By Blake Alma
1970 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1970 Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad U.S. quarter from the early modern era of U.S. coinage. It contains no silver, so its value is based on condition, mint mark, strike quality, and collectible errors rather than metal content.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1970
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Core: pure copper)
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded (copper visible on edge)
- Designer: John Flanagan
Mint Marks
The 1970 Washington Quarter was struck at two U.S. Mint locations for circulation, with proofs produced separately:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark – Proof issues only)
Mint marks are located on the obverse, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail.
1970 Washington Quarter Value
Because this coin contains no silver, most examples are valued based on condition.
- Circulated (Good–Fine): Face value ($0.25)
- Extremely Fine: $0.50 – $1
- About Uncirculated: $1 – $2
- Mint State (MS-60+): $3 – $30+
- Proof (San Francisco): $5 – $25+
High-grade Mint State coins and deep cameo proofs can sell for more.
Clad Composition and Melt Value
The 1970 Washington Quarter contains no precious metal. Its melt value is minimal, so collectors focus on grade, mint mark, eye appeal, and errors rather than metal prices.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition / Grade: The biggest driver of value
- Mint Mark: Proof coins and high-grade Mint State examples bring premiums
- Strike Quality: Sharper strikes increase desirability
- Originality: Uncleaned, original surfaces are preferred
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
The 1970 quarter is known for a variety of collectible errors.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through grease or debris
- Wrong planchet errors (rare and valuable)
Major errors can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on type and condition.
How to Identify a 1970 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1970) on the obverse
- Look for a mint mark near Washington’s ponytail (or none for Philadelphia)
- Check the edge for a visible copper stripe
- Inspect luster and surface preservation
Is the 1970 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1970 Washington Quarters are worth face value, but Mint State examples, Proof coins, and major error pieces can be worth significantly more. Collector interest is strongest for high-grade and error coins.