Coin collecting is a popular hobby that has captured the interest of many people. Some enjoy the thrill of the hunt or the stories behind the coins, while others are driven by the potential to earn a profit. While finding a rare coin like the 1933 “Saint Gaudens” Double Eagle, which sold for nearly $19 million, is exceedingly rare, you can still find valuable coins among the state quarters. Coins with minting errors, in particular, can be worth much more than their face value, making even a pocketful of change worth inspecting.
Why Some State Quarters Are More Valuable
This Article Includes
Between 1999 and 2008, the U.S. Mint released state quarters to celebrate each of the 50 states. Although most of these quarters are only worth their original 25 cents, coins with rare minting errors or unique characteristics have become highly sought after by collectors. These errors, such as doubled dies, die cracks, or clipped planchets, can significantly increase a quarter’s value.
Here are 20 rare state quarters worth additional value, according to Gainesville Coins, USA CoinBook, and PCGS.
Here’s a look at some of the state quarters that collectors should keep an eye out for:
20 Valuable State Quarters to Look Out For
1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
Mintage: 774,824,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: $10 to $20
This quarter is famous for a small die crack that appears to show the horse spitting.
2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter
Mintage: 226,800,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: $50 (Extra Low Leaf) or $65 (Extra High Leaf)
This error features an additional leaf on the corn stalk, which wasn’t part of the original design.
2005-P Minnesota Doubled Dies Quarter
Mintage: 239,600,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: $5 to $100
Depending on the severity of the doubled dies, this quarter can vary in value, with some obscure errors worth $5 and more visible ones up to $100.
2009-D District of Columbia Doubled Die Quarter
Mintage: 88,800,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: $75
The doubling error on this coin significantly increases its value.
1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter
Mintage: 804,565 (non-error)
Estimated value: $35
This proof silver quarter is more valuable due to its limited mintage and silver content.
1999-S New Jersey Proof Silver Quarter
Mintage: 804,565 (non-error)
Estimated value: $30
A similar proof silver quarter from New Jersey that holds additional value.
1999-D New Jersey Quarter
Mintage: 299,028,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 87 cents to $5.84
This circulated quarter is worth more than face value depending on its condition.
2000-D South Carolina Quarter
Mintage: 566,208,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $4.63
Though common, this quarter can fetch higher prices in better condition.
2000-D New Hampshire Quarter
Mintage: 495,976,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $4.63
Its value increases with rarity or minting anomalies.
2001-D New York Quarter
Mintage: 619,640,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $4.63
Look for well-preserved examples that can be worth more than face value.
2001-D North Carolina Quarter
Mintage: 427,876,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $4.63
A widely circulated quarter, but errors or high grades increase its worth.
2001-D Rhode Island Quarter
Mintage: 447,100,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $4.63
Another example of a common quarter with increased value in pristine condition or with errors.
2003-P Maine Quarter
Mintage: 217,400,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $1.76
Its lower mintage compared to other states gives this coin added value.
2004-P Michigan Quarter
Mintage: 233,800,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 69 cents to $3.38
Errors or high-quality examples of this coin are worth more.
2005-P Kansas Quarter
Mintage: 263,400,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $5.84
Unique minting variations can drive the value of this coin upward.
2005-D West Virginia Quarter
Mintage: 356,200,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $5.84
Like other states, minting errors or high-grade examples increase its worth.
2006-D North Dakota Quarter
Mintage: 359,000,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $2.33
Its value depends largely on condition and possible minting errors.
2006-D South Dakota Quarter
Mintage: 265,800,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $2.33
This quarter can be worth more when found in excellent condition.
2008-D New Mexico Quarter
Mintage: 244,400,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $2.33
Another quarter where error coins or exceptional quality can increase its value.
2008-P Arizona Quarter
Mintage: 244,600,000 (non-error)
Estimated value: 46 cents to $2.33
How to Spot Valuable State Quarters?
Valuable state quarters typically owe their worth to minting errors or unique features. Some common types of errors to watch for include:
- Doubled Dies: Caused by a coin being struck more than once, leading to doubled images.
- Die Cracks: Raised lines on a coin, resulting from cracks in the die used to strike it.
- Clipped Planchets: Occur when a coin is struck on an incomplete metal blank, leading to missing sections.
Examine your coins closely for these errors, as even minor imperfections can make a significant difference in value.
Where to Sell Valuable Quarters
If you find a valuable state quarter, there are several ways to sell it. Auctions (online or in-person), coin dealer shops, and platforms like eBay are all popular options. For coins you believe to be especially valuable, it’s a good idea to have them appraised by a professional coin grading service.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a serious coin collector, keeping an eye on your state quarters could pay off. While finding rare coins with significant errors may take time and patience, the reward can be well worth the effort. By knowing what to look for and where to sell your finds, you can turn a simple quarter into a valuable collectible.