mint’s quarter reaches 417 million, making it one of the highest mintage years in Washington quarter history, while Philadelphia contributed another 136 million pieces.

The proof varieties present a different picture entirely. While exact mintage figures for regular S Proof and S CAM varieties remain unknown, the 1970-S DCAM shows a notably higher survival rate of 42.5%, with over 1.1 million examples still existing from an original mintage of 2.6 million. This higher survival rate reflects the careful handling these proof coins received from collectors who recognized their special status.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1970 Quarter Value

The 1970 quarters that didn’t spend too long in circulation always have a higher value on the market than those spending years in use. In both cases, the Sheldon grading system is applicable when deciding their value.

The most valuable are coins in the mint state, ranging from MS 60 to MS 70. However, all circulated coins graded from GOOD to ABOUT CIRCULATED are also collectible, but their prices are often significantly lower.

Please check our CoinValueChecker App to know your coin scale, It’s the necessary step to know the exact value of your coin.

 

1970 Quarter Value Guides

Here are the five types of 1970 quarters:

• 1970 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia)
• 1970-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1970-S Proof Quarter
• 1970-S CAM Quarter (Cameo Proof)
• 1970-S DCAM Quarter (Deep Cameo Proof)

The 1970 quarter series encompasses five distinct varieties that cater to different collector interests and budgets. The Philadelphia and Denver mint issues represent the standard business strikes found in everyday circulation, with Denver producing nearly three times as many coins.

The San Francisco mint focused exclusively on collector-quality proof coins, creating three different proof finishes. Regular proofs offer a basic mirror finish, while CAM proofs feature frosted devices against mirrored fields.

The premium DCAM variety showcases the deepest contrast between frosted portraits and brilliant backgrounds, making it the most visually striking and valuable option for serious collectors.

 

1970 No Mint Mark Quarter value

The 1970 No Mint Mark quarter represents the Philadelphia mint’s contribution to what would become one of the most abundant quarter years in U.S. history.

Despite a relatively modest mintage of 136 million compared to Denver’s massive production, these Philadelphia quarters possess subtle distinguishing characteristics that appeal to collectors.

The absence of a mint mark, combined with typical Philadelphia mint strike quality, creates coins with sharp details and clean surfaces when found in higher grades.

While most examples remain common, exceptional specimens in MS67 and above can command significant premiums due to their scarcity in top condition.

Recent auction records reveal the surprising strength of top-condition 1970 quarters, with MS67 examples reaching four-figure prices depending on market conditions and specific characteristics.

Let’s look at how trading activity for 1980 quarters has fluctuated over the past year:

 

1970-D Quarter Value

The 1970-D quarter stands out as the most abundantly produced quarter in U.S. history, with the Denver mint striking over 417 million coins that year. This massive production run was driven by increased commerce and the need to meet growing demand for circulating coinage.

Despite this enormous mintage, finding high-grade examples proves surprisingly challenging, as most entered immediate circulation and experienced heavy wear.

The “D” mint mark, located on the reverse below the eagle, distinguishes these Denver-minted coins from their Philadelphia counterparts, though both issues share similar striking characteristics and overall availability in lower grades.

Recent auction records reveal how even small grade differences can significantly impact values, with MS68 specimens commanding premium prices.

Market activity for 1970-D quarters shows more volatility, with a major spike in March and another surge building through summer 2025:

 

1970-S Proof quarter Value

The 1970-S proof quarter represents the San Francisco mint’s exclusive focus on collector-quality coins during this era, when the facility had ceased production of circulation strikes.

These proof coins feature the distinctive mirror-like fields and frosted devices that collectors prize, created through a specialized striking process using polished dies and planchets.

Unlike their business strike counterparts, 1970-S proofs were sold directly to collectors in special sets, ensuring careful handling from the moment of production. The “S” mint mark appears below the eagle on the reverse, marking these as premium collector pieces intended for long-term preservation rather than everyday commerce.

The auction records demonstrate the coin’s accessibility, with most examples trading in the modest $7-55 range across various grades.

The 1970-S proof quarters show even more dramatic swings, with March hitting peak before settling into a summer rally:

 

1970-S CAM Quarter Value

The 1970-S CAM (Cameo) quarter represents a premium tier within the proof series, featuring the coveted contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that defines cameo designation.

These coins were struck using specially prepared dies that create frosted raised elements against brilliant reflective backgrounds, producing a dramatic visual effect that collectors highly prize.

The CAM designation requires professional grading services to authenticate the proper contrast levels, making these coins more scarce than regular proofs.

