Since the launch of the State Quarter program in 1999, millions of Americans have come across quarters with unique designs representing each U.S. state. While most are worth face value, a select few can fetch thousands due to mint errors, low mintages, and other unique features.
Here’s a list of the top 10 rare state quarters that might be hiding in your pocket, as well as tips for identifying them and their potential values.
1. 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter is one of the scarcest due to its low mintage of only 194.6 million. Released during the 2008 economic downturn, it became harder to find in circulation.
Although worn examples are only worth face value, uncirculated ones in mint condition can go for around $1.25 or more.
2. 2004-P Iowa Quarter
With a mintage of 213.8 million, the 2004-P Iowa quarter featuring a one-room schoolhouse design is hard to come by. Uncirculated versions are valued at over $1, and some exceptionally well-preserved examples can attract higher offers from collectors.
3. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This quarter is notable for its mint error, where an additional leaf appears on the corn stalk in two varieties: the “Extra High Leaf” and “Extra Low Leaf.” These coins are highly collectible, with circulated examples typically valued at $50 and uncirculated coins fetching over $100.
4. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The 1999-P Delaware quarter, known for the “Spitting Horse” error, has a die break that creates the appearance of a line extending from the horse’s mouth. Depending on condition, these error coins can range from $5 to $30, with uncirculated ones valued even higher.
5. 2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter features an error where an extra tree appears due to a doubled die mistake. Various levels of doubling exist, making it a fascinating find. Coins with strong doubling can range from $5 to $50 based on condition.
6. 2008-D Alaska Quarter
Featuring a grizzly bear catching a salmon, the 2008-D Alaska quarter may have a distinctive “ragged clip error,” where part of the coin’s edge appears jagged or clipped. Uncirculated versions with this error are valued up to $80, making it a valuable find for collectors.
7. 2002-P Ohio Quarter
Ohio’s 2002-P quarter features a depiction of Neil Armstrong and the Wright Flyer, celebrating the state’s aviation history. While typically valued under $2, an MS69 example of this coin once fetched $3,525 at auction, showing how much value mint state quarters can hold.
8. 1999-P Pennsylvania Quarter on Experimental Planchet
One of the rarest quarters, this 1999-P Pennsylvania quarter was accidentally struck on a Sacagawea planchet. With very few existing, MS67 examples can fetch up to $10,000, making this one of the most valuable modern quarters.
9. 2004-P Texas Grease Error Quarter
Texas’s 2004-P quarter has a version with a unique “grease strike-through” error. This happens when grease blocks certain areas of the die, leaving the design incomplete. MS69 examples of these quarters can sell for up to $3,000, while coins with less noticeable errors are valued slightly lower.
10. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
While the 2000-P South Carolina quarter had a large mintage, a few error varieties have sold for thousands. One 2000-P in MS69 sold for $3,525, especially valuable due to its excellent condition and scarcity at high grades.
Quarter | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|---|
2008-D Oklahoma | D | Low Mintage | $1.25+ |
2004-P Iowa | P | Low Mintage | $1+ |
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | D | Extra Leaf Error | $50 – $100+ |
1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse | P | Die Break Error | $5 – $30 |
2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die | P | Doubled Tree Error | $5 – $50 |
2008-D Alaska | D | Ragged Clip Error | Up to $80 |
2002-P Ohio | P | Mint State Value | $3,525 (MS69) |
1999-P Pennsylvania | P | Struck on Experimental Planchet | Up to $10,000 (MS67) |
2004-P Texas Grease Error | P | Grease Strike-Through Error | Up to $3,000 (MS69) |
2000-P South Carolina | P | Rare High-Grade Mint State | Up to $3,525 (MS69) |
State quarters aren’t just collectible pieces of U.S. history—they can also be valuable finds. Whether due to low mintages, mint errors, or their condition, these quarters could turn a 25-cent piece into thousands of dollars. So next time you receive a quarter in change, take a closer look; you might be holding a hidden treasure!
FAQs
Look for unique features like doubled die errors, missing elements, or unusual textures. Checking the coin’s condition and researching mint errors can also help you determine if it’s rare.
Mint errors are unintended flaws or design irregularities, such as doubled dies or missing elements, that occur during coin production, often making them more valuable.
You can sell rare quarters at coin shops, auction houses, or online marketplaces. Certification from a grading service can increase the sale price.
One of the most valuable state quarters is the 1999-P Pennsylvania quarter struck on an experimental planchet, with prices reaching $10,000 for high-grade examples.
Most circulated state quarters are worth face value unless they have notable mint errors or are in exceptionally good condition, making them more appealing to collectors.
I recently found a quarter with a w mint mark in nice condition. Are they worth saving?