Rare State Quarters Worth Money. Rare Quarters Value Guide.

Coin collectors don’t always hunt after ancient coins or historical currencies that are no longer used as legal tender. In fact, some of the most fun coins to pursue are valuable state quarters worth money, which offer a fund scavenger hunt-type experience and real-world monetary value at the same time. That said, there are many types of state quarters, and some are worth much more than others. Today, let’s take a look at the top ten rare state quarters worth money so you can target your search and pick up some rare quarters that’ll look great in your collection.

What Is the State Quarter Program? A Guide for Coin Collecting

The United States State Quarter program was a coin program launched by the United States Mint, which ran from 1999 to 2008. Over the program's lifespan, the Mint launched unique, state-specific quarters with special designs based on each state's history, geography, or notable elements on the reverse sides.

For example:

• The reverse of the Minnesota quarter features an image of a lake lined with trees
• The Maine quarter features the Pemaquid Point Light
• The Washington Quarter is themed “The Evergreen State”
• The Arizona Quarter features the Grand Canyon and a Saguaro cactus
• The Connecticut quarter features the Charter Oak on the reverse and George Washington on the obverse
• The Hawaii quarter features Hawaiian King Kamehameha I
• The Iowa quarter features a one-room schoolhouse inspired by a painting by Grant Wood
• The Kansas quarter features a bison
• The New York quarter features the Statue of Liberty
• The Ohio quarter features a spacesuit and the Wright Brothers’ original plane
• The Indiana quarter features an F1 race car
• The Alabama quarter features Helen Keller
• The Arkansas quarter features a diamond, rice stalks, and a mallard
• The Nevada quarter features wild stallions
• The New Jersey quarter features George Washington crossing the Delaware

The Story Behind Statehood Quarters

Originally, the State Quarter program was intended to help support new coin collectors and get people interested in the history of the United States Mint. Over time, the program became one of the most successful numismatic programs in the entire history of the US.

Approximately half of all people in the US collected the coins casually or seriously. Plus, the federal government made about $3 billion since collectors took many coins out of circulation!

Although the State Quarter Mintage program is no longer active, and new coins are no longer minted, this has led to a new surge in interest, especially for rare state quarters. The rarest state quarters worth money are so sought after because of strike mistakes, monetary value, or purely because of the fact that some coin variations had so few were minted in the first place.

What Are the 10 Rarest US State Quarters?

Let’s take a look at the ten rarest and most valuable state quarters worth money.

1999 Pennsylvania MS 67 (Philadelphia Mint Mark)

One of the rarest and most valuable state quarters to seek out is the 1999 Pennsylvania MS 67 state quarter. Pennsylvania was the second state to have a state quarter released in 1999, featuring a design from John Merchanti. The design features an engraved outline of Pennsylvania, as well as the words “VIRTUE LIBERTY INDEPENDENCE.”

Nearly 350 million quarters were produced, but this unique coin variation is now very challenging to find. These days, some quarters sell for thousands of dollars (one mint condition coin sold for over $10,000 in 2006).

2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Low MS 67 (Denver Mint)

The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter is an unintentional error coin, leading to a widespread search in pocket change for the quarter now that it is no longer being minted. This variation of the Wisconsin quarter is called the “Extra Low Leaf” quarter. True to its name, it features an extra leaf near the bottom of the corn stalk featured on the quarter’s reverse side.

On top of that, you may come across another version of the 2004-D Wisconsin state quarter featuring yet another extra leaf higher up on the corn stalk. In either case, these quarters are usually worth about $50, although uncirculated, mint-condition coins can be worth over $100.

2000 New Hampshire Quarter

The 2000 New Hampshirestate quarter has an intriguing design on the reverse face: a relief image of an old man’s face carved into a mountain, along with the words “old man of the mountain” embossed on the side. This quarter is potentially worth hundreds of dollars due to a unique state quarter error.

The error in question is simple: the state’s name of New Hampshire doesn’t show up at the top of the reverse side. That’s because the quarter was erroneously struck on a Jefferson nickel, resulting in a planchet mint error or double denomination error.

