In a story that’s sending shockwaves through the coin collecting community
A surprising find has captured the attention of coin collectors — a rare 1970-S Washington quarter discovered in everyday change is now valued at an incredible $35,000.
Yes, it’s true.
While most people barely glance at their spare change, this coin shows why it’s worth taking a second look. This rare error coin highlights how valuable pieces can be hiding in the most unexpected places — even in your wallet or car cupholder.
What Makes the 1970-S Quarter So Special?
At first glance, the 1970-S Washington quarter appears to be a normal coin. It features George Washington’s profile and the “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. But what makes it stand out is the coin it was accidentally struck on — a 1941 Canadian quarter.
That’s the surprising detail.
This kind of mistake is called a “double denomination” error — when a coin is struck over another existing coin, especially from a different country. In this case, you can see details from both the 1941 Canadian quarter and the U.S. quarter under magnification.
Experts agree that such minting errors are extremely rare, making this coin a prized find among collectors.
The $35,000 Price Tag — A Coin Worth More Than Gold?
In coin collecting, a coin’s rarity and condition are what make it valuable. Because this 1970-S quarter is not only in excellent shape but also has such a dramatic mint error, its estimated value has reached an astonishing $35,000.
In fact, one of these coins was even listed on eBay with a starting price of $35,000, attracting attention from both collectors and curious buyers. This coin is no longer just spare change — it’s a piece of numismatic history that competes with luxury items like high-end watches or classic cars.
Still in Circulation? Possibly.
What makes this story even more intriguing is the chance that more of these rare error coins might still be in circulation. Experts believe a few of these 1970-S quarters may have left the mint unnoticed before the error was discovered. That means someone could be carrying one right now — possibly unaware of its worth.
It may sound unlikely, but it’s not unheard of. Over the years, people have found valuable coins in pocket change worth thousands, simply because they were paying attention.
What Should You Look For?
Want to try your luck at finding one of these rare quarters? Here are some tips:
- Mintmark: Check for the “S” mintmark beneath the date — this shows it came from the San Francisco Mint.
- Overlapping Designs: Look for unusual markings, including signs of overlapping text or features from the 1941 Canadian coin.
- Feel and Weight: Due to its unique composition, this coin might feel slightly different than a regular quarter.
- Get it Verified: If you suspect your coin might be rare, don’t rush to sell. Have it evaluated by a certified coin grading company like PCGS or NGC.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of the $35,000 1970-S quarter is more than just a lucky break — it’s a reminder that valuable treasures can appear in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a serious collector or someone who simply empties their pockets each night, this story proves it’s worth taking a closer look.
FAQs
Q1: Why is the 1970-S quarter so valuable?
Because it was mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter — a rare minting error known as a double denomination.
Q2: How can I tell if I have this rare quarter?
Look for the “S” mintmark under the date, signs of overlapping text or design, and an unusual feel or weight.
Q3: Is it still possible to find one in circulation?
Yes, experts believe a few may still be out there, released into circulation before the error was discovered.
Q4: What should I do if I think I found one?
Have it verified by a trusted coin grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) before selling or trading.