While most coins from the 1970s were meant for everyday use, some rare coins from this decade are worth a small fortune. Whether due to errors during minting or simply limited production, a few coins from the 1970s stand out as valuable collectibles. Let’s explore six of these coins and why they can command high prices today.
1. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
One of the most valuable pennies from the 1970s is the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny. Produced at the San Francisco Mint, this penny has a unique feature known as the “small date,” which appears smaller and slightly higher than usual. Here’s why it’s special:
- Low Minting Quantity: Fewer small date pennies were produced, making them rare.
- High Demand Among Collectors: The scarcity of this variation has made it highly desirable.
- Estimated Value: In uncirculated condition, a 1970-S Small Date penny can fetch anywhere from $50 to over $3,000, depending on its grade.
2. 1972 Lincoln Cent Double Die Obverse
The 1972 Lincoln Cent with a Double Die Obverse (DDO) is another 1970s penny that’s highly sought after. The “double die” error occurred when the coin was struck twice during minting, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the coin’s front, or “obverse” side.
- Identifiable Errors: Look for doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Appeal to Collectors: Double die errors are rare, and collectors love coins with noticeable minting mistakes.
- Estimated Value: Depending on the clarity of the doubling and coin condition, a 1972 DDO penny can sell for anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more.
3. 1974 Aluminum Penny
The 1974 Aluminum Penny is a true rarity because it was never released for public circulation. This experimental coin was created as the U.S. Mint sought cheaper materials for coins during a time of rising copper prices.
- Unique Material: Unlike regular pennies made of copper, the aluminum penny is lightweight and silvery in color.
- Extremely Rare: Only a few examples are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest coins from the 1970s.
- Estimated Value: These rare aluminum pennies have sold for as much as $250,000 at auctions.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was issued to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary and has a unique design with a colonial drummer on the reverse side. While most of these quarters are common, there are some rarer versions that command higher prices.
- Special “S” Mint Mark Versions: The San Francisco Mint produced limited proof versions in both silver and clad (non-silver) versions.
- Collector Demand: The silver proof Bicentennial quarters, especially in mint condition, are particularly popular among collectors.
- Estimated Value: Proof versions can be worth $10 to $30, while high-grade silver proofs can sell for up to $500.
5. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Wide Rim
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Wide Rim (or Near Date) is a rare variation of the dollar coin featuring the women’s rights activist. This variety shows the date positioned closer to the rim, resulting in what appears to be a wider rim around the coin’s edge.
- Low Minting Volume: Fewer of the “wide rim” coins were produced, making them more valuable.
- High Appeal: This coin is a popular collector’s item, especially since it marks the first time a real woman was featured on U.S. currency.
- Estimated Value: A high-grade 1979 Wide Rim dollar can be worth around $50 to $200, while pristine specimens can fetch up to $1,000.
6. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver)
While most half dollars from the 1970s were made of copper-nickel, the 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar stands out because it contains 40% silver. This coin was part of a limited release intended primarily for collectors, which has boosted its value.
- Scarcity: With only around 2.15 million coins produced, this half dollar is a rare find.
- Silver Content: The 40% silver composition makes it valuable, especially for silver collectors.
- Estimated Value: A 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar can be worth $20 to $50 in circulated condition and up to $100 or more in uncirculated condition.
Conclusion
Coins from the 1970s may seem ordinary, but some carry extraordinary value due to rare errors, special designs, or limited production. From a unique small date on a penny to a 40% silver half dollar, these coins showcase the fascinating world of coin collecting. If you have coins from the 1970s, it’s worth taking a closer look—you might just find a hidden treasure worth a significant amount!
FAQs
1. What makes a 1970-S Small Date penny valuable?
The 1970-S Small Date penny is rare due to its limited production, making it highly sought after by collectors.
2. How much is a 1972 doubled die penny worth?
A 1972 doubled die penny can range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on its condition and the visibility of the error.
3. What is the value of a 1974 aluminum penny?
Extremely rare, a 1974 aluminum penny has sold for as much as $250,000 due to its experimental nature and scarcity.
4. Why is the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Wide Rim coin valuable?
The 1979 Wide Rim coin is rare and features a unique design element, making it highly collectible and worth up to $1,000.
5. How do I identify a 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar?
Look for the “D” mint mark on the coin, which indicates it was minted in Denver. This half dollar is valuable for its 40% silver content.