A few minor RPMs are known for 1970 D nickels.
After a drought of attractive nickels throughout the 1960s, the 1970 S entry is among the more pleasing coins in overall quality. Widely hoarded, as were all S-Mint nickels, gems are plentiful. For reasons unknown this issue is also somewhat available with 5FS, and even 6FS examples are possible for the more advanced specialist.
Several re-punched mintmark varieties may be found, none of them particularly interesting.
Proof set sales declined a bit in 1970, as the speculative market in 1968-S and 1969-S sets finally broke. These had been run up to around $15 per set when first released, quite a sum at the time.
These proofs were very well made in comparison to the sloppy work seen on many issues from the 1950s and '60s. Enough Cameo and Ultra Cameo proofs have been certified to satisfy the demand from advanced collectors and Registry competitors.
Numerous S over S mintmark varieties are known, all of them quite minor.
After 1970 the San Francisco Assay Office ceased coining nickels for general circulation. These had been subject to hoarding by speculators attracted to the S mintmark, and the resumption of nickel coinage at Philadelphia in 1971 was more than sufficient to handle the load.
Mintage:
| Denver | San Francisco | Proof |
| 515,485,380 | 238,832,004 | 2,632,810 |