Most people think of pocket change as, well… just change. But if you’ve got a drawer full of old coins, you might be sitting on a fortune. Especially if any of those coins are from the 1970s—a decade filled with fascinating minting errors, low-production runs, and overlooked rarities. Some coins from that era are now worth more than their weight in gold, fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. In this article, we’ll reveal three coins from the 70s that collectors are hunting like buried treasure. Grab your magnifying glass—it’s time to take a closer look at your spare change.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent (Proof)
This penny may look ordinary, but it’s anything but. The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent, particularly in proof condition, is one of the most valuable pennies from the decade. The key identifier is the “Liberty” inscription—it appears weak, and the top of the “7” in “1970” sits level with the rest of the numbers. These subtle differences are what make it rare. Collectors can pay up to $3,000 or more for one in pristine condition. If you have old proof sets, check them closely—this penny could be hiding in plain sight.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. It was never meant to be released without a mint mark, but a few proof versions were mistakenly struck at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mark. Only two confirmed examples are known to exist, and they have sold for upwards of $450,000 at auction. If you happen to find one of these in your collection or inherited coin sets, you’re looking at life-changing money. Most dimes from 1975 will have a mint mark—if yours doesn’t, get it checked immediately.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter celebrated 200 years of American independence and was minted in high quantities. However, a rare error variety exists—the double die obverse. This version shows noticeable doubling on the date and the word “Liberty”, making it stand out to trained eyes. While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth face value, this variety can command $2,000 to $5,000 depending on condition. These were issued for general circulation, so there’s a good chance one could be lurking in your change jar.
The 1970s were a golden era for collectors—not because of precious metals, but because of minting mistakes and rare variants that flew under the radar. Coins like the 1970-S Small Date penny, the ultra-rare 1975 No-S dime, and the doubled-die Bicentennial quarter have transformed everyday pocket change into powerful investments. Before you dismiss that old penny or quarter, take a closer look—you might be holding a coin worth more than gold.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my 1970s coin is valuable?
Look for unusual features like missing mint marks, date variations, or signs of doubling. Compare your coin to images from trusted coin reference sites or get it professionally graded.
2. Can regular circulated coins be valuable too?
Yes. Some rare coins, like the 1976 double die quarter, were released into circulation and can be found in everyday change.
3. Where can I sell a rare coin?
You can sell rare coins through certified dealers, auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers, or via online platforms—preferably after getting the coin authenticated and graded.
4. Is cleaning a coin a good idea before selling it?
No. Cleaning a coin can reduce its value significantly. Collectors prefer coins in their original condition, even if they appear tarnished.
5. What does “proof” mean in coin collecting?
Proof coins are specially made for collectors using a high-quality minting process. They usually have a mirror-like finish and are struck multiple times for sharp detail.
