Have you ever thought that a simple state quarter could be worth a small fortune? Some U.S. state quarters, especially those with unique mint errors, are now worth thousands—and in one case, even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. The value of these quarters comes from a combination of rare mistakes, limited production, and collector demand. Below, we’ll dive into the details of a “$625K State Quarter” that recently sold for $625,000 and four other valuable state quarters you might just come across in your change.
1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
The 1999 Delaware quarter has gained fame for a peculiar error known as the “spitting horse.” This mistake appears as if the horse, featured on the reverse side of the coin, is spitting. This happened because of a die crack, creating a distinctive line near the horse’s mouth. Thanks to this error, the Spitting Horse quarter is a highly sought-after collectible worth more than face value.
2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
One of the most popular state quarter errors is the 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter. This coin shows an extra leaf on the corn stalk depicted on the reverse side, making it unique. The error has two versions, the “high leaf” and the “low leaf,” which are both rare and valuable. Collectors find these versions highly desirable, leading to prices that can range from $1,000 to $1,500 or more.
Valuable State Quarters
| Coin Name | Year of Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse | 1999 | Over $10,000 | Die crack resembling spitting horse |
| 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf | 2004 | $1,000-$1,500 | Extra leaf on corn stalk |
| 2005 Minnesota Doubled Die | 2005 | Over $5,000 | Doubled trees |
| 2009 D.C. Duke Ellington | 2009 | Up to $1,000 | Double die on “Duke Ellington” text |
| 1999 Connecticut Broadstrike | 1999 | Over $1,000 | Larger size due to minting error |
2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter
In 2005, some Minnesota state quarters were minted with a doubling error known as a “doubled die.” This error makes additional trees appear near the main tree on the reverse side of the coin. Coins with this doubling effect have become collector favorites, with their value climbing into the thousands.
2009 District of Columbia Duke Ellington Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter features a portrait of jazz musician Duke Ellington sitting at a piano. Some of these quarters have a “double die” error around the text on the obverse, especially the words “Duke Ellington.” This rare mistake makes these coins worth up to $1,000, appealing to collectors who value both historical and musical significance.
1999 Connecticut Broadstrike Quarter
Another rare state quarter is the 1999 Connecticut Broadstrike Quarter. Due to a minting error, this quarter appears slightly larger than usual, as it was struck without a retaining collar. This mistake created a broad strike, and coins with this error are worth significantly more than face value.
Conclusion
Valuable state quarters like these continue to capture the interest of collectors everywhere. With unique errors, limited mintage, and significant demand, these coins have become treasures worth far more than their face value. So next time you have change, take a closer look—you might just find a rare “$625K State Quarter” worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if a state quarter has a mint error?
Look closely for unusual markings, extra elements, or doubling effects on the coin. Some errors are more subtle, so magnification may help.
Are these valuable quarters still in circulation?
Yes, some of these coins can still be found in circulation, although rare. Checking your quarters closely could uncover a valuable coin.
How can I sell a valuable state quarter?
You can sell valuable quarters through online marketplaces, coin shows, or to collectors. Getting the coin appraised first is a good idea to determine its value.