The U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, launched between 1999 and 2008, introduced unique designs representing each state, captivating both casual collectors and numismatists.
While most of these quarters remain at face value, certain rare variations and errors have transformed ordinary pocket change into valuable collectibles worth thousands. Here’s an in-depth look at eight state quarters that have significantly appreciated in value.
1. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
Description: The Delaware quarter features Caesar Rodney on horseback. Some coins exhibit a die crack extending from the horse’s mouth, resembling “spitting.”
Value: Depending on condition, these error coins can fetch between $20 and $500.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
Description: This quarter showcases a cow, cheese wheel, and corn stalk. Two notable errors include an extra leaf on the corn: the “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf” varieties.
Value: High-grade specimens have sold for up to $6,000.
3. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
Description: Depicting the state’s natural beauty, some quarters show an extra tree due to a die clash error.
Value: Depending on the specific error and coin condition, values range from $50 to $200.
4. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Doubled Die Error)
Description: This quarter features the Palmetto State’s symbols. Some coins exhibit doubling on the obverse inscriptions.
Value: High-grade doubled die errors can be worth between $1,000 and $2,000.
5. 2000-P Maryland State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
Description: Similar to the Delaware quarter, some Maryland quarters show a die crack from the horse’s mouth.
Value: These errors can command prices from $50 to $500, based on condition.
6. 2005-P Kansas State Quarter (In God We Rust Error)
Description: Due to a filled die error, some coins read “In God We Rust” instead of “In God We Trust.”
Value: These quarters can be valued between $50 and $100.
7. 2006-P Nevada State Quarter (Double Die Error)
Description: Featuring wild mustangs, some coins exhibit doubling on the reverse inscriptions.
Value: Depending on the severity of the doubling and coin condition, values range from $100 to $300.
8. 2004-P Iowa State Quarter (Extra Corn Stalk Error)
Description: Some coins display an extra corn stalk due to a die error.
Value: These errors can be worth between $100 and $200.
Summary of Valuable State Quarters
| Year | State | Error Type | Description | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Delaware | Spitting Horse | Die crack from horse’s mouth | $20 – $500 |
| 2004 | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | Additional leaf on corn stalk | Up to $6,000 |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Extra Tree | Die clash showing extra tree | $50 – $200 |
| 2000 | South Carolina | Doubled Die | Doubling on obverse inscriptions | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 2000 | Maryland | Spitting Horse | Die crack from horse’s mouth | $50 – $500 |
| 2005 | Kansas | “In God We Rust” | Filled die error on motto | $50 – $100 |
| 2006 | Nevada | Doubled Die | Doubling on reverse inscriptions | $100 – $300 |
| 2004 | Iowa | Extra Corn Stalk | Die error showing extra corn stalk | $100 – $200 |
The 50 State Quarters Program not only celebrated America’s diverse heritage but also introduced coins that, due to errors and unique features, have become highly sought after by collectors.
Regularly inspecting your pocket change could lead to the discovery of these valuable quarters, turning everyday currency into a significant financial find.
FAQs
What makes a state quarter valuable?
State quarters become valuable due to minting errors, low mintage numbers, or unique features that distinguish them from standard issues.
How can I identify an error on a state quarter?
Look for anomalies such as doubling of images or text, unusual marks, or design elements that differ from standard quarters.
Where can I sell a rare state quarter?
Rare quarters can be sold through coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms specializing in numismatics.
My social security check better come to me on the 3rd. Of the month as usual.
I have a few bicentennial quarters and I have all the states besides 2 now and I’m still curious to some others errors because I’ve had some that had errors but in the grading apps they say there isn’t so I’m confused really