2008 Alaska State Quarter

You may wish to look out for the 2008 Alaskastate quarter, which could be worth up to $81 apiece. These state quarters are easy to recognize. The reverse sides feature a grizzly bear eating a salmon in a dynamic design.

More importantly, any given 2008 Alaskastate quarter could come with a missing piece on the right side. This is known as an “end of sheet straight clip error,” “ragged clip error,” or “end of strip error.” In any case, the resulting quarter should look jagged and quite distinctive!

1999 Georgia State Quarter

The 1999 Georgiastate quarter is another popular rare state coin featuring a clipped planchet mistake. Put simply, it’s a blanking die overlapped and punched a hole in the middle of a coin metal strip, carving a concave shape in the resulting quarter.

These quarters are always marked with the letter “P” since they were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. You’ll also know you have the right quarter if the reverse design includes a peach, the state symbol for Georgia, as well as the branches of a live oak tree, the state tree. They’re quite valuable due to their rarity — some selling for around $11 apiece.

1999 Delaware State Quarter

This Delaware quarter features Caesar Rodney, the state’s former governor.

One of the first state quarters ever minted, this 1999 state quarter features a reverse design featuring a horse with a raised line. Due to the line's location near the horse's mouth, it seems to be "spitting" toward the side. The spittle design is actually an error (called a die break error).

This particular quarter might be worth approximately $5 to $15 on average, while some collectors or shops might take it for $30 instead.

2003 Illinois Quarter (Philadelphia Mint)

The 2003 variation of the Illinoisstate quarter is one of the most valuable in existence. Approximately 226 million were minted, and it’s so valuable in part because of the design featuring the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, on the coin’s reverse side.

The design features an illustration of Lincoln himself alongside a relief design of the Chicago skyline, plus a dairy farm, highlighting Illinois’s most important city and one of its major industries. Due to their rarity, these Illinoisstate quarters are worth around $1 apiece.

2008 Oklahoma Quarter (Philadelphia Mint)

Only about 200 million of the 2008 OklahomaState Quarter were made. It’s one of the rarest state quarters worth money still found in circulation. That’s because it was minted in 2008 in the middle of the Great Recession, so this is arguably the rarest state quarter.

Its popularity is partially thanks to its elegant and beautiful design on the reverse side, featuring the Oklahoma State bird: the scissortail flycatcher. This popular design is intricate, relatively unique, and Oklahoma to the extreme. It’s worth face value if in worn condition, but in a mint condition or uncirculated coin, it may be worth up to $1.25 or even more.

2004 Michigan Quarter (Denver Mint)

You can't forget the 2004 Michigan Quarter, of which approximately 226 million were originally minted. This is a fairly scarce state quarter featuring a relief design of the Great Lakes on the reverse side. It’s worth face value if worn down, while uncirculated pieces are worth approximately $1 apiece.

The coins are fascinating in part because of the intricacy of the Great Lakes design, which features Michigan tucked against them with exceptional detail. The position of the "Great Lakes State" slogan is also tactically positioned to leave plenty of room for the design itself.

2003 Missouri Quarter (Philadelphia Mint)

The 2003 Missouristate quarter, of which 225 million were minted, is highly sought after by collectors. It features a unique design of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, straddling the Mississippi River on the reverse side.

Interestingly, this is not geographically accurate. The Gateway Arch doesn’t go across the Mississippi River in real life. Even so, collectors still search for this coin regularly, and mint condition quarters are worth around $1 apiece.

Buy Rare Quarters Online

These state quarters are perfect additions to any coin collector’s stash. Whether you already have a few of these state quarters or are looking to round out your collection, Bullion Shark might be able to help.

As a top rare coin dealer and trusted currency source for coin collectors around the world, Bullion Shark is the perfect place to continue your hunt for these rare state quarters worth money and plenty of other popular coins. Check out our collectors’ coins today!

