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The 1970-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade specimens. While most quarters found in pocket change are only worth face value, those minted in San Francisco are Proof coins that can carry a significant premium for collectors today.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (1970-D/P) | $0.25 (Face Value) |
| 1970-S Proof (PR65) | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 1970-S Deep Cameo (PR69) | $30.00 – $50.00 |
| 1970-S Overstrike Error | $2,000+ |
Understanding the 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
If you have discovered a quarter with an “S” mint mark dated 1970, you are likely holding a Proof coin. Unlike the millions of quarters struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish and sharp details.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard strike or a proof, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes. In 1970, the San Francisco Mint struck 2,632,810 of these quarters as part of proof sets.
Most of these coins have remained in their original plastic packaging, but occasionally, they are broken out and spent, ending up in a jar of spare change. While a “Proof” sounds valuable, their high survival rate means that a basic 1970-S Proof is usually worth less than $10. However, the CoinKnow app can help you identify high-grade versions that feature “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” effects, which command much higher prices.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Grading and 1970-S Proof Quarter Values
When evaluating the 1970-S Washington Quarter value, the grade is the most critical factor. Professional graders at PCGS or NGC use a scale from 1 to 70. Because 1970-S quarters were never meant for circulation, they are rarely found in “Good” or “Fine” condition. Instead, they are graded on the Proof (PR) scale.
A standard PR65 coin is considered a “Gem Proof,” showing very few hairline scratches. As you move up the scale, the price begins to climb. A PR69 Deep Cameo—a coin with nearly perfect surfaces and a heavy frost on the portrait—can be quite desirable.
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The 1970 Washington quarter price guide for high grades shows that the jump from PR68 to PR69 can double the coin’s value. Using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s luster and strike against high-resolution images of certified samples to see where yours might land on the scale. High-grade coins are essential for those looking to complete a registry set of Washington Quarters.
| Grade (Proof) | Average Market Price |
|---|---|
| PR 63 | $2.50 |
| PR 65 | $6.00 |
| PR 67 | $12.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $45.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $500+ |
The Famous 1970-S Overstrike Error
The 1970-S Washington Quarter is famous in the numismatic world for one of the most incredible mint errors ever discovered. A small number of 1970-S quarters were actually struck over Canadian quarters from 1941! This happened when a stray Canadian coin somehow made its way into the San Francisco Mint’s machinery.
If you have a 1970-S quarter, look very closely at the surfaces. On the rarest versions, you can actually see the faint outlines of the Canadian 25-cent design or even parts of the 1941 date underneath the Washington portrait. These error coins are worth a small fortune, often selling for over $30,000 at elite auctions.
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Even if you don’t have the “Canadian Overstrike,” other errors like double dies or off-center strikes can increase the 1970-S quarter’s collector worth significantly. Professional collectors often use CoinKnow to zoom in on the “S” mint mark to check for “Repunched Mint Marks,” which are another popular variety that can boost a coin’s price above the standard proof value.
Comparing the 1970-S to Philadelphia and Denver Strikes
To truly understand the 1970-S Washington Quarter value, you must contrast it with the standard 1970-P (Philadelphia) and 1970-D (Denver) quarters. In 1970, the U.S. Mint was transitioning out of the silver era (which ended in 1964), using a copper-nickel clad composition.
Philadelphia minted zero quarters with a “P” mint mark (they left them blank), while Denver struck over 400 million coins with a “D.” Because so many were made for circulation, a 1970-D quarter found in your pocket is generally only worth 25 cents. The “S” mark is what sets the proof apart.
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However, “Mint State” (MS) coins from Denver can be surprisingly valuable if they are in perfect condition. Because most 1970 quarters were used heavily in commerce, finding a 1970-D in MS67 condition is much harder than finding a 1970-S Proof in high grade. This creates a market where a perfect “common” quarter can actually be worth more than a “special” proof quarter.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Total | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philadelphia) | 136,420,000 | Common |
| D (Denver) | 417,341,364 | Very Common |
| S (San Francisco) | 2,632,810 | Uncommon (Proof Only) |
How to Identify a Cameo Finish on a 1970-S Quarter
When looking at your 1970-S quarter, look for a contrast between the background and the portrait. This is known as “Cameo.” Back in 1970, the minting process didn’t always produce the deep, frosty contrast seen on modern proof coins. Therefore, older proof coins with this effect are highly prized.
A “Cameo” (CAM) 1970-S will have a light frosting on Washington’s head, while a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) will have a thick, white frost that looks like it was painted on, set against a black, mirror-like field. Deep Cameo 1970-S quarters are the “holy grail” for collectors of this specific year.
If you think you have a DCAM specimen, it is worth having it authenticated. Even a small fingerprint can ruin the delicate surface of a proof coin, so always handle your quarters by the edges. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has no scratches, it is time to check its specific attributes against a professional database to see if it qualifies for a premium price.
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Is Your 1970 Quarter Made of Silver?
A common question many people ask is whether the 1970-S quarter contains silver. The short answer is no. The United States stopped minting 90% silver quarters for circulation after 1964. Between 1965 and 1970, all quarters were “clad,” meaning they have a pure copper core sandwiched between layers of copper-nickel alloy.
The only exception is the extremely rare overstrike mentioned earlier, where a 1970-S was struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter, which was 80% silver. Unless you have that specific error, your 1970 quarter is made of base metal. You can verify this by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a stripe of orange-copper, it is a standard clad coin.
While the lack of silver might be disappointing, the numismatic value of a high-grade 1970-S or a rare error far exceeds the value of the silver found in older coins. In the world of coin collecting, rarity and condition often trump metal content.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1970-S quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail and just above the date.
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Q: Can I find a 1970-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: While rare, it is possible. These are “Proof” coins intended for collectors, but sometimes they are removed from sets and spent. If you find one, it will likely be scratched and lose much of its collector value.
Q: What is the most expensive 1970-S quarter ever sold?
A: A 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter sold for $35,000 at auction. For standard strikes, a 1970-S PR70 Deep Cameo can sell for over $2,000.
Q: Why is my 1970 quarter worth only 25 cents?
A: Most 1970 quarters were minted in Philadelphia or Denver for daily use. Unless they are in “Mint State” (perfect, uncirculated condition) or have a rare error, they are only worth face value due to the huge numbers produced.