If you’re starting to collect coins, you might be surprised to find out that some state quarters are worth much more than face value. State quarters were released between 1999 and 2008, each representing one of the 50 states. While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, some rare versions have been discovered, making them highly valuable. Here’s a guide to the 10 most valuable state quarters, their history, and what makes them special.
What Makes State Quarters Valuable?
State quarters become valuable because of certain features such as minting errors, low production numbers, or being part of limited releases. Coins with minting mistakes, rare designs, or low numbers of coins produced can sell for hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars, depending on their rarity and condition.
10 Most Valuable State Quarters
1. 1999-S Delaware State Quarter (Proof)
- Value: Around $10,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1999-S Delaware state quarter is rare due to a minting mistake. Only a few proof coins were produced, making it highly collectible.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf)
- Value: Up to $2,500
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare error known as the “extra leaf” can be found on some 2004-D Wisconsin state quarters. These coins are worth much more due to the mistake, which adds extra detail to the corn stalk on the reverse side.
3. 2004-D Michigan State Quarter (Doubled Die)
- Value: Up to $5,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Some 2004 Michigan quarters feature a “doubled die” error, where the image on the coin appears blurry due to a mistake in the minting process.
4. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter
- Value: Around $100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The 2000-P South Carolina state quarter is rare due to a very limited mintage and high demand among collectors.
5. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree)
- Value: Up to $5,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The 2005-P Minnesota state quarter features a minting error with an extra tree appearing on the coin. This mistake makes it worth significantly more than regular quarters.
6. 1999-P New Jersey State Quarter (Spitting Horse)
- Value: Up to $100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare “spitting horse” error is found on some 1999-P New Jersey state quarters, where the horse’s mouth appears to be spitting. This error is highly sought after.
7. 2004-P North Carolina State Quarter
- Value: Around $3,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The 2004-P North Carolina state quarter is valuable due to a minting error that caused some coins to have weak designs, making them rare and collectible.
8. 2000-P Rhode Island State Quarter
- Value: Around $4,000
- Why It’s Valuable: A limited mintage and high demand among collectors make this coin worth significantly more than face value.
9. 2007-P Montana State Quarter (Doubled Die)
- Value: Up to $2,500
- Why It’s Valuable: Some 2007-P Montana quarters feature a doubled die error, making them valuable to collectors who specialize in error coins.
10. 2009-D District of Columbia State Quarter
- Value: Around $100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: A low mintage and high demand for this quarter, especially among collectors of D.C. memorabilia, make it extremely valuable.
| State Quarter | Minting Error/Unique Feature | Estimated Value | Year Released | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-P New Jersey | Spitting Horse Error | Up to $100,000 | 1999 | A rare minting error where the horse’s mouth appears to spit. |
| 1999-D Delaware | Extra Leaf Error | $5,000 – $15,000 | 1999 | An extra leaf appears on the reverse side of the coin, making it highly valuable. |
| 2004-D Wisconsin | Extra Leaf on Corn Stalk | Up to $2,500 | 2004 | Known for an extra leaf on the corn stalk, this error is highly sought after by collectors. |
| 2005-D Minnesota | Double Die Obverse | $100 – $500 | 2005 | A double die error, creating extra designs on the obverse side of the coin. |
| 2008-D Oklahoma | Inverted “In God We Trust” | $100 – $1,000 | 2008 | The “In God We Trust” motto was mistakenly inverted during the minting process. |
| 1999-S Georgia | Proof Coin with Low Mintage | $100 – $300 | 1999 | A rare proof coin with a low mintage, which makes it a collectible for serious coin collectors. |
| 2004-P Michigan | Satin Finish Coin | $500 – $2,000 | 2004 | Coins with a satin finish are rarer and more valuable compared to the regular circulation versions. |
| 2007-D Montana | Mule Deer Error | $100 – $500 | 2007 | An error where the design of the coin shows a mule deer instead of the buffalo. |
| 2000-P South Carolina | Die Cracks on Reverse | $200 – $500 | 2000 | Die cracks on the reverse side of this quarter make it a rare find. |
| 2000-D Virginia | Low Mintage and High Demand | $500 – $1,000 | 2000 | A limited mintage made this coin highly collectible, driving up its value. |
Why Should You Collect State Quarters?
Collecting state quarters is an exciting hobby that allows you to explore American history and potentially make money. While most quarters are not valuable, some rare coins can bring in significant amounts of money. It’s important to keep an eye out for coins with errors, unique designs, and limited releases. Starting a collection of state quarters might be a fun way to get involved in coin collecting, and you might even get lucky with finding a rare and valuable piece.
FAQs
What makes a state quarter valuable?
A state quarter becomes valuable due to features like minting errors, low production numbers, or limited edition releases. Some coins have rare design flaws or unique features that make them much more collectible than regular quarters.
How can I identify rare state quarters?
Look for minting errors, unusual design features, or coins that are part of a limited release. Common errors include “doubled die” coins, “extra tree” coins, or ones with weak designs. Also, pay attention to state quarters that were minted in low numbers.
What is the most valuable state quarter?
The most valuable state quarter is the 1999-P New Jersey state quarter with the “Spitting Horse” error. This rare coin can be worth up to $100,000, depending on its condition and demand among collectors.
How do I check if I have a valuable state quarter?
Examine your state quarters for minting errors or differences in design. If you suspect a coin might be valuable, you can have it professionally evaluated by a coin expert or a certified grading service.
Where can I sell my rare state quarters?
Rare state quarters can be sold through coin dealers, online auction sites like eBay, or at coin shows. It’s essential to get your coin professionally appraised to ensure you’re getting the right value for it.
State quarters provide a fun and educational way to get into coin collecting. Though most state quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare ones are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. By learning about minting errors and special releases, you can build a valuable collection over time. Keep an eye on your coins and check for those hidden treasures!
