Collectors searching for valuable coins don’t need to go back a hundred years. A quick jump to the 1970s — the era of disco and leisure suits — reveals some U.S. coins that now sell for serious money. Some of these coins can fetch five-figure prices in the collector’s market.

Just like other collectible coins, the most valuable ones from the 1970s usually have some kind of minting error or a unique feature. Interestingly, coins with the smallest denominations — like pennies and nickels — often hold the most value.

Here are six coins from the 1970s that could bring in a solid return, based on past auction results compiled by LoveToKnow. With the 2025 market showing strong interest, these values could go even higher. Keep in mind that the condition of a coin plays a huge role in determining its final price.

If you can spot these retro coins, they might earn you a serious chunk of change.

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

This error occurs when the coin gets struck more than once by the die (the stamping tool that applies the design). This creates a sharper image and sometimes a slightly off-center appearance. According to LoveToKnow, coins like this in mint or near-mint condition can fetch very high prices.

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

A top-quality version of this Lincoln penny sold for $11,400 through Heritage Auctions in 2020. Brockage coins are highly valued by collectors because one side shows the normal design and the other displays a mirrored version. This particular penny has the typical Lincoln portrait on the front and a reversed 1973 design on the back, the result of a die getting stuck during minting. These kinds of deformities are rare and collectible.

1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson Nickel – $15,275

This unique coin shows Susan B. Anthony’s image stamped over Monticello from a Jefferson nickel. Overstamps are already rare, but what makes this one even more special is that it involves two coins from different years.

1971-S Deep Cameo Proof Penny – $17,250

Proof coins aren’t made for spending. They’re created to serve as flawless examples of what coins should look like. LoveToKnow describes them as “the most beautiful and perfectly minted coins possible” and calls this particular Lincoln penny a “superb proof.” Its striking finish and condition helped it reach a high value at auction.

1970-S Small Date Penny – $18,400

According to Dave’s Collectible Coins blog, this rare penny has a finer date punch than the more common large date variety. The small-date version features a number 7 that sits lower than the other digits. In comparison, the large-date version shows a 7 that’s more aligned with the rest of the date.

1970-S Large Date Penny – $24,150

Unlike most cases where the small-date version is worth more, this large-date Lincoln penny is actually more valuable. LoveToKnow explains that this coin is a doubled die obverse-proof penny in excellent condition, making it extremely desirable among collectors.

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