These 7 Valuable 1970s Coins Could Be Worth $15,000 – Do You Own One?

If you’ve ever found an old coin buried in a junk drawer or tucked inside an old piggy bank, it might be worth more than just spare change. Some coins from the 1970s are now considered incredibly rare and valuable, selling for thousands—and sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars. One rare dime from 1975 even fetched over $500,000 at auction.

These aren’t just collectible pieces of history. For some people, they’ve become serious investments. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or someone hoping to turn old coins into cash, knowing what to look for is the first step.

Value

So why are coins from the 1970s suddenly worth so much? It comes down to rarity, minting mistakes, and condition. During that decade, the U.S. Mint went through design changes and technical updates. That led to errors that weren’t caught in time—like missing mintmarks or doubled images. Today, those flaws make the coins rare and highly desirable.

Another big factor is how well the coin has been preserved. Coins that have never circulated—called proof or mint state—are worth far more because they still look brand new. Grading services like PCGS and NGC give these coins an official rating, which collectors use to judge quality and value.

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TopCoins

Here are seven of the most valuable coins from the 1970s, some of which could be sitting unnoticed in your home right now.

1. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
   Estimated Value: $450,000 – $506,250
   Only two are known to exist. This coin was supposed to have an “S” mintmark for San Francisco, but a few were released without it. One sold for over half a million dollars.
2. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
   Estimated Value: Up to $18,400
   Look for a high “7” in the date and slightly blurred lettering. This variation is much rarer than the large date version.
3. 1970-S Large Date Doubled Die Lincoln Cent (Proof)
   Estimated Value: Up to $24,150
   Doubled text on the front of the coin is a key feature. Coins with visible doubling in “Liberty” or “In God We Trust” are very valuable in proof condition.
4. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent (Proof)
   Estimated Value: Up to $10,350
   Another proof coin with noticeable doubling in the lettering. Only high-quality versions with strong contrast bring in top prices.
5. 1971-S Deep Cameo Proof Penny
   Estimated Value: Up to $17,250
   This coin has a striking contrast between shiny backgrounds and frosted designs, which makes it both rare and visually appealing.
6. 1974-S Reverse Brockage of 1973-S Lincoln Cent
   Estimated Value: $11,400
   This mint error caused one side of the coin to appear as a mirror image. Very few of these exist, and they stand out immediately to collectors.
7. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel
   Estimated Value: $15,275
   This double-denomination coin was struck on a blank meant for a nickel. The error makes it incredibly rare and valuable.

Identification

Not sure if your coin is valuable? Here’s how to check:

Step 1

Use a magnifier to see fine details. Rare coins often have small differences like missing letters or unusual spacing.

Step 2

Common errors include off-center strikes, doubled dies, and missing mintmarks.

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Step 3

Coins are graded from 1 to 70. Higher grades mean sharper details and fewer flaws.

Step 4

PCGS and NGC are the two most trusted grading companies. A certified coin can sell for far more than an ungraded one.

Step 5

Visit a coin dealer or attend a coin show. You can also join online forums to get help from experienced collectors.

Selling

Ready to cash in? Here are your best options:

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If you’re not ready to sell but want to know more, attend a coin show or watch online auctions to see what collectors are looking for right now.

FAQs