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

Collectors searching for rare coins can hop back a few decades to the age of disco music and leisure suits, not have to search back a century or more for them. With the most expensive coins valued in five figures, certain U.S. coins from the 1970s might get you a lot of money on the collector’s market.

Like many collectible coins, the most valuable ones from the 1970s have some mistake or unique quality that distinguishes them from the others. Those with the best values often have the lowest denominations— pennies and nickels.
The LoveToKnow website lists six 1970s coins worth a lot of money here. Values are derived from last year auction sales and might be considerably higher in the market of 2024. Remember too the state of a coin will influence its worth.

If you know how to find these antique coins, you may make a sizable portion of change.

1971–S Doubled Die Obverse Penny: $10,350

Double die errors occur when the die—or design stamp—metal is struck several times on either the front (obverse), reverse, or both sides. LoveToKnow says the outcome is a “sharper relief and occasionally a wonky positioning.” Like this one, double die mistakes in pristine or near-mint condition typically fetch rather large prices.

$11,400 1974-S Reverse Brockage of 1973-S Penny

Selling for $11,400 through Heritage Auctions in 2020, a high-grade Lincoln penny sold Collectors value “brockage” coins for their conventional design on one side and mirror image on the other.

This 1974-S penny, for instance, has the traditional printed Lincoln portrait on the front and the reverse 1973 Lincoln design on the back. A rare condition known as a brockage results from the die becoming caught.

1979 Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson nickel, Susan B. Anthony: $15,275

This coin has a minting error whereby Susan B. Anthony’s portrait is placed over Monticello’s top on a Jefferson nickel. Although these kinds of overstamps are somewhat unusual initially, this one particularly sticks out since it combines two different years.

Deep Cameo Proof Penny: $17,250 1971

Designed more as a model for future currencies than for circulation as money, a “proof” coin is not meant for use. LoveToKnow called proof coins “the most beautiful and perfectly minted coins possible,” and mentions this particular Lincoln cent as a “superb proof.”

Small Date Penny for 1970: $18,400

Dave’s Collectible Coins blog notes that “a more delicate date of a finer punch as compared to the large date variety” defines this unusual 1970-S small-date penny. Whereas the small-date coin is not quite as level, the large-date coin will show a 7 that is “relatively level” with the remainder of the date.

Large Date Penny for 1970: $24,150

Here’s a picture of a large-date Lincoln cent with more worth than its small-date equivalent.

Deep Cameo Proof Penny: $17,250 1971

Designed more as a model for future currencies than for circulation as money, a “proof” coin is not meant for use. LoveToKnow called proof coins “the most beautiful and perfectly minted coins possible,” and mentions this particular Lincoln cent as a “superb proof.”

Small Date Penny for 1970: $18,400

Dave’s Collectible Coins blog notes that “a more delicate date of a finer punch as compared to the large date variety” defines this unusual 1970-S small-date penny. Whereas the small-date coin is not quite as level, the large-date coin will show a 7 that is “relatively level” with the remainder of the date.

Large Date Penny for 1970: $24,150

Here’s a picture of a large-date Lincoln cent with more worth than its small-date equivalent.

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