Imagine pulling out a regular-looking quarter from your pocket and realizing it’s worth thousands of dollars! While most quarters are only worth their face value, some rare state quarters are fetching thousands of dollars due to errors, unique minting characteristics, or exceptionally high grades.
If you’re someone who casually checks their spare change, you might just come across one of these valuable coins without even realizing it. In this article, we will explore five rare state quarters that are still in circulation and could be worth over $5,000 each.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Rare State Quarters
- 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
- 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
- 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
- 1999-P Georgia State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
- 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (High Grade MS69)
Summary of Rare Quarters
Introduction to Rare State Quarters The 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, was one of the most successful coin series ever issued by the U.S.Mint. These quarters had unique designs representing each state, and billions upon billions were minted. Yet, due to minting errors, experimental planchets, and being in exceptionally high grade holders, a few of these state quarters became extremely rare and very valuable.
Some of the rare quarters are actually still in circulation, so you might receive one in your change! Finding one of these rare and valuable coins might just mean you’re sitting on a pot of gold!
1.) 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
What Makes It Special?
In 1999, while trying to mint the Sacagawea Dollar, the U.S. Mint also tried various metal alloys. Some Delaware State Quarters were inadvertently coined on these experimental planchets, resulting in a golden color as opposed to the usual silvery tone.
- Key Features:
- The color should have been gold instead of the average silvery color.
- Marked as being produced by Philadelphia Mint (“P”) on the coin.
- Very rare with only a few known specimens.
- Estimated Market Value:
- As high as $10,000, depending on the condition and grading.
2.) 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
What Makes It Great?
What makes this unusual is a coin minted in 2004 out of Wisconsin, with an unusual error — an extra leaf occurs with respect to the corn plant depicted in the reverse of the coin. There are two recorded types:
High Leaf: The extra leaf tilts upward.
Low Leaf: The extra leaf points downward.
- Key Features:
- “D” Mint Mark (Denver Mint).
- Extra leaf visible on corn plant.
- Signifies one of the most celebrated errors in quarters.
- Estimated Value:
- Up to $6,000, particularly uncirculated ones.
3.) 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
What Makes It Good?
According to the error, which is referred to as dies doubling, an extra tree was minted into some of the 2005 Minnesota State Quarters.
- Key Features:
- Marking by the Philadelphia Mint (“P”).
- An extra visible tree on the background.
- Due to a common type of minting errors, namely die doubling.
- Estimated value:
- Up to $3,500, depending on condition and visibility of the extra tree.
4.) 1999-P Georgia State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
What Makes the Coin Special?
Similar to the Delaware Experimental Planchet Quarter, some Georgia State Quarters were error-minted using the same gold-colored metal mix as the Sacagawea Dollar. These coins are extremely rare and have changed hands in the auction for thousands of dollars.
- Key Features:
- Golden color akin to a Sacagawea Dollar.
- Philadelphia Mint (“P”) marking.
- Very few known specimens.
- Estimated Value:
- $5,000-$7,000 based on its condition.
5.) 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (High Grade MS69)
What Makes It So Unique?
The 2000-P South Carolina Quarter is not a coin error, as is the case with the coins in this list; rather, it is valuable because of its very high condition (MS69), just one short of MS70, which is perfect.
This is one quality that makes most quarters circulate across or get scratched and worn; to find one close to perfection is rare indeed.
- Key Features:
- Philadelphia Mint marking.
- Must be in MS69 grade (almost flawless condition).
- Extremely difficult to find in circulation.
- Estimated Value:
- Up to $8,000, if PCGS graded at MS69.
Summary of these rare quarters
| Quarter Name | Mint Location | Year | Characteristics | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Quarter | Philadelphia (P) | 1999 | Golden Color (Experimental Planchet) | Up to $10,000 |
| Wisconsin Quarter | Denver (D) | 2004 | Extra Leaf on Corn Plant (High Leaf / Low Leaf) | Up to $6,000 |
| Minnesota Quarter | Philadelphia (P) | 2005 | Extra Tree Due to Dye Doubling | Up to $3,500 |
| Georgia Quarter | Philadelphia (P) | 1999 | Golden Color (Experimental Planchet) | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| South Carolina Quarter | Philadelphia (P) | 2000 | High Grade MS69 Condition | Up to $8,000 |
Conclusion
If you love collecting coins or simply want to check your spare change for hidden treasures, you might just come across one of these rare state quarters!
These five state quarters are valued between $5,000 and $10,000 due to their unique errors, experimental planchets, or high grades. Since many of them are still in circulation, checking your coins could literally pay off!
So, the next time you get a quarter as change, examine it closely—you could be holding onto a valuable piece of history!
FAQs
Q1: How can I identify a rare state quarter?
A. Look for color differences, extra design elements (like an additional leaf or tree), or high-grade mint conditions (MS69). If unsure, consult a professional coin grading service.
Q2: Where can I sell a valuable state quarter?
A. You can sell rare quarters through eBay, numismatic dealers, auction houses, or professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Q3: How do I know if my quarter is an experimental planchet?
A. Experimental planchet quarters have a golden hue instead of the standard silver tone. A professional grading service can verify authenticity.
Q4: Are these rare quarters still in circulation?
A. Yes! While rare, some of these valuable quarters can still be found in pocket change, coin rolls from banks, or estate sales.