Found in Your Junk Drawer: These 6 Coins from the 1970s Could Make You Rich

A nostalgic dive into everyday coins with shocking hidden value.

Let’s face it — we all have that one drawer. You know the one: half rubber bands, expired batteries, mystery keys, and a jingle of loose coins from who-knows-when. But here’s the kicker: buried in that forgotten pile might be something worth far more than spare change. We're talking about coins from the 1970s — a decade of bell bottoms, disco, and... unexpectedly valuable currency.

While many people dismiss old coins as worthless unless they’re ancient or made of gold, collectors know a little secret. The 1970s produced some highly sought-after coins, not because of their age, but because of their rarity, minting errors, and unexpected historical quirks. Some of them were minted in such small numbers or with such unique mistakes that they’ve become treasures in the eyes of numismatists (that’s fancy speak for coin collectors).

Now, before you go dumping out every coin jar in your house, let’s narrow your search. We’ve tracked down six specific coins from the 1970s that might be hiding in plain sight — coins that have fetched hundreds, even thousands, of dollars at auctions and online. Some of them look deceptively normal, while others have telltale signs that make collectors drool.

This isn’t just another list of “rare coins” full of obscure European currency or hard-to-find silver dollars. These are U.S. coins — pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and even dollar coins — that you or your relatives might have tossed into a jar in the kitchen or stuffed inside an old purse decades ago. They’re the kind of coins you wouldn’t think twice about… unless you know what to look for.

Take, for example, the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent. On the surface, it’s just another penny. But a subtle change in the date’s size makes all the difference — and some of these have sold for over $3,000. Or the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, where a minting misstep caused the date and lettering to appear doubled. It looks like a factory defect — and to collectors, that’s gold.

And it’s not just pennies. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is everywhere, right? But the extremely rare silver-clad proof version in pristine condition? That one has reached over $1,000 at auctions. And if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon the elusive 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar struck on a silver planchet, stop everything — that coin could fetch thousands, even in average shape.

Why are these coins worth so much? Sometimes it’s about rarity. Sometimes it's a minting error that slipped past quality control. And sometimes it’s the condition — coins that have been kept out of circulation or protected over time are often graded higher and earn top dollar. The market for collectible coins is booming, and 1970s coins are starting to get the attention they deserve.

But here’s the best part: these coins could literally be in your junk drawer right now. No digging through ancient ruins, no visiting pawn shops or dusty estate sales. Just a flashlight, a magnifying glass (or a smartphone camera), and a few quiet minutes with that old Tupperware full of coins.

So what should you do if you think you’ve found one of these valuable 1970s coins? First, don’t clean it — serious collectors and appraisers prefer coins in their natural state. Second, get it professionally graded. Companies like PCGS and NGC specialize in authenticating and grading coins, which can significantly raise their market value. Third, do your research. Look up recent auctions and compare your coin’s features, condition, and mint marks.

In this article, we break down six coins from the 1970s that could make you rich — or at the very least, surprise you with their value. We’ll give you detailed tips on what to look for, how to spot key errors or rare features, and how to avoid getting scammed by counterfeits or inflated eBay listings.

If you’ve ever said, “It’s just a penny,” you might want to read this. Because one of those pennies could buy you a new phone. Or a weekend getaway. Or a down payment on something much bigger.

It’s time to stop overlooking the everyday and start uncovering the extraordinary. The next time you’re about to dump a handful of coins into a Coinstar machine, pause. Dig a little deeper. Look a little closer. You might just be sitting on a tiny, circular jackpot — hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone curious enough to notice.