For most people, a quarter is just a quarter—25 cents for parking meters or vending machines. But for collectors, certain state quarters are worth thousands, even millions! The 50 State Quarters Program, released between 1999 and 2008, introduced designs celebrating each state’s history and culture. Some of these coins, due to minting errors or unique features, have become highly valuable.
If you’ve got loose change lying around, check for these five rare state quarters that could be worth far more than their face value.
Overview
Here’s a quick look at some of the rarest state quarters and their estimated values:
| State Quarter | Unique Error/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-D Wisconsin | Extra Leaf Error | Up to $1.5 Million |
| 1999-P Delaware | Spitting Horse Variety | Up to $10,000 |
| 2005-P Minnesota | Extra Tree Error | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 2000-P South Carolina | Broadstruck Error | $500 – $3,000 |
| 2008-D Hawaii | Inverted Design Error | $1,000 – $10,000 |
Wisconsin
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is one of the most famous error coins. This quarter features an extra leaf on the corn stalk on its reverse side, a mistake caused by a die modification.
Value
Collectors have paid thousands for this coin, with the highest recorded sale reaching $1.5 million. If you find one in near-mint condition, you could be holding a small fortune!
Delaware
The 1999-P Delaware quarter is famous for the “Spitting Horse” variety. This occurs due to a die crack near the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting.
Worth
Depending on its condition, this quarter can fetch up to $10,000. Since it’s from the first year of the State Quarters Program, its historical importance adds to its value.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s 2005-P quarter features an unexpected error—an extra tree in the background. This happened due to a die clash, creating a duplicate tree that wasn’t part of the original design.
How Much?
Depending on visibility and condition, these quarters sell for $1,000 to $5,000. The more distinct the extra tree, the higher the value.
South Carolina
A 2000-P South Carolina quarter with a “Broadstruck” error is another rare find. This happens when a coin is not properly centered during minting, causing it to be slightly larger and distorted.
Price Tag
Broadstruck quarters can sell for $500 to $3,000, with well-preserved examples being the most valuable.
Hawaii
The 2008-D Hawaii quarter features King Kamehameha I and the Hawaiian islands. However, some versions have an “Inverted Design Error,” where the reverse image is misaligned or upside down.
Value
Depending on the severity of the misalignment, these coins are valued between $1,000 and $10,000. Coins in mint condition with clear misalignment command the highest prices.
Finding one of these rare quarters in your spare change is like winning a small lottery. If you come across any of these coins, it’s worth getting them appraised—you might be sitting on a hidden treasure!
