A routine stroll through a parking lot turned into an unexpected windfall for one lucky individual, all thanks to a forgotten coin lying near a painted white line. What looked like an ordinary quarter—worn and unimpressive—was later identified as one of the rarest and most valuable coins in circulation today. Experts later confirmed it was a 1970-S Washington quarter struck on a Canadian silver coin planchet, and it fetched a staggering $45,000 at auction.
While it might sound like a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, this story sheds light on how rare coins can still be hiding in plain sight—whether at home, in change jars, or even under your feet.
A Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The coin that caused all the buzz was a 1970-S quarter—minted in San Francisco—with a twist. Instead of being struck on a regular U.S. quarter blank, it was mistakenly printed on a 1941 Canadian silver coin, a mishap that turned it into a collector’s dream. These kinds of minting errors are incredibly rare, and when authenticated, they command serious attention—and serious money.
The unique composition, combined with the mismatched date of the silver planchet, makes this quarter a standout. Its silver content also added to its intrinsic value, which, when paired with rarity, drove its auction price sky-high.
Found on the Ground — Really?
Yes, the story starts in a supermarket parking lot in Illinois, where the coin was initially picked up by a woman who thought she’d simply found a forgotten quarter. Out of curiosity, she examined it and noticed something “off” about the way it looked—heavier than usual, slightly off-color, and thicker. On a whim, she posted a photo in an online numismatics group, not expecting much.
Within minutes, coin collectors chimed in, urging her to have it professionally evaluated. Days later, the coin was verified by a leading coin grading service, and not long after, it was listed in a major coin auction. Bidding was competitive, and it finally sold for $45,000.
The Importance of Checking Your Change
While stories like this may sound far-fetched, they serve as reminders that valuable coins are still out there. Many minting errors and rare varieties slip into circulation, and people spend them unknowingly.
Here are a few things to look for in quarters:
- Minting Errors: Double dies, off-center strikes, or wrong planchets.
- Older Dates: Especially pre-1965 quarters made of 90% silver.
- Unusual Weight or Feel: Silver coins tend to feel heavier and have a distinct ring.
- Proof Coins in Circulation: Shiny, mirror-like surfaces that weren’t meant for regular use.
Why Rare Coins Fetch Big Bucks
Collectors pay high prices for coins with low mintage, historical significance, or unique production quirks. In the case of this $45,000 quarter, its accidental creation and preservation in the wild made it irresistible to collectors. With the demand for rare U.S. coins continuing to grow, even everyday people can stumble upon valuable finds.
Also Read:- She Spent This Penny on Candy —20 Years Later, It Sold for $85,000
Final Thought
The next time you spot a coin on the ground, think twice before brushing it aside. That seemingly ordinary quarter might just be an incredibly rare minting error worth tens of thousands of dollars. As this parking lot discovery proves, sometimes a little luck and a keen eye are all it takes to change your financial situation—one coin at a time.
