Since its inception in 1999, the U.S. State Quarter Program has captivated both casual collectors and serious numismatists.
While most of these quarters are worth their face value of 25 cents, certain rare variations and errors have dramatically increased their worth. Below is a detailed guide to 20 rare state quarters, some of which could be worth a small fortune.
20 Rare State Quarters That Could Be Worth a Fortune
1. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
This quarter from Delaware features a unique error, where a die break near the mouth of Caesar Rodney’s horse creates the illusion of the horse “spitting.” This coin is relatively easy to find in circulation and can sell for between $10 and $20 depending on the clarity of the error.
2. 2004-P Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarters
Two varieties of this coin, “extra leaf high” and “extra leaf low,” are caused by a die gouge on the corn stalk on the coin’s reverse. These error coins are incredibly rare and can sell for up to $3,000 in high-grade condition.
3. 1999-P Pennsylvania Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
This quarter is part of an experiment conducted to determine a new alloy for the Sacagawea dollar, resulting in a rare Pennsylvania state quarter being struck on an experimental planchet. A high-grade example of this coin sold for $2,500 at auction.
4. 2004-D Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
Several varieties of doubled dies exist on this Minnesota quarter, which increases its value significantly. The most prominent doubled die versions sell for around $50 to $100, depending on the visibility and condition of the error.
5. 1999-S New Jersey Silver Proof Quarter
This proof coin, struck in 90% silver, was minted for collectors and features George Washington crossing the Delaware River. Although it has a face value of 25 cents, a flawless example can sell for $30 to $35 due to its rarity.
6. 2006-D North Dakota Quarter (MS68)
Known for its high-grade mint state, this North Dakota quarter features American bison and the Badlands. A highly graded MS68 example sold for $3,760, making it one of the most valuable coins in the State Quarter series.
7. 1999-D Connecticut Quarter (MS68)
The Connecticut quarter, featuring the famous Charter Oak, is one of the earlier releases in the State Quarter series. While most examples are common, high-grade coins in MS68 condition have sold for as much as $2,300 at auction.
8. 2002-D Ohio “Birthplace of Aviation” Quarter
This Ohio quarter celebrates the Wright Brothers’ first flight and astronaut Neil Armstrong. In mint condition, these quarters are relatively valuable, with an MS69 example selling for $3,525 at auction.
9. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
Featuring the state bird, the Carolina Wren, and the state tree, the palmetto, this South Carolina quarter is another valuable coin. An MS69 example of this coin was sold for $3,525, making it a desirable collector’s item.
10. 2004-P Texas Grease Strike Error Quarter
The Texas quarter with a grease strike-through error obscured part of its design, creating a highly valuable and rare coin. This error quarter fetched an astonishing $10,000 at auction due to its rarity and the severity of the minting error.
11. 2008-D New Mexico Quarter (MS67)
Known for its Chimney Rock design, this New Mexico quarter is especially rare in higher mint states. A high-grade MS67 example was sold for $2,500, making it one of the most valuable quarters from the later releases in the series.
12. 1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter
This 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter was struck as part of a special proof series in 90% silver. Collectors value these coins for their reflective surfaces and frosted details, with some selling for around $35.
13. 2005-P Kansas “In God We Rust” Error Quarter
This famous error quarter omits part of the “T” in “Trust,” leading to the phrase “In God We Rust.” In circulated condition, these error coins can sell for anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the severity of the error.
14. 2009-D District of Columbia Doubled Die Quarter
This quarter featuring Duke Ellington has a doubled die error on the “ELL” in Ellington’s name and the piano keys. These error coins were initially sold for hundreds of dollars and are now worth about $75 in circulated condition.
15. 2006-P Nebraska Quarter (Chimney Rock)
The Nebraska quarter, featuring Chimney Rock, is highly collectible in mint state. An MS69 example of this coin fetched $3,055 at auction, making it one of the more valuable coins from the later years of the series.
16. 2001-P Kentucky Quarter (MS69)
This Kentucky quarter, which showcases a horse and the Bardstown Mansion, is valuable in high-grade conditions. A top-grade MS69 example has sold for up to $2,000 due to its rarity.
17. 2000-P Massachusetts Quarter (MS69)
The Massachusetts quarter, depicting the iconic Minuteman, is a prized collector’s item. An MS69 example was sold for $3,760 at auction, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
18. 2005-D West Virginia Quarter (MS68)
This quarter features the New River Gorge, and while most coins are only worth their face value, a top-grade MS68 example can sell for up to $1,500 due to its pristine condition.
19. 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter (MS69)
The New Hampshire quarter, featuring the Old Man of the Mountain, is highly collectible. An MS69 example fetched $3,000 at auction, making it one of the most valuable quarters from the early years of the series.
20. 1999-D Georgia State Quarter (MS68)
This Georgia quarter, featuring a peach and oak leaves, is highly sought after in high-grade conditions. An MS68 example sold for $4,200, making it one of the most valuable state quarters ever released.
Conclusion
Though the majority of state quarters are only worth 25 cents, certain error coins and high-grade examples can be worth a small fortune.
Whether you’re an avid collector or simply interested in checking your pocket change, you could find a valuable quarter worth thousands. Keep an eye out for these rare finds, and you might just strike gold!
FAQs
1. What makes a state quarter valuable?
Errors, low mintages, or coins in mint-state condition can dramatically increase a quarter’s value.
2. How can I identify a rare state quarter?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and errors like doubled dies or missing details. Quarters in high-grade condition are also valuable.
3. Where can I sell my rare state quarters?
You can sell rare coins through auction houses, online coin dealers, or certified grading services like PCGS.
4. Are all state quarters valuable?
No, most state quarters are worth face value. However, certain error coins and high-grade examples can be worth thousands.
5. How can I get my state quarters appraised?
Rare state quarters can be appraised by professional coin dealers or grading services like NGC or PCGS.
References
- PCGS.com. (2024). State Quarters Auction Results.
- CoinValueChecker.com. (2024). Most Valuable State Quarter Coins.
- CoinValueLookup.com. (2024). 20 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money.
- Gainesville Coins. (2024). Rare State Quarters Worth Money.