While all 1970-S proofs were made with collector care, only those exhibiting sufficient cameo contrast earn this special designation, creating a distinct collecting category within an already premium series.

Recent auction records show CAM examples commanding modest premiums over regular proofs, with prices ranging from $7 to $960 depending on grade and market conditions.

Market activity reveals steady collector demand, with notable peaks during spring and late summer months when proof set collectors are most active in the marketplace.

 

1970-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1970-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) quarter represents the pinnacle of proof coin artistry for this year, featuring the most dramatic contrast between deeply frosted devices and brilliant mirror fields.

This designation requires even more stringent standards than regular CAM coins, with grading services demanding exceptional contrast levels that create an almost three-dimensional appearance.

The DCAM finish results from specially prepared dies and careful striking techniques that produce the deepest possible frost on raised elements while maintaining perfect mirror surfaces in the fields. With a higher survival rate of 42.5% compared to other 1970 varieties, these coins were clearly recognized and preserved by collectors who appreciated their superior visual appeal from the moment of release.

The auction records reveal DCAM examples consistently commanding premium prices, with recent sales ranging from $60 to over $640 depending on grade and market timing.

The 1970-S DCAM quarters follow a stable pattern with March dominating activity, then stabilizing at higher levels through the summer:

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1970 Quarter Error List

While most 1970 quarters are common, certain error varieties can be worth significantly more than face value. These minting mistakes occurred during the production process at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities, creating unique coins that collectors actively seek. From doubled dies to off-center strikes, these error coins represent some of the most valuable 1970 quarters in the marketplace today.

1. 1970-D DDO Errors (FS-101 And FS-102)

The 1970-D DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) quarter features noticeable doubling on the obverse design elements, creating a distinctive collecting variety.

Two major varieties are recognized: FS-101 shows pronounced doubling in the date and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while FS-102 displays subtler but still visible doubling primarily in the date digits.

Both varieties command significant premiums over regular 1970-D quarters, with FS-101 being the more dramatic and valuable of the two doubled die errors.

2. 1970-D DDR Errors (FS-801 And FS-802)

The 1970-D DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) quarter exhibits noticeable doubling on the reverse design elements, particularly around the eagle and lettering.

Two primary varieties are catalogued: FS-801 displays strong doubling in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the eagle’s details, while FS-802 shows more subtle doubling concentrated in the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

Both DDR varieties are scarcer than their obverse counterparts and command substantial premiums from error coin collectors seeking these distinctive Denver mint mistakes.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1970 Quarter ?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1970 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about 1970 Washington Quarters

1. What 1970 quarters are considered rare?

Errors made during minting often make coins unique and rare. Some are old, making it more challenging to find well-preserved specimens. In the case of Washington quarters produced in 1970, time is not an issue you should consider. Since they are only half a century old, they can be rare only because of possible minting errors.

2. Which 1970 quarters are the most expensive in the set?

• 1970 D MS 69-graded quarter from a regular strike won the price of $15,000 in 2023
• 1970 D MS 65-graded DDO quarter from a regular strike won the price of $2,875 in 2012
• 1970 S PR 69-graded quarter (DCAM proof) won the price of $2,760 in 2007
• 1970 D MS 63-graded DDR quarter from a regular strike won the price of $2,640 in 2014
• 1970 MS 67+-graded quarter from a regular strike won the price of $2,160 in 2019
• 1970 S PR 66-graded quarter (CAM proof) won the price of $1,553 in 2006
• 1970 D MS 66-graded DDR quarter from a regular strike won the price of $1,540 in 2014
• 1970 S PR 69-graded quarter (proof) won the price of $110 in 2003

3. Are 1970 No Mint mark quarters expensive?

Quarters minted in Philadelphia in 1970 are usually worth 25 cents or their face value. However, their prices depend on their condition and rarity. For example, most pieces cost $1 to $30 on average, while the most expensive coins are graded MS 67. They are worth $260 to $310, but some super rare specimens reach over $2,000 at auctions.

4. What are Washington quarter auction records?

Washington quarters exist for fifty years, so their value is connected to their quality, possible signs of wear, and mintage. The top five most expansive coins in the series are:

• $143,750 was the price for the 1932 D quarter ranked MS 66 (January 2008)
• $45,500 was the price for the 1932 S quarter ranked MS 66 (March 2020)
• $43,475 was the price for the 1949 D quarter ranked MS 68 (June 2019)
• $43,200 was the price for the 1978 quarter ranked MS 68+ (March 2021)
• $40,250 was the price for the 1932 quarter ranked MS 67 (April 2012)