Check Your Pocket Change for Rare State Quarters:When it comes to modern U.S. quarters, figuring out which ones are worth more than their 25-cent face value can be tricky. Most of the state quarters in circulation don’t carry any premium—unless, of course, they’re in pristine condition. But there are some rare and valuable exceptions. Here’s a breakdown of some U.S. state quarters that could be worth much more than you expect!
1. 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter: $10 to $20
The first release in the 50 State Quarters series features a quirky die variety known as the “Spitting Horse.” What makes it special? On certain 1999 Delaware quarters, you’ll see a raised line extending from the horse’s mouth, creating the illusion of spitting. This error occurred due to a die break, and while it’s more common than initially thought, it still holds value. A 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse quarter can fetch between $10 and $20.
2. 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter: $50 to $65
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter has two notable varieties—the Extra High Leaf and Extra Low Leaf. Both of these feature an additional leaf near the corn stalk. While some collectors believe the extra leaf was a deliberate design choice, others consider it a die break. Either way, these rare varieties are worth keeping an eye out for. Depending on the variety, a 2004-D Extra Leaf quarter can be worth anywhere from $50 to $65 today.
3. 2005-P Minnesota Quarter Doubled Die: $5 to $100
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter is known for having more than 60 varieties of doubled die errors, most notably on the image of a spruce tree on the reverse. Some of these doubled dies are more prominent than others, with some fetching up to $100. Lesser-known varieties can still sell for $5 to $25. If you spot any ghost-like outlines of an extra tree, you might have a valuable find on your hands!
4. 2009-D District of Columbia Doubled Die Quarter: $75
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter commemorates Duke Ellington and is part of the Washington D.C. & U.S. Territories series. A particularly dramatic doubled die error on the “ELL” in Ellington’s name makes this coin especially valuable. These quarters are relatively rare, and you can expect to find them worth around $75 if in good condition.
5. 1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter: $35
The Pennsylvania quarter, part of the 1999 series, was minted with only 804,565 proof silver coins. Made from 90% pure silver, this reflective quarter is not only beautiful but also a valuable collector’s item. While it’s not an error coin, its low mintage and silver content make it worth approximately $35 in excellent condition.
6. 1999-S New Jersey Proof Silver Quarter: $30
Another proof coin from the 1999 series is the New Jersey quarter, which depicts George Washington crossing the Delaware River. Like the Pennsylvania quarter, it’s made from 90% silver and was minted in limited quantities. These proof coins typically trade for about $30 in perfect condition.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the rarities listed above, several other state quarters are worth keeping an eye on. While these coins aren’t necessarily error coins, they’re still considered valuable due to their limited mintage or unique features. Here’s a quick look at some other key state quarters:
- 1999-D New Jersey – Mintage: 299,028,000
- 2000-D South Carolina – Mintage: 566,208,000
- 2001-D North Carolina – Mintage: 427,876,000
- 2003-P Maine – Mintage: 217,400,000
- 2004-P Michigan – Mintage: 233,800,000
- 2005-D West Virginia – Mintage: 356,200,000
For a complete list of valuable state quarters, including all mintage details, visit USA CoinBook.
Conclusion
While most state quarters in circulation today aren’t worth more than 25 cents, some of these rare coins are highly prized by collectors and can fetch significant sums. Whether they’re the result of a die error, a low mintage, or simply being made from silver, it’s worth checking your pocket change for these valuable finds.
Happy coin hunting!
