The U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, introduced a series of coins that captured the essence of each state through unique designs. While most of these quarters are still valued at face value, certain rare varieties and minting errors have turned ordinary change into valuable collectibles, often worth thousands of dollars. Here’s a closer look at eight state quarters that have significantly increased in value.
1. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
Description: The Delaware quarter features Caesar Rodney riding a horse. Some coins exhibit a die crack near the horse’s mouth, which resembles “spitting.”
Value: Depending on its condition, these error coins can be worth between $20 and $500.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
Description: This quarter depicts a cow, a cheese wheel, and a corn stalk. Two errors on the corn stalk—known as the “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf” varieties—are particularly notable.
Value: Coins with these errors, especially in high grades, can fetch up to $6,000.
3. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
Description: Featuring the natural beauty of Minnesota, some of these quarters display an extra tree, caused by a die clash error.
Value: Depending on the severity of the error and condition, these coins are valued between $50 and $200.
4. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Doubled Die Error)
Description: The South Carolina quarter features the state’s iconic symbols. Some coins exhibit doubling on the obverse inscriptions, a result of a die error.
Value: High-quality examples of this doubled die error can be worth between $1,000 and $2,000.
5. 2000-P Maryland State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
Description: Like the Delaware quarter, some Maryland quarters show a die crack near the horse’s mouth, creating the “spitting” effect.
Value: These error coins can range in value from $50 to $500, depending on their condition.
6. 2005-P Kansas State Quarter (In God We Rust Error)
Description: Due to a filled die error, some Kansas quarters have a misprinted motto that reads “In God We Rust” instead of “In God We Trust.”
Value: These rare error coins are typically valued between $50 and $100.
7. 2006-P Nevada State Quarter (Double Die Error)
Description: The Nevada quarter, featuring wild mustangs, is known to have some coins with doubling on the reverse inscriptions, caused by a die error.
Value: Depending on the intensity of the doubling and the coin’s condition, these quarters can be worth between $100 and $300.
8. 2004-P Iowa State Quarter (Extra Corn Stalk Error)
Description: Some Iowa quarters exhibit an extra corn stalk due to a die error.
Value: These error coins can be worth anywhere from $100 to $200.
Summary of Notable State Quarters with Errors
| Year | State | Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Delaware | Spitting Horse | Die crack near horse’s mouth | $20 – $500 |
| 2004 | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | Extra leaf on corn stalk | Up to $6,000 |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Extra Tree | Die clash error showing extra tree | $50 – $200 |
| 2000 | South Carolina | Doubled Die | Doubling of obverse inscriptions | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 2000 | Maryland | Spitting Horse | Die crack near horse’s mouth | $50 – $500 |
| 2005 | Kansas | “In God We Rust” | Filled die error on the motto | $50 – $100 |
| 2006 | Nevada | Doubled Die | Doubling on reverse inscriptions | $100 – $300 |
| 2004 | Iowa | Extra Corn Stalk | Extra stalk on corn due to die error | $100 – $200 |
The 50 State Quarters Program not only celebrated the diversity and history of the United States but also produced coins that, due to errors and unique features, have become highly coveted by collectors. Whether you’re a casual coin enthusiast or a seasoned numismatist, regularly checking your spare change could lead to the discovery of one of these rare and valuable state quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a state quarter valuable?
State quarters become valuable due to minting errors, unique design features, or low mintage numbers that distinguish them from the standard issue coins.
How can I identify an error on a state quarter?
Look for anomalies such as doubled text or images, unusual marks, or design elements that deviate from the normal design, such as extra leaves, trees, or corn stalks.
Where can I sell a rare state quarter?
Rare state quarters can be sold through coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms that specialize in numismatics, such as eBay or dedicated coin auction sites.
