The U.S. State Quarter program, launched in 1999, was designed to celebrate the unique history and heritage of each state. While most state quarters are worth only 25 cents, certain rare variations and minting errors have turned some of these coins into valuable collectibles. Below is a guide to the most valuable state quarters that could still be circulating in your pocket change, potentially worth thousands of dollars.
1. 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The first state quarter released in 1999, Delaware’s quarter, features an error known as the “spitting horse.” This occurs when a die crack near the horse’s mouth gives the illusion that the horse is spitting. Collectors highly covet this error, with well-preserved coins reaching values of up to $5,000.
How to Identify It:
Look for a small line extending from the horse’s mouth, causing the spitting illusion.
2. 1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter
The 1999 Pennsylvania quarter features a “Double Die Reverse” error, where the reverse side’s lettering, especially the word “PENN,” appears doubled. This error makes the coin easy to spot, and well-identified examples can be worth as much as $1,000.
Key Features:
Check for noticeable doubling of the letters, particularly in the word “PENN” on the reverse side.
3. 2000 New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter contains a controversial die crack error, creating the illusion of a rope around the neck of the Old Man of the Mountain, a well-known rock formation. Depending on the prominence of the error, these quarters can be valued at up to $500.
How to Spot It:
Look for a die crack around the Old Man’s neck, resembling a rope.
4. 2000 South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter
In the 2000 South Carolina quarter, a minor but noticeable error causes doubling in the word “South” on the reverse side. While this error is not as valuable as others, well-maintained examples can be worth up to $250.
Key Features:
Check for doubling in the word “South” on the reverse.
5. 2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter is famous for its “Extra Leaf” error, which exists in two versions:
- Extra High Leaf: An additional leaf appears higher on the corn stalk.
- Extra Low Leaf: A similar error with the leaf positioned lower on the stalk.
Coins in excellent condition can be valued at up to $1,500, making these some of the most sought-after modern quarters.
How to Identify It:
Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either higher or lower than the original.
6. 2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota quarter features a distinctive error where doubling occurs in the background trees, making the design appear distorted. Depending on the extent of the error, these quarters can fetch up to $300.
Key Features:
Check for noticeable doubling in the background trees of the coin.
7. 2006 Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter
The 2006 Colorado quarter features a “Cud Error,” where a die crack results in an extra mountain peak on the coin’s design. This error makes the coin more valuable, with well-pronounced examples worth up to $250.
How to Identify It:
Look for an additional mountain peak caused by a die crack on the coin’s design.
8. 2008 Hawaii Double Die Quarter
The 2008 Hawaii quarter features a “Double Die” error that causes the state name “HAWAII” to appear doubled. While this error is relatively recent, it has already become a popular collectible, with well-preserved coins worth up to $500.
Key Features:
Look for doubling in the state name “HAWAII” on the obverse side.
9. 2009 District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter contains a spelling error on the reverse side. “Duke Ellington” is mistakenly spelled “Duke Ellingon,” missing the letter “T.” This error has made the coin one of the most sought-after in the series, with uncirculated examples worth up to $1,000.
How to Spot It:
Look for the misspelling of “Ellington” as “Ellingon” on the reverse side.+99999999999999999999999+
By keeping an eye out for these rare and valuable state quarters, you might just find a hidden treasure in your pocket change!