The 50 State Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint between 1999 and 2008, produced quarters featuring unique designs for each state. While most of these quarters are common, certain rare errors and low-mintage versions have become highly valuable to collectors. Some of these quarters can fetch over $5,000, making it worthwhile to examine your spare change.
1. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf High and Low)
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is famous for its “Extra Leaf” error, where an additional leaf appears on the corn stalk. There are two variations: the High Leaf and Low Leaf. In MS-65 grade, these quarters can be valued between $2,000 and $3,000. However, higher grades can push the value over $5,000.
2. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Doubled Die)
Some 2005-P Minnesota quarters exhibit a doubled die error, where parts of the design appear twice. Depending on the prominence of the doubling and the coin’s condition, values can range from $100 to over $5,000.
3. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse)
The “Spitting Horse” error on the 1999-P Delaware quarter shows a die crack extending from the horse’s mouth. In high grades, this error can be worth up to $20.
4. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Off-Center Strike)
Off-center strikes occur when the coin is not properly aligned during minting. A 2000-P South Carolina quarter with a significant off-center strike can be valued over $5,000, especially in uncirculated condition.
5. 2005-P Kansas State Quarter (“In God We Rust” Error)
Due to a filled die error, some 2005-P Kansas quarters read “In God We Rust” instead of “In God We Trust.” While common examples are worth around $100, high-grade specimens can exceed $5,000.
6. 2000-P Maryland State Quarter (Mule Error)
A mule error occurs when a coin is struck with mismatched dies. The 2000-P Maryland quarter mule, featuring the obverse of a state quarter and the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar, is extremely rare and can be worth over $10,000.
7. 2004-P Iowa State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
Some 2004-P Iowa quarters display an extra tree due to a die gouge. In high grades, these can be valued over $5,000.
8. 2005-P West Virginia State Quarter (Doubled Die)
Doubled die errors on the 2005-P West Virginia quarter can significantly increase its value, with high-grade examples fetching over $5,000.
9. 2006-P Nevada State Quarter (Doubled Die)
The 2006-P Nevada quarter with a doubled die error, especially on the state name or motto, can be worth over $5,000 in top grades.
10. 2007-P Wyoming State Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
A doubled die reverse on the 2007-P Wyoming quarter, particularly on the bucking horse, can make it worth over $5,000 in uncirculated condition.
| Year | State | Error Type | Estimated Value | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-D | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Additional leaf on corn stalk |
| 2005-P | Minnesota | Doubled Die | $100 – $5,000+ | Doubling of trees |
| 1999-P | Delaware | Spitting Horse | Up to $20 | Die crack from horse’s mouth |
| 2000-P | South Carolina | Off-Center Strike | Over $5,000 | Misaligned strike |
| 2005-P | Kansas | “In God We Rust” Error | $100 – $5,000+ | Missing “T” in “Trust” |
| 2000-P | Maryland | Mule Error | Over $10,000 | Mismatched obverse and reverse |
| 2004-P | Iowa | Extra Tree Error | Over $5,000 | Additional tree due to die gouge |
| 2005-P | West Virginia | Doubled Die | Over $5,000 | Doubling on design elements |
| 2006-P | Nevada | Doubled Die | Over $5,000 | Doubling on state name or motto |
| 2007-P | Wyoming | Doubled Die Reverse | Over $5,000 | Doubling on bucking horse |
Finding one of these rare quarters in your change could be a lucrative discovery. Always inspect your quarters for unusual features or errors, and consider consulting a professional numismatist to verify and appraise any potential finds.
