Coin collectors may have another famous coin to analyze soon, the 25-cent quarter featuring George Washington’s portrait that were first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of his birth. But these are not the valuable quarters we are talking about today, although just based on age, you should probably keep one if you do come across it. Today we are talking about the 1970 edition of this iconic piece of currency.

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 identify it, why is it valuable? Well, the 1970 quarters minted in Denver, identified by the “D” mint mark, are particularly notable. The Denver Mint produced 417,341,364 of these coins. Their rarity arises from their brief circulation, and some being struck on planchets intended for dimes, making them thinner and lighter than typical quarters. These oddities make it so that in 2023, an MS69-graded specimen fetched $15,000 at auction due to its exceptional mint condition.

But not every coin that has these factors will fetch as much money, there are a few considerations like the condition of the piece that will lower its value in auction. The specific specs 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 ones there are other quarter coins that were produced in 1970 that have value, even if it is not as much. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) provides 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 end up acquiring or coming across one of these valuable coins, maintaining its value hinges on keeping it as close to mint condition as possible, which means not adding any further damage to its surface. Here are some tips and steps you can take to preserve them:

1. 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.
2. Appropriate Storage: Store coins in environments with controlled humidity and temperature. Use plastic capsules, coin albums, or Mylar bags for storage.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Security:

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   Consider insuring your coin collection. Consult with an insurance agent who specializes in valuable collections.