Coin collectors may soon have another renowned coin to analyze: the 25-cent quarter featuring George Washington’s picture, which was initially presented in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of his birth.
However, they are not the precious quarters we are discussing today, however based on age, you should probably keep one if you come across one. Today we’re discussing the 1970 issue of this classic piece of cash.
Characteristics of the 1970 Quarter
What differentiates it from other quarters? Well you will have to look closely at the heads and tails to figure it out:
Obverse (most commonly known as head): The front side of the 1970 quarter showcases a central bust of George Washington, facing left. This depiction is based on a sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon and includes the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” as well as the minting year.
Reverse (most commonly known as tail): The back side presents an eagle with its wings extended, holding arrows in its talons, also facing left, mirroring Washington’s orientation on the obverse. It features the inscriptions “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Value of the 1970 Quarter and Reasons
Now that we know how to recognize it, why is it important? The 1970 quarters struck at Denver, distinguished by the “D” mint mark, are particularly noteworthy. The Denver Mint made 417,341,364 of these coins.
Their scarcity stems from their short circulation and some being struck on planchets designed for dimes, making them thinner and lighter than regular quarters. Because of these peculiarities, an MS69-graded specimen sold for $15,000 at auction in 2023 because to its remarkable mint condition.
However, certain circumstances, such as coin condition, can diminish its value in auction. The exact specifications of the one that went up were:
- PCGS Number: 5886
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 24.30 mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Mintage: 417,341,364
- Mint: Denver
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core
- Auction Record: $15,000 • MS69 • 08-02-2023 • eBay
Although these are the most valuable, other quarter coins struck in 1970 have value, albeit not as much. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) reports the following average values for 1970-D quarters in various conditions:
- MS-63; Up to $2
- MS-64: Up to $5
- MS-65: Up to $16
- MS-66: Up to $22
- MS-67: Up to $65
- MS-68: Up to $2,800
How to Preserve Valuable Coins
If you do wind up acquiring or discovering one of these expensive coins, the key to preserving its worth is to keep it as close to mint condition as possible, which means no more damage to its surface. Here are some suggestions and steps you can take to maintain them:
- Proper Handling: Always wear cotton or nitrile gloves to handle coins to prevent the oils from your skin from causing damage. If you do need to handle them without gloves use the sides of the coin to minimize damage to the bigger surfaces.
- Appropriate Storage: Store coins in environments with controlled humidity and temperature. Use plastic capsules, coin albums, or Mylar bags for storage.
- Protection from Wear: Store each coin in its own compartment or capsule to avoid scratches. Ensure that storage materials are high-quality and acid-free by purchasing them from reputable sellers that specialize in conservation.
- Cleaning: Generally, cleaning coins is not advised as it can diminish their value. If cleaning is necessary, seek professional assistance. Just avoid damaging them further.
- Document: Keep comprehensive records of each coin, including its origin, acquisition date, and any authenticity certificates. They will come in handy should you chose to sell.
- Security: Consider insuring your coin collection. Consult with an insurance agent who specializes in valuable collections.
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