Most of us don’t think twice about the coins in our pockets, jars, or couch cushions. A quarter is a quarter, right? Well… not always. Some coins are worth far more than their face value — and a rare 1970 quarter proves it.
In 2016, one of these special coins sold on eBay for a jaw-dropping $35,000. And yes, it actually sold — with 20 bidders fighting over it. That’s not just pocket change… that’s a life-changing chunk of money.
Why This 1970 Quarter Is So Special
The story begins with a minting mistake. A small number of quarters produced in 1970 were accidentally struck over 1941 Canadian quarters.
That means the original Canadian coin design wasn’t completely erased before the new U.S. quarter design was stamped on top. The result? A fascinating double-image coin — a collector’s dream.
How to Tell If You Have One
Spotting one of these rare coins takes a keen eye. Here’s what to look for:
- Check the area near “Liberty” — You might see faint extra letters from the original Canadian design.
- Look beneath “Dollar” — If you spot the year 1941 hiding underneath, that’s a huge clue.
- Examine with a magnifying glass — The markings are subtle, so you’ll need a close-up view.
Why It’s Worth So Much
Coin collectors prize errors because they’re rare and often impossible to reproduce. Since only a limited number of these overstruck quarters exist, their value skyrockets among numismatics (coin collectors).
As with most collectibles, value is determined by demand. And when a rare coin like this comes up for sale, the bidding war can get intense — as that $35,000 eBay auction proved.
Could You Have One?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Millions of quarters circulate every year, and many people never check them closely. If you come across a 1970 quarter, especially one that looks a little “off,” set it aside and have it evaluated by a reputable coin dealer.
Who knows? That quarter you just used for a vending machine snack might have been worth enough to buy the whole vending machine.
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