A representation of what the rare quarter might look like (Image for illustration purposes)
5 Quick Summary
A retired U.S. quarter is making headlines among collectors and could be worth up to $84,000. If you have old coins in your pocket, drawer, or collection, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. Learn what makes this specific quarter so valuable and how to check if you own one.
The $84,000 Quarter: What Makes It So Valuable?
Coin collecting, or numismatics, has always been a fascinating hobby, but sometimes it can tum into an incredibly profitable venture. Recently, a specific U.S. quarter has captured the attention of collectors worldwide, with some specimens selling for as much as $84,000 at auction.
The coin in question is the 1970 Washington Quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter planchet. This extraordinary error occurred when a blank Canadian coin (planchet) was accidentally fed into the press at the U.S. Mint and stamped with the Washington quarter design.
! Important Note:
Not all 1970 quarters are valuable. The extreme value applies only to the specific error variant struck on a Canadian planchet. Regular 1970 quarters in circulation are worth face value (250).
What makes this coin exceptionally rare is the combination of factors: the wrong planchet (Canadian instead of American), the specific year (1970), and the fact that very few of these error coins were released into circulation before the mistake was caught.
How to Identify the Rare $84,000 Quarter
Checklist: What to Look For
Year: The coin must be dated 1970 (on the obverse/heads side).
Weight: The rare error coin weighs approximately 5.83 grams, slightly more than the standard Washington quarter (5.67 grams).
Edge: Check the coin’s edge. The error quarter may have a different reeding (grooved edge) pattern or silver appearance.
Color & Composition: The Canadian planchet had a different metallic composition (80% silver, 20% copper) compared to the copper-nickel clad U.S. quarters of that era.
Mint Mark: Check for a mint mark above Washington’s head. “D” indicates Denver Mint, “S” indicates San Francisco Mint, and no mark indicates Philadelphia Mint.If you find a 1970 quarter that matches these characteristics, handle it carefully by the edges to preserve its condition and consider having it professionally authenticated by a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The Record-Breaking Sale
The $84,000 price tag isn’t just speculation. In 2022, a pristine example of the 1970 quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian planchet sold at auction for exactly $84,000. The coin was graded MS66 (Mint State 66) by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating it was in nearly perfect condition with only minor imperfections visible under magnification.
“This is one of the most exciting error coins to surface in recent years. The combination of the dramatic planchet mistake and its exceptional preservation makes it a true trophy piece for any serious collection.”
– Senior Numismatist at Heritage Auctions
Other examples in lower grades have sold for amounts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, proving that even well-circulated examples of this error command substantial premiums.
Where Might You Find One?
While the chances of finding this specific quarter in your everyday change are extremely slim, it’s not impossible. Consider checking:
Old coin jars or piggy banks – especially those that haven’t been opened in decades
Inherited collections from relatives who collected coins
Coin rolls from the bank – some collectors still search through rolls hoping to find rare errors
Estate sales and flea markets – where valuable coins are sometimes overlooked
Your car’s console or between sofa cushions – you never know where old change might be hiding!
Ready to Check Your Coins?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to check your pockets, jars, and collections! Remember that condition dramatically affects value, so handle any potential finds carefully by the edges.
If you think you might have found the rare 1970 quarter error, consult with a professional coin dealer or submit it to a grading service for authentication.
Other Valuable Quarters to Look For
While searching for the 1970 error quarter, keep an eye out for these other valuable quarters:
1932-D Washington Quarter: The first year of issue, with the Denver mint mark being particularly rare
1932-5 Washington Quarter: Another low-mintage first-year issue
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter: Shows noticeable doubling on the date and inscriptions
1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter: An error where a die crack makes it appear the horse is “spitting”
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter: With either a high or low leaf error
Any quarter before 1965: These contain 90% silver and are worth at least their melt value
Coin collecting combines history, art, and treasure hunting in one fascinating hobby. Even if you don’t find the $84,000 quarter, you might discover other coins with interesting stories and potential value.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are based on recent auction results and market conditions. Coin values can fluctuate based on collector demand, condition, and authentication. Always consult with a professional coin dealer or appraiser for accurate valuation of specific coins. Coin Collecting Insights. This article is for informational purposes only.
