Most people think state quarters are just worth 25 cents, but did you know some of these coins are worth thousands of dollars?
The U.S. State Quarter program, which started in 1999, was meant to celebrate each state’s history, but a few coins from this series have become extremely valuable due to errors and unique features. Let’s dive into 10 rare state quarters that collectors are eager to find.
1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
This quarter, the first in the series, features an error known as the “spitting horse.” A small crack near the horse’s mouth makes it look like the horse is spitting.
This quirky mistake has made the coin a collector favorite, with top-condition examples worth up to $5,000.
How to Identify It: Look for a thin line extending from the horse’s mouth.
1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter
The Pennsylvania quarter from 1999 has a “Double Die Reverse” error. This causes noticeable doubling in the text on the back of the coin, especially in the word “PENN.”
Coins with this error can fetch up to $1,000 if they’re in great condition.
Key Feature: Look for doubling in the reverse side’s lettering.
2000 New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter
This error appears on the New Hampshire quarter, where a die crack near the famous Old Man of the Mountain design creates the illusion of a rope around the rock formation.
While unsettling, this error is popular with collectors and can be worth up to $500.
How to Spot It: Check for a rope-like crack near the Old Man’s neck.
2000 South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter
The South Carolina quarter features an error where the word “South” on the reverse side shows doubling. Although less valuable than other errors, these coins can still be worth up to $250 in mint condition.
Key Feature: Look for doubling in the word “South.”
2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The Wisconsin quarter has one of the most famous errors in the series. Some coins have an “extra leaf” on the corn stalk, with two variations: the Extra High Leaf and Extra Low Leaf. Both are highly collectible, with values reaching $1,500 for well-preserved coins.
How to Identify It: Look for an additional leaf on the corn stalk, either above or below the original leaves.
2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarter
This quarter has a fascinating error where the background trees show doubling. Depending on how visible the doubling is, these coins can be worth up to $300.
Key Feature: Check the trees in the background for signs of doubling.
2006 Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter
The Colorado quarter features a “Cud Error,” where a piece of the die broke off, causing an extra peak to appear on the mountain range. Coins with this error can be worth up to $250 if the peak is prominent.
How to Spot It: Look for an extra mountain peak in the coin’s design.
2008 Hawaii Double Die Quarter
The Hawaii quarter is a newer coin with a “Double Die” error. This causes visible doubling in the text of the state name, “HAWAII.” Coins with this error can fetch up to $500.
Key Feature: Look for doubling in the state name on the coin.
2009 District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter
This quarter features a spelling mistake in Duke Ellington’s name, missing the letter “T.” Coins with this rare error can be worth up to $1,000 if they are uncirculated.
How to Spot It: Look for the misspelling of “Ellington” on the reverse side.
Why These Quarters Are So Valuable
State quarters are loved by collectors, and errors make them even more special. Mistakes like doubling, die cracks, or missing details are rare, and the uniqueness drives up their value.
Coins in mint condition are worth even more. So, the next time you go through your pocket change, check carefully—you could be holding a small fortune!
