A Shocking Find in a Cash Register
Last week in Tennessee, a grocery store cashier made an incredible discovery while counting change. Lisa Carter, 34, found a 1970-S Washington quarter in her register that’s now valued at $35,000. The coin, which she almost gave back as change, turned out to be a rare minting error. After showing it to a coin collector friend, Carter learned it was a treasure, sparking excitement across the country. Now, people are checking their pockets and change jars, hoping to find a similar jackpot.
What Makes This Quarter So Special?
The 1970-S Washington quarter is valuable because of a mistake at the San Francisco Mint. This coin was struck on a silver planchet meant for special collector coins, not regular ones. Only a handful of these errors exist, and Carter’s is in great shape, with clear details and a shiny finish. Coin expert James Wilson says the error happened when a mint worker used the wrong metal, creating a coin that stands out. A similar quarter sold for $28,000 at auction in 2023, and Carter’s could go for more due to its condition.
| Coin Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Mint | San Francisco (S mint mark) |
| Material | Silver (error) |
| Estimated Value | $35,000 |
A Life-Changing Surprise
Carter, a single mom who works long hours, said she couldn’t believe a quarter could be worth so much. She plans to use the money to pay off bills and take her kids on a vacation, something they’ve never done. The coin is now with the Professional Coin Grading Service for official grading and is kept in a safe deposit box. Her story has her coworkers and neighbors digging through old coin collections, hoping for their own big find. Carter smiled, saying, “I thought it was just a regular quarter until my friend freaked out.”
A Coin-Hunting Frenzy
The news has kicked off a wave of excitement, with coin shops reporting a 30% jump in customers checking old quarters. Social media is full of tips on spotting rare coins, like looking for a silver edge or checking the weight. Local community centers are holding coin-collecting workshops, and new members are joining collector clubs. Experts warn that most 1970 quarters are worth only 25 cents, but the chance of finding a silver error coin has people thrilled to check their change.
| Recent Rare Coin Sales | Value |
|---|---|
| 1970-S Washington Quarter (2023) | $28,000 |
| 1969-S Roosevelt Dime | $22,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | $15,000 |
Could You Have One?
Carter’s quarter is set to be auctioned in Atlanta next spring, with bidding expected to start at $20,000. Collectors are already buzzing, and some think it could fetch even more. For now, Carter is keeping the coin safe and encouraging others to look through their change. “You never know what’s in your pocket,” she said with a laugh. So, next time you get change at the store or empty a jar, take a closer look at those quarters. A $35,000 treasure might just be jingling in your pocket.