For coin collectors: The most valuable state quarters worth over $553K!
Coin collecting is not just about collecting coins, it’s about preserving a precious piece of history. The US State Quarters series includes many coins that have become extremely valuable due to their unique design, rarity, and minting errors.
While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, some coins can go up to $6,000 or more! In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 rarest and most valuable state quarters that are very popular among collectors. Maybe you have one of these rare coins whose price might surprise you!
| Coin | Year | Mintmark | Unique Feature | Value Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | “Spitting horse” error | $400 – $5,000 |
| Wisconsin Quarter | 2004 | Denver | “Extra leaf” error | $300 – $6,000 |
| Minnesota Quarter | 2005 | Philadelphia | “Extra tree” error | $200 – $3,500 |
| Georgia Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Rare mint-state condition | $100 – $2,500 |
| District of Columbia Quarter | 2009 | Denver | Doubled-die error | $150 – $4,000 |
| Pennsylvania Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Scarce in high-grade condition | $80 – $2,000 |
| New York Quarter | 2001 | Denver | Rare pristine condition | $250 – $3,000 |
| South Carolina Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Difficult to find in mint state | $100 – $2,000 |
| Alaska Quarter | 2008 | Denver | “Extra claw” error | $300 – $2,500 |
| New Hampshire Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Scarcity in pristine form | $100 – $1,500 |
1. Delaware Quarter (1999) – ‘Spitting Horse’ Error
What’s special: The Delaware Quarter was the first coin in the State Quarters series, but its most striking feature is the ‘Spitting Horse’ error. This mistake occurred when a slight crack (die crack) appeared on the coin design at the mint, causing a spit-like mark to appear from the horse’s mouth.
Price: If this quarter is in good condition, it can be worth $400 to $5,000.
2. Wisconsin Quarter (2004) – ‘Extra Leaf’ Error
What’s special: An interesting error was seen in this coin – an extra leaf is visible on the corn leaf, which was accidentally formed during minting. There are two variations of this error:
- ‘High Leaf’ version
- ‘Low Leaf’ version
Value: These coins in good condition can fetch anywhere from $300 to $6,000.
3. Minnesota Quarter (2005) – ‘Extra Tree’ Error
What’s special: The Minnesota quarter had an extra tree in the background due to die doubling (a slight overlap in printing). This error is very minor, but still makes this coin extremely special to collectors.
Value: This coin can fetch anywhere from $200 to $3,500.
4. Georgia Quarter (1999) – Rare in High Grades
What’s special: There is no error, but this coin is extremely rare in mint-state. Early state quarters are difficult to find in perfect condition, which drives up the price.
Price: This quarter can sell for $100 to $2,500 in good grades.
5. District of Columbia Quarter (2009) – ‘Doubled-die’ error
What’s special: This quarter features a portrait of American jazz musician Duke Ellington. It has a doubled-die error, meaning some text and designs appear double with slight overlap.
Price: This coin can cost $150 to $4,000.
6. Pennsylvania Quarter (1999) – Rare in high grades
What’s special: The early state quarters minted in 1999 are increasingly difficult to find in mint-state condition. That’s why its price is slowly rising.
Price: If this quarter is in excellent condition, its price can range from $80 to $2,000.
7. New York Quarter (2001) – Rare in High Grade
What’s special: This coin has the Statue of Liberty and a map of New York State engraved on it. Its design is attractive and it is becoming difficult to find in pristine condition.
Price: If the coin is in mint-state condition, its price can range from $250 to $3,000.
8. South Carolina Quarter (2000) – Rare in High Grade
What’s special: No major error was found in this coin, but it is becoming rare to find in good condition. In particular, state quarters made around 2000 are difficult to find in perfect condition.
Price: In good condition, the price of this coin can go from $100 to $2,000.
9. Alaska Quarter (2008) – ‘Extra Claw’ Error
What’s special: This coin features a bear, but some coins have been seen with an extra claw, which was caused by a die gouge error.
Price: Coins with this unique error can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,500.
10. New Hampshire Quarter (2000) – Rare in high grades
What’s special: This quarter features an image of the historical site called ‘Old Man of the Mountain.’ But quarters from this year are becoming very difficult to find in good condition.
Price: If the coin is in good condition, its price can go up to $100 to $1,500.
FAQs
Which is the most valuable state quarter?
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter with the ‘extra leaf’ error is one of the most valuable quarters and can fetch up to $6,000.
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
If the coin has a misprint, extra design element, doubled-die error, or unusual design, it may be prized by collectors.
Where can I sell my rare state quarter?
You can sell your quarter at online numismatic marketplaces, coin auction houses, or to dealers who buy coins.