State quarters are some of the most widely collected coins in the United States, but within this popular series, a few standouts are considered incredibly rare and valuable.
If you’re a coin enthusiast or even just someone who keeps spare change around, these particular quarters could be worth more than you imagine.
Some coins in the series have unique errors or variations, making them valuable to collectors worldwide. Let’s dive into six rare state quarters that might be hiding in your pocket.
1999 Delaware Quarter
The 1999 Delaware quarter is famous for a unique error known as the “Spitting Horse.” This error features a visible line extending from the horse’s mouth, giving the appearance of it “spitting.”
These error coins, depending on their condition, can fetch anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars at auction. Delaware quarters were among the first in the state series, adding to their collectible appeal.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter is known for its rare “Extra Leaf” error. On the reverse side, there is an extra corn leaf in the design, which can be seen as either a high or low leaf variation.
Only a few of these coins were produced with this error, making them highly sought after. Depending on the leaf type and condition, these coins have sold for several thousand dollars each.
2005 Minnesota Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota quarter is another coin known for its striking error, dubbed the “Double Die” error. This error is visible in the trees on the reverse side of the coin, where you can see slight duplications of the trees.
These double-die errors are particularly valuable to collectors, with high-grade specimens reaching values in the thousands.
1999 Georgia Quarter
Another 1999 quarter worth a second look is the Georgia State Quarter. Some of these coins were struck with an error that created a “doubled obverse,” meaning parts of the front side of the coin appear twice.
Coins in top condition with this error have reached prices in the hundreds, and even up to a thousand dollars, depending on their grade and quality.
2000 South Carolina Quarter
The 2000 South Carolina quarter includes a rare error known as the “Proof-Like” error. Some quarters from this year were struck with a proof-like finish, making them distinct from the standard circulation coins.
Coins with this reflective quality are valued highly, especially if they are in near-mint condition, potentially worth hundreds to a thousand dollars.
2009 District of Columbia Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter has a unique error involving the “ELL” on the piano keys in Duke Ellington’s name. In some coins, this detail is missing or faded, giving them rarity and collectible status.
This quarter’s value can range significantly, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, based on the error’s clarity and the coin’s overall condition.
| Coin | Error Type | Estimated Value Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Delaware Quarter | Spitting Horse | Up to $5,000 | Error line from horse’s mouth |
| 2004 Wisconsin Quarter | Extra Leaf | Up to $5,000 | Extra corn leaf on reverse |
| 2005 Minnesota Quarter | Double Die | Up to $7,000 | Double image of trees |
| 1999 Georgia Quarter | Doubled Obverse | Up to $1,000 | Doubling on obverse |
| 2000 South Carolina Quarter | Proof-Like Finish | Up to $1,500 | Reflective finish |
| 2009 D.C. Quarter | Faded “ELL” Error | Up to $3,000 | Missing letters in “ELL” |
The collectible value of these quarters lies in their rarity and unique errors, making them highly desirable to numismatists. Even a small difference in the minting process can create a significant variance in value. If you happen to come across any of these quarters in your change, it might be worth taking a closer look.
FAQs
Carefully inspect your state quarters for unique markings, extra details, or errors. Use a magnifying glass and look up detailed guides or take the coin to a professional appraiser.
Not necessarily. While many error coins are valuable, the level of rarity, demand, and condition play significant roles in determining the coin’s final value.
You can sell valuable quarters through auction houses, coin shops, or online marketplaces specializing in collectible coins.
The rarity and uniqueness of errors, combined with the demand from collectors, increase the value of these state quarters.
Yes, while rare, some of these coins can still appear in everyday change, making them exciting finds for collectors.
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