The 50 State Quarters Program was launched by the United States Mint between 1999 and 2008, in which quarters with a unique design for each state were issued. These coins are commonly found in circulation, but some special editions and error quarters have become so rare that their value has reached thousands of dollars.
Surprisingly, some rare quarters can still be seen in normal transactions, which can be worth more than $5,000. Here are 5 rare state quarters, which are considered highly valuable among collectors.
1. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
In 1999, the US Mint tested different metal alloys for the Sacagawea Dollar. During this process, some Delaware State Quarters were accidentally minted on these experimental planchets, causing them to have a different color from the other quarters.
- Features: This quarter has a golden color, while regular quarters have a silvery sheen.
- Estimated Value: Up to $10,000, depending on the coin’s condition.
[also_read id=”992″]
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The Wisconsin State Quarter issued in 2004 became famous due to a bizarre error. It features an Extra Leaf on the corn plant, which has been seen in two variations – **”High Leaf” and *Low Leaf*.
- Features: An extra leaf to the left of the corn plant, tilting either upwards (High Leaf) or downwards (Low Leaf).
- Estimated Value: Up to $6,000, especially if in Uncirculated condition.
3. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter features an extra tree due to Die Doubling. This error results in an Extra Tree appearing on the forest scene already present in the coin design.
- Features: An extra tree visible in the forest scene, caused by die doubling.
- Estimated Value: Up to $3,500, especially if it is in Mint State.
4. 1999-P Georgia State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
Like the Delaware quarter, the Georgia State Quarter was accidentally minted with the same metal mix used for the Sacagawea dollar. This resulted in a gold color, making it stand out from other quarters.
- Features: Gold color instead of silver, making it stand out from other quarters.
- Estimated Value: $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the coin’s condition.
5. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (High Grade MS69)
Compared to the other quarters on this list, the 2000-P South Carolina Quarter is not an error coin. But it is rare in very high grades. If a coin gets an MS69 grade by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), it can be worth thousands of dollars.
- Characteristics: Being in MS69 grade, which makes it exceptionally valuable.
- Estimated value: Up to $8,000, if it is PCGS graded 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 have a passion for collecting quarters or just checking coins obtained in normal transactions, you might just find one of these rare coins! These 5 State Quarters can be worth $5,000 to $10,000 due to their unique design, errors, and high grade. So, the next time you see a quarter, check it carefully – who knows, you might already have a valuable coin!
[also_read id=”994″]
FAQs
Q1. How can I identify a rare state quarter?
Look for unique features like color differences, extra design elements (like an additional leaf or tree), or high-grade mint conditions (MS69).
Q2. Where can I sell a valuable state quarter?
You can sell rare quarters through online auction sites like eBay, numismatic dealers, or professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Q3. How do I know if my quarter is an experimental planchet?
Experimental planchet quarters usually have a golden hue, unlike standard silver-colored quarters. A professional coin grading service can verify authenticity.
Q4. Are these rare quarters still in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some of these valuable quarters can still be found in circulation, pocket change, or coin rolls from banks.
Q5. What should I do if I find a rare quarter?
Get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC to determine its authenticity and value before selling or keeping it as a collectible.