The 1970-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in typical circulated proof condition to over $500 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. Finding one of these coins in your pocket change or an old collection is exciting, as the “S” mint mark signifies its unique origin from the San Francisco Mint.
Understanding the San Francisco Mint 1970-S Quarter
In 1970, the San Francisco Mint was responsible for producing proof coins intended specifically for collectors, rather than general circulation. Because these coins were struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, they feature a mirror-like finish that stands out compared to standard quarters. If you are unsure if your coin is a proof, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a collector’s edition.
While most 1970-S quarters were sold in official United States Proof Sets, many have since been removed from their original packaging. Over the decades, some of these coins ended up in circulation, causing them to lose their pristine luster. When evaluating your find, look closely at the area to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. The “S” mark indicates it was born in San Francisco, which is the first step in determining its potential market price. For a professional look at your collection, the CoinHix app provides instant identification features.
1970-S Proof Washington Quarter Grading and Condition
The value of a 1970-S quarter depends heavily on its “Cameo” effect. In the numismatic world, “Cameo” refers to the contrast between the frosted devices (like Washington’s portrait) and the mirror-like fields (the flat background). Most 1970-S quarters are standard proofs, but those with “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations command much higher prices.
Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade these coins. A coin graded PR65 is considered a choice proof, while a PR69 or the elusive PR70 represents perfection. If you have a coin that looks brand new with heavy frosting on the portrait, it could be worth a significant premium. You should check the latest 1970-S quarter auction records and price trends to see how much these high-grade examples are currently selling for in the marketplace. Keeping track of your inventory is easier than ever with the CoinHix mobile tool.
Market Value Chart for 1970-S Quarters
To give you an idea of what your coin might be worth, we have compiled a price guide based on common grades found today. Most coins found in inherited sets will fall into the PR63 to PR67 range.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value (Standard) | Value (Deep Cameo) |
|---|---|---|
| PR 63 (Average Proof) | $1.50 – $3.00 | $5.00 |
| PR 65 (Choice Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 | $15.00 |
| PR 67 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $20.00 | $45.00 |
| PR 69 (Superb Gem) | $35.00 – $50.00 | $150.00+ |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $250.00+ | $500.00 – $1,500+ |
Rare Errors and Varieties to Watch For
While the standard 1970-S is a proof coin, the 1970 series as a whole is famous for one of the most legendary errors in American history: the 1970-S quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter. This specific error happened because a San Francisco mint employee used an old Canadian silver coin as a planchet. This error is extremely rare and has sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
Even if you don’t find a Canadian over-strike, look for “Double Die” errors. These occur when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, resulting in parts of the lettering or date appearing blurry or reinforced. You can find more detailed 1970 quarter valuation and error data online to help you identify these subtle differences. Using the CoinHix app can also help you zoom in on these details with high-resolution image analysis.
Is Your 1970-S Quarter Silver?
A common misconception is that all old quarters are silver. However, the United States stopped using 90% silver for quarters in 1964. The 1970-S Proof Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin, meaning it is made of a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of cupro-nickel. If you look at the edge of the coin and see a brownish-red copper stripe, it is a standard clad coin.
If the edge is solid silver with no copper stripe, you may have found a rare silver proof or a special mint error. Silver proofs were not officially minted for this year, so discovering one would be a monumental find in the coin-collecting community. Regardless of the metal content, preserving the condition of your coins in protective holders is essential for maintaining their market value for years to come.
Q: How can I tell if my 1970-S quarter is worth a lot of money?
A: Look for a “Deep Cameo” finish where Washington’s head is white and frosted while the background is black and mirror-like. High-grade PR69 or PR70 coins and rare errors are the most valuable.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1970 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s neck, just above the year. An “S” indicates the San Francisco Mint.
Q: Can I find a 1970-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: While rare, it is possible. Proof coins are sometimes spent by people who don’t realize their value. These are “circulated proofs” and are usually worth about $1 to $2 due to surface scratches.
