While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, some rare varieties have become highly sought after by collectors, with certain editions selling for thousands of dollars. If you’ve been collecting these coins or simply keeping change, there’s a chance you may have a hidden gem that could be worth much more than its face value. Here are 10 state quarters worth over $5,000 that could be sitting right in your pocket.
1. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter is famous for a rare error known as the “extra leaf” variety. Some coins were struck with an additional leaf on the ear of corn, which makes them highly valuable.
Value: This rare quarter can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the condition of the coin.
2. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Variety)
A famous minting error, the “spitting horse” variety of the 1999 Delaware state quarter features a die crack near the horse’s mouth, which gives the appearance of the horse “spitting.”
Value: This quarter can be worth $5,000 to $10,000, depending on its condition and rarity.
3. 2004 Michigan State Quarter (Doubled Die Error)
The 2004 Michigan state quarter is known for a doubled die error, where certain features, like the word “MICHIGAN,” appear twice. This doubling makes the coin a collectible favorite.
Value: Depending on its condition, a doubled die Michigan quarter could fetch $5,000 to $12,000.
4. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
Some 2005 Minnesota quarters show an error where an extra tree appears in the design due to a minting flaw. This makes these coins highly collectible.
Value: The extra tree variety can be worth between $5,000 and $20,000, especially if it’s in excellent condition.
5. 2004 Georgia State Quarter (Repunched Mint Mark)
A repunched mint mark error occurred on some of the 2004 Georgia state quarters. This happens when the mint mark is struck more than once, causing it to appear misaligned or overly pronounced.
Value: Coins with this error can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the severity of the error and the condition of the coin.
6. 1999 Connecticut State Quarter (Wide AM Error)
The 1999 Connecticut quarter, featuring a soldier and cannon, has a rare version where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced farther apart than usual, known as the “wide AM” error.
Value: This coin could be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on its condition and rarity.
7. 2002 New Hampshire State Quarter (Struck on Wrong Planchet)
Some 2002 New Hampshire quarters were accidentally struck on the wrong size planchet, making them slightly larger than usual. These errors are rare and highly prized by collectors.
Value: A New Hampshire quarter struck on the wrong planchet can be worth between $5,000 and $30,000.
8. 2007 Montana State Quarter (Die Crack)
The 2007 Montana state quarter, featuring a bison, sometimes shows a die crack on the coin, which can cause an additional raised line to appear across the coin.
Value: These Montana quarters with die cracks can be worth $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the quality of the coin and the prominence of the die crack.
9. 2004 South Carolina State Quarter (Die Clash)
Some 2004 South Carolina quarters show a die clash error, which means the design from one die transferred to another coin during the minting process, leaving behind faint, extra images.
Value: A South Carolina quarter with a die clash can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
10. 1999 South Carolina State Quarter (Double Die)
The 1999 South Carolina state quarter is known for a double die error where the image of the palmetto tree and other design elements were struck twice, creating a doubled effect on the coin.
Value: This double die variety could bring anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on its condition and rarity.
How to Identify Rare State Quarters
If you think you may have one of these rare state quarters, here’s how to check:
- Look for Minting Errors: Pay close attention to any irregularities in the design, such as extra letters, extra objects, or doubled features.
- Examine the Condition: Coins in uncirculated or near-mint condition are typically worth more. Avoid cleaning your coins, as this can lower their value.
- Get It Graded: If you believe you have a rare coin, have it professionally graded by a trusted service like PCGS or NGC to determine its authenticity and value.
Conclusion: Check Your Pocket Change
While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, certain rare errors and variations can make them incredibly valuable. If you happen to find one of these rare coins in your change, it could be worth over $5,000. So, the next time you come across a state quarter, take a closer look—you might have a rare treasure waiting to be discovered!
FAQs
1. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter is famous for a rare minting error where some coins have an additional leaf on the ear of corn. This “extra leaf” version is highly collectible.
Potential Value: Between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on condition.
2. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Variety)
Some 1999 Delaware state quarters feature a unique die crack that gives the appearance of the horse “spitting.” This error makes the coin very valuable to collectors.
Potential Value: $5,000 to $10,000.
3. 2004 Michigan State Quarter (Doubled Die Error)
A doubled die error on some 2004 Michigan state quarters causes the word “MICHIGAN” and other elements to appear doubled. These coins are prized by collectors.
Potential Value: $5,000 to $12,000.
4. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
A rare variety of the 2005 Minnesota state quarter features an extra tree due to a minting mistake. This “extra tree” variety can be worth a lot to collectors.
Potential Value: $5,000 to $20,000.
