10 State Quarters That Could Turn Your Pocket Change into Thousands of Dollars
Most of us see quarters as just everyday pocket change, but did you know some of these coins could be worth much more than their face value? The U.S. State Quarter Program, which kicked off in 1999, introduced beautifully designed quarters representing each of the 50 states. While the majority of these coins are worth a mere 25 cents, some rare errors or unique features have made certain state quarters highly sought after by collectors, with prices reaching thousands of dollars at auctions.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 state quarters—some of which feature rare errors and production quirks—that are worth far more than their intended value. Whether it’s the popular Bicentennial quarter or other rare finds, these coins offer both historical significance and fascinating details that make them highly collectible. Read on to learn how to spot these hidden treasures and what makes them so valuable.
Overview: Rare State Quarters to Watch Out For
| Year | State | Error/Feature | Value (Up To) | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Delaware | “Spitting Horse” Die Crack | $5,000 | Thin crack from the horse’s mouth |
| 1999 | Pennsylvania | Double Die Reverse | $1,000 | Doubling in “PENN” on the reverse |
| 2000 | New Hampshire | “Hanging Old Man” Die Crack | $500 | Rope-like crack near Old Man of the Mountain |
| 2000 | South Carolina | Doubled Text | $250 | Doubling in the word “South” |
| 2004 | Wisconsin | “Extra Leaf” Error (High/Low) | $1,500 | Additional leaf on the corn stalk design |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Double Die in Trees | $300 | Doubling in background trees |
| 2006 | Colorado | “Cud Error” Extra Peak | $250 | Extra peak in the mountain design |
| 2008 | Hawaii | Double Die in Text | $500 | Doubling in the word “Hawaii” |
| 2009 | District of Columbia | Misspelled “Ellington” | $1,000 | Missing “T” in Duke Ellington’s name |
1. Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter (1999)
The Delaware quarter, the first in the State Quarter Program, is famous for an unusual die crack that creates the illusion of a horse spitting. This error is incredibly rare, making the coin highly collectible.
Value: Up to $5,000 for pristine examples.
How to Spot It: Look for a thin crack extending from the horse’s mouth on the reverse side.
2. Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter (1999)
Pennsylvania’s state quarter features a rare double die reverse error, where certain letters, particularly in the word “PENN,” appear doubled. This noticeable doubling adds significant value to the coin.
Value: Up to $1,000, depending on condition.
How to Identify: Check for noticeable doubling in the text, especially around the word “PENN.”
3. New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter (2000)
The New Hampshire quarter is known for its unique die crack that resembles a rope hanging from the neck of the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. This odd feature has earned it the nickname “Hanging Old Man.”
Value: Up to $500 for well-preserved examples.
How to Spot It: Look for a rope-like crack near the Old Man of the Mountain’s neck.
4. South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter (2000)
The South Carolina quarter contains a subtle error: doubled text on the reverse. Although not as noticeable as other errors, collectors value this rarity.
Value: Up to $250 for high-quality examples.
How to Identify: Look for slight doubling in the word “South” on the reverse side.
5. Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter (2004)
One of the most famous errors in the State Quarter Program, the Wisconsin quarter features an “extra leaf” on the corn stalk design. The extra leaf can appear either slightly higher or lower than the others, creating two different varieties.
Value: Up to $1,500 for coins in mint condition.
How to Spot It: Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either above or below the others.
6. Minnesota Double Die Quarter (2005)
The Minnesota quarter has a double die error in the background trees, creating a striking visual effect. This doubling makes the coin highly desirable among collectors.
Value: Up to $300 depending on the clarity of the doubling.
How to Spot It: Inspect the background trees for evidence of doubling or distortion.
7. Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter (2006)
The Colorado quarter features a “cud error,” where a die crack results in an extra peak in the mountain range design on the reverse. While subtle, this error is valuable to collectors.
Value: Up to $250 for coins with prominent errors.
How to Spot It: Look for an extra peak in the mountain design.
8. Hawaii Double Die Quarter (2008)
The Hawaii quarter is another example of a double die error, affecting the text on the reverse side. The most noticeable doubling occurs in the word “Hawaii.”
Value: Up to $500 for coins in excellent condition.
How to Identify: Look for clear doubling in the letters of “Hawaii.”
9. District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter (2009)
The District of Columbia quarter is notable for a misspelling error: the “T” in Duke Ellington’s name is missing. This rare mistake makes the coin highly collectible.
Value: Up to $1,000 for uncirculated examples.
How to Spot It: Check the spelling of “Ellington” on the reverse to ensure the “T” is present.
The Iconic Bicentennial Quarter
Though not part of the State Quarter Program, the Bicentennial Quarter (minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary) remains an iconic coin. While most of these quarters are worth face value, certain versions with pristine condition or specific mint marks can command higher prices. Collectors love the Bicentennial Quarter for its dual dates (1776-1976) and its patriotic design featuring a drummer on the reverse. Though it might not always fetch thousands, the Bicentennial Quarter holds a special place in American numismatics.
Key Features to Look For in Valuable Quarters
To spot potentially valuable quarters, keep an eye out for these key characteristics:
- Die Cracks: These errors can create extra lines or features, like the Delaware “Spitting Horse” or the Colorado “Cud Error.”
- Doubled Dies: Look for doubling in text or imagery, such as the Pennsylvania or Hawaii quarters.
- Misprints: Misspelled words or missing elements, like the District of Columbia quarter, can increase a coin’s value.
Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking through your spare change, keeping an eye out for these rare state quarters might just make you a fortune!