1970s U.S. coins that are very valuable and could be worth a lot of money
You don’t have to go all the way back to the 1800s to find valuable coins that are worth collecting. Some gems were found in the bright 1970s, a time of disco, bell bottoms, and mistakes with minting. To this day, many coins from this time are sought after by collectors and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
It’s not always the age of these coins that makes them so desired; sometimes it’s the fact that they have special qualities like minting errors or mistakes that were made during production. Coins and bills with the smallest values, like pennies and nickels, often give the best returns.
Take a look at these six unique 1970s coins that have sold for very high prices at auction. As interest in coins grows in 2025, their prices may continue to rise. Remember that the coin’s state has a big effect on how much it’s worth on the market.
1. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny—Valued Up to $10,350
This penny has a doubled die mistake, which means that the design die hit it more than once, making the picture sharper but slightly off-center. This type is very popular and can fetch more than $10,000 if it’s in perfect shape.
2. 1974-S Penny with Reverse Brockage of a 1973-S Penny—Worth Around $11,400
Because of a rare mistake in the minting process, one coin had a normal front (obverse), and the back had a reflected, backwards print from a 1973 penny. When a coin gets stuck in the press and its image gets on another coin, this kind of mistake is called a reverse brockage. At sale, one of these pieces brought $11,400.
3. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Overstruck on a 1978 Jefferson Nickel—Sold for $15,275
This interesting mistake coin has a picture of Susan B. Anthony struck on top of a Jefferson nickel design. This coin is very rare and expensive because it has traits from two different coin types and years.
4. 1971-S Deep Cameo Proof Penny—Auction Price: $17,250
Proof coins are made just for collectors, and the features and surfaces are often very smooth and shiny. This Lincoln penny, which had a deep cameo finish and was kept in almost perfect shape, sold at auction for over $17,000.
5. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny—Fetches Up to $18,400
The date on this 1970-S penny is smaller and less clear than the date on the large-date form. The “7” in the year looks smaller than the other numbers, which is interesting. Nearly $20,000 has been paid for fine samples of this rare type.
6. 1970-S Large Date Penny (Doubled Die Proof)—Top Sale: $24,150
Strangely, the 1970s large-date penny, which is usually less sought after, is worth more in this case because the front die has been twice and the coin is in perfect proof shape. It is one of the most expensive pennies from the 1970s because it was sold for over $24,000.
FAQs
1. What makes 1970s coins so valuable?
Minting errors, proof finishes, and rare date variations can make coins from the 1970s especially valuable—particularly in excellent condition.
2. How can I tell if I have a valuable coin?
Look for unusual features such as doubling, odd impressions, date misalignments, or mirror-like finishes. Getting your coin professionally graded can help determine its value.
3. Are proof coins worth more than regular coins?
Generally, yes. Proof coins are made with extra care and have a higher quality finish, making them more desirable to collectors.
4. Where can I sell rare coins?
Auction houses, reputable coin dealers, and online platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions are popular options for selling collectible coins.
5. Do small denomination coins ever sell for large amounts?
Absolutely. Pennies and nickels with rare errors or unique traits have sold for thousands—and even tens of thousands—of dollars.