6 Coins From the 1970s That Are Worth a Lot of Money

Valuable U.S. Coins from the 1970s That Could Be Worth a Fortune

You don’t need to go as far back as the 1800s to discover U.S. coins worth big money. Some of the most sought-after pieces by collectors today come straight from the 1970s—a decade known for its music, fashion, and minting mistakes. Coins from this era have shocked collectors by fetching thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.

The appeal of these coins isn’t just due to their age but rather rare characteristics like striking errors or unusual designs. Surprisingly, it’s often the humble penny or nickel that turns out to be the most lucrative for collectors and dealers.

Let’s explore six remarkable coins from the 1970s that have made waves in auctions and collector circles. As the numismatic market continues to thrive in 2025, these coins may climb even higher in value. Remember, the better the coin’s condition, the more it might be worth.

1. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny – Valued Up to $10,350

One of the standout coins of the decade, this Lincoln penny shows a doubled die error on the front. This occurs when the coin is imprinted more than once, creating subtle duplications on the lettering and date. When found in pristine condition, collectors will pay a premium—sometimes over $10,000—for this distinctive minting mistake.

2. 1974-S Penny with Reverse Brockage of a 1973-S Penny – Worth Around $11,400

This rare penny showcases a reverse brockage error, which happens when a previously struck coin gets stuck in the press and imprints its design onto the next coin. In this case, a 1974-S penny features a mirror image of a 1973-S penny on its reverse. These kinds of errors are incredibly scarce and one example brought in $11,400 at a major coin auction.

3. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Overstruck on a 1978 Jefferson Nickel – Sold for $15,275

This one-of-a-kind piece has a Susan B. Anthony dollar design struck over a 1978 Jefferson nickel, blending two different denominations and years in one coin. The overlapping designs and dual dates make this a visually fascinating and exceptionally rare error coin. It garnered $15,275 at auction thanks to its unique features.

4. 1971-S Deep Cameo Proof Penny – Auction Price: $17,250

Proof coins are known for their striking detail and mirror-like appearance, crafted specifically for collectors. The 1971-S Lincoln penny with a deep cameo effect is no exception. Its high-quality finish and near-perfect preservation made it a standout piece, selling for $17,250 at a well-known auction. Coins with this level of craftsmanship are highly collectible.

5. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny – Fetches Up to $18,400

Among the 1970-S pennies, there’s a variation known as the small date, where the “7” in the date appears lower and thinner than usual. This subtle difference makes it far rarer than the large date variety. When found in superb condition, this penny has achieved auction prices as high as $18,400, thanks to its scarcity and collector demand.

6. 1970-S Large Date Penny (Doubled Die Proof) – Top Sale: $24,150

While typically less valuable than its small date counterpart, the large date 1970-S penny can command incredible value if it features a doubled die obverse and comes in proof quality. One such coin, almost flawless in condition, brought in a whopping $24,150 at auction. Its combination of error and quality makes it one of the highest-selling 1970s pennies.

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Last Thought

Though they may look like ordinary change at first glance, certain coins from the 1970s can be hiding extraordinary value. With unique minting errors, proof qualities, or small design differences, these coins have become prized collector’s items. As numismatic interest continues to surge in 2025, keeping a close eye on your pocket change could lead to a surprising and valuable discovery.