Rare State Quarters: 7 That Could Be Worth Hundreds If You Have Them in Your Pocket

State quarters, released by the U.S. Mint between 1999 and 2008, were part of the 50 State Quarters Program. These coins became very popular among collectors, but not all state quarters are the same. Some are worth much more than their face value, especially if they have unique errors, low mintage, or special features. In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 most valuable state quarters that could still be in circulation today. So, be sure to check your change – you might be holding onto a rare treasure!

What Makes a State Quarter Valuable?

Several factors can influence the value of a state quarter. Let’s look at what makes certain quarters more valuable than others:

Mint Errors

These include misprints, double strikes, or missing elements that make the coin different from the standard design.

Low Mintage

If fewer coins are produced, the demand goes up, making them more valuable.

High-Grade Condition

Coins in mint-state (MS) condition are highly valued because they appear almost perfect.

Proof Coins

Proof coins are specially made for collectors and often have a shiny, mirror-like finish.

Top 7 Most Valuable State Quarters

Here are the top 7 state quarters that could still be worth more than their face value today:

State Quarter	Year	Mint Mark	Estimated Value (MS65+)	Notable Features
Wisconsin	2004	D	$300 – $1,200	Extra leaf error
Minnesota	2005	D	$100 – $300	Double die error
Delaware	1999	P	$100 – $200	Spitting horse error
Kansas	2005	P	$50 – $100	“In God We Rust” error
Georgia	1999	P	$60 – $150	Off-center strike
Tennessee	2002	S (Proof)	$50 – $200	Deep cameo proof
New Hampshire	2000	P	$75 – $180	Reverse die clash

1. Wisconsin 2004-D Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)

One of the most well-known state quarter errors is found on the 2004 Wisconsin quarter. Some of these coins have an extra leaf on the corn husk. There are two variations: the “high leaf” and the “low leaf.” These coins, due to die damage, can be worth anywhere from $300 to over $1,200, depending on their condition.

2. Minnesota 2005-D Quarter (Double Die Error)

The Minnesota quarter is another popular coin due to a double die error. This error causes extra tree branches near the state outline. If the doubling is clear, this coin could be worth up to $300.

3. Delaware 1999-P Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)

The Delaware quarter was the first to be released, and it features an error known as the “spitting horse.” A die crack causes the horse to appear as if it is spitting. This rare error can increase the value of the coin to $200.

4. Kansas 2005-P Quarter (“In God We Rust” Error)

The Kansas quarter features a funny error that changes the motto “In God We Trust” to “In God We Rust” due to a grease-filled die. This error can make the coin worth $100 or more.

5. Georgia 1999-P Quarter (Off-Center Strike)

Coins that are struck off-center are highly valued by collectors. The Georgia quarter, with an off-center strike, can be worth anywhere between $60 to $150, depending on the degree of misalignment.

6. Tennessee 2002-S Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo)

Proof quarters with a deep cameo finish are highly sought after by collectors. The Tennessee proof quarter, especially in excellent condition, can be worth up to $200 due to its mirror-like finish.

7. New Hampshire 2000-P Quarter (Reverse Die Clash)

The New Hampshire quarter features a rare error called a reverse die clash, where faint outlines of the obverse design are visible on the reverse. These coins can be worth up to $180 if they are in mint condition.

How to Check the Value of Your State Quarters

If you think you might have a valuable state quarter, follow these steps to check:

1. Examine Mint Marks: Look for a “P,” “D,” or “S” mint mark near George Washington’s neck.
2. Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass to spot doubling, extra leaves, or die cracks.
3. Assess Condition: Coins in uncirculated or near-perfect condition are worth more.
4. Get a Professional Grading: If you think your coin is valuable, consider getting it graded by a service like PCGS or NGC.

Conclusion

State quarters can be more valuable than you might think, especially if they have unique errors or are in excellent condition. Checking your change could lead you to a rare and valuable coin. If you find one of these top 7 most valuable quarters, you could be holding onto a small fortune. So, always check your quarters before spending them!

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