10 Things You Could Buy for a Quarter in the ’70s
Back in the 1970s, a single shiny quarter could go surprisingly far. From snacks to fun little toys, it was easy to turn 25 cents into a small moment of joy.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
The 1970s were a time when pockets jingled with quarters, and kids knew exactly how to stretch them. A simple coin could get you everything from a sweet treat to a trip to the movies. While prices have changed a lot since then, the memories made from those little purchases are priceless. In this article, we’re revisiting 10 things that once cost just 25 cents and brought a big smile for such a small price.
1. A Candy Bar
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Back in the ’70s, candy bars were bigger and cheaper. For 25 cents, you could get yourself a full-size Snickers or Milky Way. You didn’t need a dollar to satisfy your sweet tooth. It was the perfect after-school snack or movie theater treat.
2. A Comic Book
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Comic book racks were filled with colorful stories for just a quarter. From Superman to Spider-Man, you could take home an adventure for the same price as a soda. It was an easy way to dive into a new world, one page at a time.
3. A Pack of Baseball Cards (with Gum!)
Bowman Gum on Wikimedia
For 25 cents, you got a pack of trading cards and a piece of hard pink gum. Kids collected, traded, and even flipped cards with their friends. Sometimes, the gum was terrible, but the cards were gold.
4. A Ride on the City Bus
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Need to get across town? A quarter could get you a ride on the bus. There is no app and no schedule confusion—just hop on and go! It is a simple and affordable way to get around.
5. An Arcade Game
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Arcades were everywhere, and 25 cents was the magic coin to play a round of Pac-Man or Space Invaders. One quarter meant a chance at a high score and bragging rights. You had to make every move count.
6. A Bottle of Soda
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Vending machines and corner stores offered cold glass bottles of soda for just a quarter. You’d pop the cap off right there and take that first fizzy sip. Whether it was Coke, Pepsi, or RC, it hit the spot.
7. A Small Toy from a Vending Machine
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Those little bubble capsules in the gumball machines had rings, monsters, or mini figures inside—and they were just 25 cents. You’d twist the knob, hear the clunk, and open it with excitement. Even if it was junk, it felt like treasure.
8. A Hot Dog at the Ballpark
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At some stadiums, a plain hot dog was available for a quarter. It was the perfect accompaniment to a soda while cheering from the stands—simple, salty, and totally satisfying.
9. A Matinee Movie Ticket (Kid’s Price)
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Saturday mornings meant cartoons or family flicks at the local theater—and kids got in for just 25 cents. You could grab a seat, snack, and enjoy the big screen without breaking the piggy bank. It made weekends feel magical.
10. A Phone Call from a Payphone
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When payphones were on every corner, a quarter gave you a local call. Whether you were checking in with mom or calling for a ride, that coin came in handy. You had to talk fast, but it usually got the job done.