Stop Ignoring These State Quarters: The State Quarters program is one of the most popular coin series ever issued by the United States Mint. Launched in 1999, this program featured a special quarter for each of the 50 states, with a unique design for each state’s coin. The coins were released in the order in which the states joined the Union, and each coin depicted an image that was representative of the state’s history, culture, or significant landmarks.
While most of these state quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, certain rare varieties and errors can be worth much more. Over the years, some of these coins have become highly sought after by collectors, with some even fetching thousands of dollars at auction. In this article, we will explore the rare state quarters that are worth a fortune and why you should stop ignoring these seemingly ordinary coins.
The Value of State Quarters
State quarters are more than just a symbol of American history—they can also be valuable assets for coin collectors. The value of a state quarter can be influenced by several factors:
- Minting Errors: Some quarters were struck with errors, such as misprints, double dies, or incorrect metal compositions, making them rare and valuable.
- Limited Releases: In some cases, only a small number of a particular state quarter was produced, either due to a mistake or a limited release. These coins are often more valuable because of their rarity.
- Proof Coins: Proof state quarters are specially minted with a high-quality finish for collectors. These coins are often sold in sets and are generally more valuable than regular circulating quarters.
- Condition: As with any collectible coin, the condition of the quarter significantly affects its value. Coins in mint condition with little wear or damage are generally worth more than coins that are heavily circulated.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the rare state quarters that are worth a fortune.
1. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Variety)
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is one of the most famous and valuable state quarters due to a minting error known as the “Extra Leaf” variety. The original design for the Wisconsin quarter depicted an ear of corn, and some coins were mistakenly struck with an extra leaf near the ear. This small error caused a significant increase in demand for the quarter among collectors.
The “Extra Leaf” variety is one of the most well-known state quarter errors. The value of this quarter can range from $100 to over $5,000, depending on its condition. Coins with the extra leaf in high grades (such as MS-65 or higher) are particularly valuable. If you have a 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter, it’s worth examining closely to see if it features this rare extra leaf.
2. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
The 1999-P Delaware State Quarter is another rare and valuable coin due to a minting error known as a “double die obverse.” In this error, the coin was struck twice, resulting in the appearance of doubled features on the obverse side of the coin, particularly around the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
This double die error makes the 1999-P Delaware State Quarter much more valuable than regular quarters. Depending on the condition of the coin, a 1999-P Delaware Double Die Obverse can be worth anywhere from $300 to over $2,000. The more pronounced the doubling, the higher the coin’s value.
3. 2004-D Michigan State Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse)
The 2004-D Michigan State Quarter also features a notable minting error, this time a “doubled die reverse” error. In this case, the reverse design of the Michigan quarter, which depicts the outline of Michigan’s two peninsulas, was struck twice, causing the features of the design to appear doubled.
Doubled die errors are rare and highly desirable among collectors. A 2004-D Michigan State Quarter with a doubled die reverse can be worth between $500 and $2,000, depending on its grade and the severity of the error. If you find a Michigan quarter with noticeable doubling on the reverse side, it’s worth getting it appraised.
4. 1999-S Georgia State Quarter (Proof Coin with Missing Clad Layer)
The 1999-S Georgia State Quarter is another rare coin that can be worth a fortune. Unlike other state quarters, the Georgia coin from the 1999 release had a special issue as a proof coin. However, a small number of these proof coins were struck without the typical clad layer, which is a layer of copper-nickel that is usually applied to the coin to prevent wear.
Coins with a missing clad layer are highly collectible, and they can fetch large sums at auction. A 1999-S Georgia State Quarter without the clad layer can be worth between $1,000 and $5,000 or more, depending on its condition and the demand among collectors. If you happen to own one of these coins, it’s definitely worth holding onto.
5. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Variety)
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter is famous for its “extra tree” variety. In this case, an extra tree was mistakenly added to the reverse design of the coin, which depicts a setting sun and a background of trees. The error is subtle but noticeable if you know what to look for. The extra tree appears near the bottom right corner of the coin, where the tree design is supposed to be.
This error is rare, and the value of a 2005 Minnesota State Quarter with the extra tree can range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the condition of the coin and the demand in the market. Collectors actively search for this particular variety, so if you find one, make sure to inspect it closely for this small but valuable error.
6. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Die Crack Error)
The 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter features an error known as a “die crack.” A die crack occurs when the die used to mint the coin develops a crack, causing the crack to appear as a raised line or defect on the coin. In this case, the crack is visible across the reverse of the South Carolina quarter, near the center of the coin.
Coins with die cracks are interesting to collectors, and a 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter with this error is quite valuable. Depending on its condition, the coin can be worth anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. The more prominent the crack, the higher the coin’s value.
Value Summary of Rare State Quarters Worth a Fortune
For easier reference, here’s a table summarizing the rare state quarters we discussed, along with their estimated value based on the error type and condition:
| Coin Description | Estimated Value | Error Type/Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf) | $100 – $5,000 | Extra leaf on the ear of corn |
| 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | $300 – $2,000 | Double die obverse (doubled features on “LIBERTY” and date) |
| 2004-D Michigan State Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse) | $500 – $2,000 | Doubled die reverse (doubled features on reverse design) |
| 1999-S Georgia State Quarter (Missing Clad Layer) | $1,000 – $5,000 | Missing clad layer (no copper-nickel layer) |
| 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree) | $150 – $1,000 | Extra tree in reverse design |
| 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Die Crack) | $100 – $500 | Die crack on reverse design |
Conclusion
State quarters are more than just coins—they’re pieces of history, and some of them are worth a fortune. From the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with its extra leaf to the 1999-P Delaware State Quarter with the double die obverse error, there are plenty of valuable state quarters to watch for in your pocket change.
If you come across a state quarter that looks slightly different, it’s worth taking a closer look to see if it might be one of these rare and valuable varieties. Whether you’re an experienced coin collector or just getting started, the state quarters offer plenty of opportunities for finding hidden treasures.
So next time you get some change, take a moment to check for these rare state quarters—you might just have a valuable coin waiting for you.
