If you’re a coin collector or just someone who has a few old quarters lying around, you might want to take a closer look at your pocket change. The U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, produced a series of state-specific quarters that not only celebrate the history and landmarks of each U.S. state, but also contain rare variations that can be worth a surprising amount of money. While most of these quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents, a few extremely rare ones are now worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some rare cases, certain state quarters are valued at nearly $1 million.
In this article, we’ll explore five state quarters that are still circulating today and could potentially make you a fortune if you’re lucky enough to find one. Whether you’re new to coin collecting or a seasoned numismatist, these five state quarters could be hidden gems in your collection, and you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to cash in on their rarity. We’ll take a look at their rarity, what makes them valuable, and how you can tell if you have one in your possession.
What Makes a State Quarter Valuable?
Before we dive into the specifics of the rare state quarters, it’s important to understand what factors determine the value of a coin. While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, certain variations can significantly increase their value. These variations include:
Minting Errors: Coins that have been struck with errors during production can be worth much more than their face value. These errors might include misprints, incorrect die strikes, or other anomalies.
Low Mintage: Some state quarters were produced in smaller quantities than others, making them rarer and thus more valuable to collectors. Coins with limited minting runs are highly sought after.
Special Edition Releases: There are certain special edition quarters, such as proof or uncirculated coins, that are produced in limited quantities and are worth more than regular circulation coins.
Condition: Coins in mint or near-mint condition, meaning they have no visible signs of wear, are worth more than coins that have been heavily circulated.
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf) – Worth Over $100,000
One of the most famous and valuable state quarters is the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter. This quarter has two variations: one with an extra leaf on the corn stalk and one without it. The extra leaf is the result of a minting error and has turned this quarter into one of the most sought-after coins in the U.S.
What makes it rare: The “extra leaf” variation features a small additional leaf on the stalk of corn, which was not meant to be there. This error was caught late in production, and only a small number of quarters with the extra leaf were released into circulation.
Value: Depending on the condition and whether it’s in mint state, the 2004 Wisconsin extra leaf quarter can be worth anywhere from $100,000 to over $500,000 or more. Coins in perfect condition, especially if they are graded MS-65 or higher, can command even higher prices.
How to Spot It: Look closely at the corn stalk on the reverse side of the coin. If you see a small extra leaf near the base, you have the rare version.
1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse) – Worth Over $100,000
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter is another highly valuable coin, with a notable error that has given it a cult following among coin collectors. This error, known as the “Spitting Horse”, refers to a flaw in the coin’s design, where the horse in the state’s coat of arms appears to be “spitting” a small droplet of metal from its mouth.
What makes it rare: The error happened during the production of the 1999 Delaware quarters, where excess metal on the die caused a tiny spur of metal to form at the horse’s mouth. This created the appearance of the horse “spitting,” which made the coin stand out from the rest.
Value: The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter is worth $100,000 or more, depending on its condition. Coins that are in excellent condition and have been graded well by a professional service like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) can reach the higher end of that value.
How to Spot It: Look closely at the image of the horse on the reverse of the coin. If you see a small droplet or spit near its mouth, it’s the rare version. If the coin doesn’t have this feature, it’s likely a standard Delaware quarter.
2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Inverted Die) – Worth Over $50,00
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter features an image of the state’s famous “Land of 10,000 Lakes” motto. However, a small number of these quarters were produced with an inverted die, meaning the reverse image was struck upside down. This error has made the coin a highly collectible and valuable item.
What makes it rare: The inverted die error occurred when the minting press rotated the die during the production process, creating a quarter with the image of Minnesota’s outline and motto upside down.
Value: If you’re lucky enough to find a 2005 Minnesota State Quarter with the inverted die error, it could be worth up to $50,000 or more, especially in mint condition.
How to Spot It: Inspect the reverse of the coin, where you should find the outline of the state and the motto. If the design is upside down, it’s the rare variant.
2007 Wyoming State Quarter (Extra Horse) – Worth Over $75,000
The 2007 Wyoming State Quarter features an image of a bucking bronco, a symbol of the state’s cowboy heritage. However, a small number of these quarters were struck with an extra horse in the design. This rare coin is one of the most valuable quarters in circulation today.
What makes it rare: The “extra horse” error occurred when a die malfunction caused an additional horse to appear in the background of the coin’s design. This error is very subtle, but it makes the coin significantly rarer and more valuable.
Value: The 2007 Wyoming quarter with the extra horse can fetch upwards of $75,000 or more, depending on its condition.
How to Spot It: Carefully examine the background of the bronco on the reverse side of the quarter. If you see a faint outline of an extra horse, you’ve got the rare version.
2004 Michigan State Quarter (Reverse Die Crack) – Worth Over $50,000
The 2004 Michigan State Quarter is another valuable coin, especially for collectors who are looking for errors. This quarter has a noticeable reverse die crack, a flaw that occurred during the minting process, causing a crack to form in the die and leaving a distinct mark on the coin.
What makes it rare: The reverse die crack created a small but noticeable line running across the state’s outline and design. This defect made certain Michigan quarters highly collectible.
Value: A Michigan State Quarter with a reverse die crack in mint condition can be worth anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the severity of the crack and its condition.
How to Spot It: Look closely at the reverse of the coin. If you see a visible crack in the die, especially near the state’s outline or the “Great Lakes” design, you may have the rare version.
FAQs
Which state quarters are worth almost $1 million?
Several state quarters from the 50 State Quarters Program are valuable due to minting errors, limited releases, or unique features. Some of the most famous and valuable quarters include:
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf): This error quarter, with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, can be worth up to $100,000 or more
How can I tell if I have a rare state quarter worth money?
To determine if you have a rare state quarter, carefully inspect the coin for signs of minting errors or unique features:
Look for extra elements like leaves or horses in the design (e.g., the extra leaf on the Wisconsin quarter or the extra horse on the Wyoming quarter).
How do I sell a rare state quarter for top dollar?
Once you’ve identified a rare state quarter, it’s important to have it professionally graded by a reputable service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). A higher grade means a higher value. After grading, you can sell your coin through:Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Why are certain state quarters worth so much?
Certain state quarters are worth so much due to minting errors, limited production, or design anomalies that make them rare and highly collectible. Coins that were struck with mistakes (like extra features or incorrect die alignment) or in lower quantities can be much more valuable than regular coins. Additionally, coins in pristine condition with little to no wear tend to fetch higher prices from collectors.