You might be sitting on a small fortune without even realizing it. Five U.S. state commemorative quarters minted in 2000 recently went up for auction, selling for as much as $3,760 each, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
These particular state quarters are part of the 50-state series released by the U.S. Mint between 1999 and 2008, with each quarter featuring an image of President George Washington on the obverse (front) and a design representing one of the 50 states on the reverse (back). Additionally, the year that each state entered the U.S. Union or ratified the Constitution is also inscribed on the reverse of the coin.
The commemorative quarters in question represent the states of Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia. Here’s a breakdown of what these coins sold for at auction:
- Massachusetts 2000-P (Philadelphia mint) MS69: $3,760
- Maryland 2000-P MS65: $1,495
- South Carolina 2000-P MS69: $3,525
- New Hampshire 2000-D (Denver mint) MS68: $633
- Virginia 2000-P MS68: $400
But before you start digging through your spare change, keep in mind that the value of each coin heavily depends on its condition.
Coin Condition is Key to Value
As the experts at GoBankingRates.com note, collectors highly value coins in mint or uncirculated states, designated by the abbreviation “MS” (Mint State). Mint state coins are graded on a scale from 60 to 70, with a grade of 70 being considered perfect. The better the condition of the coin, the higher its potential value.
Additionally, the rarity of the coin—such as those with unique errors—can also boost its price. For example, certain 1982 dimes, which were missing the mint mark “P,” have sold for thousands more than their face value. One of these “No P” dimes, graded MS-68, fetched an impressive $2,185 at auction in 2006.
So, while you might not have a $3,760 quarter lying around, it’s worth checking your coin collection, as you might find something valuable hiding in plain sight.
