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The 1970 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 in pristine mint state. While most found in pocket change are common, rare errors and high-grade specimens can fetch a significant premium from coin collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $30.00 – $60.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $500.00+ |
Understanding the 1970 Quarter No Mint Mark
If you have a 1970 quarter and cannot find a tiny letter near the base of George Washington’s ponytail, don’t worry—your coin isn’t missing a piece of history. In 1970, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 417 million quarters, and at that time, it was standard practice for Philadelphia coins to carry no mint mark. For everyday Americans checking their change, using a top coin identifier app is the fastest way to confirm if their coin is a standard Philly strike or something more exotic.
Because so many were made, the vast majority of these coins are considered “common.” They were composed of a copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core, a transition that started in 1965 to replace silver. By 1970, silver quarters were long gone from production. However, because these coins were workhorses of the American economy, finding one today that hasn’t been scratched or worn down is surprisingly difficult.
If you are unsure whether your coin is worth more than twenty-five cents, you should try using CoinKnow. This app helps you identify the specific condition of your coin, which is the primary factor in determining its market value. Most collectors are looking for “Mint State” examples that look like they just fell off the press.
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1970 No Mint Mark Quarter Grading and Prices
The value of a 1970 Philadelphia quarter depends entirely on its Sheldon Scale grade, which ranges from 1 to 70. A coin found in a vending machine is likely a “Fine” or “Very Fine” grade, meaning it’s worth face value. However, coins that were tucked away in jars or original mint rolls early on can be worth significantly more.
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For those curious about the financial details, the current 1970 Washington quarter price data shows a massive leap in value once a coin reaches the MS66 or MS67 level. At these grades, the coin must have nearly perfect luster and almost no visible contact marks or scratches.
| Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Market Value |
|---|---|
| MS60 (Uncirculated) | $1 – $3 |
| MS64 (Choice Mint State) | $15 – $25 |
| MS65 (Gem Condition) | $45 – $75 |
| MS66 (Registry Quality) | $150 – $300 |
| MS67 (Exceptional Rare) | $800+ |
Identifying Rare 1970 Quarter Errors
Errors are where the real excitement begins for casual hunters. While the “No Mint Mark” itself isn’t an error, several legitimate production mistakes occurred in 1970. One of the most famous (though technically a proof error from San Francisco) involves quarters struck on 1941 Canadian quarters. While highly unlikely to be found in your pocket, other errors like “Double Dies” or “Off-Center Strikes” are possible within the Philadelphia no-mint-mark population.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs when the coin’s design is stamped twice, creating a blurred or “halo” effect on the lettering or the date. To spot these tiny details, many hobbyists rely on CoinKnow to zoom in and compare their coins against known error databases. Even a slight doubling on the words “Liberty” or “In God We Trust” can turn a $0.25 coin into a $50 prize.
Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned. If your 1970 quarter looks lopsided or is missing part of the design, it could be worth between $20 and $100 depending on how much of the date is still visible. Check the 1970 quarter error value guide for recent auction results on these specific anomalies.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Is a 1970 Quarter Still Silver?
One of the most common questions from people who find older coins is whether they contain silver. Unfortunately, the US Mint stopped using silver for circulating quarters after 1964. Therefore, a standard 1970 quarter with no mint mark is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
You can easily verify this by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a distinct orange or copper-colored stripe running along the side, it is a standard clad coin. Silver quarters (pre-1965) would have a solid silver-colored edge. While “silver proofs” were made in later years, in 1970, even the proof sets were clad.
However, keep an eye out for weight. A standard 1970 quarter should weigh approximately 5.67 grams. If you find one that is significantly lighter or heavier, it might have been struck on a different metal blank (planchet), which is a rare and valuable error. Using CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin’s physical characteristics align with a standard issue or a collector’s dream.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Facility | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) |
Where to Sell Your 1970 Washington Quarter
If you believe you have a high-grade 1970 quarter or an error coin, your next step is determining where to sell it. For average circulated coins that might be worth $1 or $2, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. However, for coins that look like they belong in a museum, professional grading is necessary.
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Services like PCGS or NGC will authenticate and grade your coin for a fee. Once a 1970 no mint mark quarter is “slabbed” in a plastic holder with a high grade like MS66, it can be sold through major auction houses. Coins in this category often find buyers in the “Registry Set” community—collectors who compete to own the highest-quality version of every coin ever made.
Before spending money on grading fees, always do your homework. Compare your coin to “Sold” listings on eBay rather than “Active” listings to see what buyers are actually paying. Many 1970 quarters are listed for thousands of dollars by hopeful sellers, but the actual market value is usually much lower unless the coin is truly flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Q: Does the 1970 quarter No Mint Mark mean it’s an error?
A: No, the lack of a mint mark simply means the coin was minted in Philadelphia. During that era, Philadelphia did not use the “P” mint mark on quarters. It is a normal part of the production process and does not add value by itself.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Is there a 1970-D or 1970-S quarter?
A: Yes. The 1970-D (Denver) was minted for circulation, and the 1970-S (San Francisco) was minted specifically for Proof Sets sold to collectors. Neither of these is made of silver, though the 1970-S Proof is generally more valuable than a standard circulated Philly quarter.
Q: Why are some 1970 quarters worth thousands of dollars?
A: These are typically “super-clones” or “Gem BU” (Brilliant Uncirculated) coins that have been professionally graded as MS67 or higher. At that level, the coin is mathematically rare, as very few survived in that condition without being scratched in bags or circulation.
Q: How do I know if my 1970 quarter has a Double Die error?
A: Look for clear “doubling” of the letters or numbers. It shouldn’t just look like a shadow or shelf-like wear (which is common machine doubling); true doubled dies show two distinct hubs of the same image. Using a magnifying glass or a coin app is highly recommended.