Sources:

50 State Quarters | U.S. Mint for Kids

50 State Quarters Program | U.S. Mint

New JerseyState Quarter | U.S. Mint

50 State Quarters, D.C., and U.S. Territories Coin Values | The Spruce Crafts

FAQ: "What quarters are worth money?"

What makes a state quarter rare and valuable?

A state quarter becomes rare and valuable due to low mintage numbers, errors during minting, and exceptional condition. Special editions, such as proof sets or quarters with unique minting errors like misprints, off-center strikes, or double dies, can significantly increase a quarter's value. Collectors also value quarters that have been preserved in uncirculated condition with no signs of wear.

Which state quarters are considered the rarest?

Among the state quarters, some of the rarest include the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Low and Extra Leaf High quarters, the 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse error, and the 2005-P Kansas "In God We Rust" error quarter. These specific coins are sought after due to their unique errors and low occurrence in circulation.

How can I identify a valuable state quarter?

To identify a valuable state quarter, look for unusual features or errors such as misprints, off-center strikes, double dies, or unique markings not found on standard quarters. Also, check the mint mark and the year to see if it matches any known rare quarters. Using a magnifying glass can help spot these details, and consulting a reputable coin guide or numismatic expert can provide further confirmation.

What is the value of the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf State Quarter?

The value of the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf State Quarter varies depending on the condition and the specific type of leaf error. The Extra Leaf Low and Extra Leaf High varieties can fetch prices ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars in uncirculated condition. The exact value depends on the coin's grade and the current market demand.

Are there any state quarters with minting errors that increase their value?

Yes, several state quarters have minting errors that increase their value, including the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters, the 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse, and the 2005-P Kansas "In God We Rust." Other notable errors include off-center strikes and double die errors. These errors make the quarters more desirable to collectors and can significantly increase their market value.

How do I find out if my state quarter is worth money?

To find out if your state quarter is worth money, examine it closely for any errors or unusual features, check its mint mark and year, and compare it to known rare quarters. Consult a current coin value guide or a professional numismatist for an accurate assessment. Additionally, having your quarter graded by a reputable grading service can help determine its market value.

Where can I sell my rare state quarter?

Rare state quarters can be sold at coin shops, online auction sites, coin shows, or through numismatic dealers and collectors. Before selling, it's advisable to have your quarter appraised or graded to ensure you get a fair price. Selling through a reputable dealer or at a numismatic auction can also help reach collectors willing to pay a premium for rare or error quarters.

How does the U.S. Mint determine the design for each state quarter?

The U.S. Mint determines the design for each state quarter through a collaborative process involving state officials, the Mint's artists, and sometimes input from the public. Each state has the opportunity to propose themes or elements significant to its history, culture, or identity. These proposals are then reviewed and developed into designs by the Mint's artists, with final approval by the state's governor and the Secretary of the Treasury. This process ensures that each quarter's design accurately reflected the state's heritage and values, making each coin a unique piece of Americana.

What impact did the State Quarter Program have on coin collecting and the numismatic community?

The State Quarter Program had a profound impact on coin collecting and the numismatic community by significantly increasing public interest in coin collecting. It introduced many people to the hobby who might not have considered coin collecting before, thereby expanding the numismatic community. The program also encouraged educational opportunities, as collectors and enthusiasts learned about the history and symbols of each state through their quarters. While the long-term effects include a sustained interest in numismatics and a greater appreciation for the diversity of American culture as represented through its coinage, it also set a precedent for future commemorative coin programs by demonstrating the public's keen interest in collectible coins that celebrate national heritage.

Are there any plans for future state quarter programs or similar initiatives?

As for future state quarter programs or similar initiatives, while the article does not mention specific plans, the U.S. Mint has continued to release commemorative coin series following the success of the State Quarter Program. These include the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which ran from 2010 to 2021, featuring national parks and sites from each state, district, and territory. The Mint's ongoing commitment to celebrating American history and culture suggests that similar initiatives may be developed in the future, although specific details or plans for a new series akin to the State Quarter Program were not discussed in the article. Collectors and enthusiasts remain hopeful for new opportunities to celebrate and collect pieces of American heritage through coinage.