The U.S. State Quarter program, launched in 1999, celebrated each state’s unique heritage through collectible quarters. While most are worth their face value of 25 cents, several rare variations and minting errors have made certain state quarters incredibly valuable. In this guide, we’ll explore the most sought-after state quarters, some of which could be worth thousands of dollars.
1. 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The 1999 Delaware quarter, the first in the series, is famous for the “spitting horse” error. A die crack near the horse’s mouth creates the illusion of spitting. Well-preserved examples can be worth up to $5,000.
How to Identify It:
Look for a small line extending from the horse’s mouth, creating the spitting effect.
2. 1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter
The 1999 Pennsylvania quarter is known for its “Double Die Reverse” error, where doubling appears on the reverse side’s text, particularly in the word “PENN.” This error makes the coin stand out, and well-identified examples can fetch up to $1,000.
Key Features:
Noticeable doubling in the word “PENN” on the reverse.
3. 2000 New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter features a die crack that resembles a rope around the neck of the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. This controversial error is highly collectible, with values reaching up to $500.
How to Spot It:
Look for a die crack forming a rope-like structure around the Old Man’s neck.
4. 2000 South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter
A minor error in the 2000 South Carolina quarter causes doubling in the word “South” on the reverse. Although not as valuable as other errors, well-maintained versions can still be worth up to $250.
Key Features:
Doubling in the word “South” on the reverse.
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter features two major error types:
- Extra High Leaf: An additional leaf appears higher on the corn stalk.
- Extra Low Leaf: A second leaf appears lower on the stalk.
Both versions are highly valued, with well-preserved coins reaching up to $1,500.
How to Identify It:
Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either higher or lower than the original.
6. 2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota quarter features doubling in the background trees, making this error a highly collectible find. Depending on the extent of the doubling, these quarters can be worth up to $300.
Key Features:
Distinct doubling visible in the background trees.
7. 2006 Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter
The 2006 Colorado quarter has a “Cud Error,” caused by a die crack that results in an extra mountain peak appearing on the design. Coins with a prominent error can be worth up to $250.
How to Identify It:
Look for an extra mountain peak caused by a die crack on the coin’s design.
8. 2008 Hawaii Double Die Quarter
The 2008 Hawaii quarter features a double die error that causes visible doubling in the state name “HAWAII.” These are sought after by collectors and can be worth up to $500.
Key Features:
Look for visible doubling in the state name “HAWAII” on the obverse.
9. 2009 District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter features a misspelling of Duke Ellington’s name on the reverse, reading “Duke Elliongton” instead of “Duke Ellington.” This error makes it one of the most collectible quarters, with examples worth up to $1,000 in uncirculated condition.
How to Spot It:
Look for the misspelling of “Ellington” on the reverse side.
10. 2004 Ohio “In God We Rust” Quarter
The 2004 Ohio quarter is known for an error that led to the phrase “In God We Rust” instead of “In God We Trust” due to a die error. This rare error coin can be worth up to $500.
How to Identify It:
Look for the misspelling of “Trust” as “Rust” on the coin’s reverse.
Final Tip:
Check your pocket change regularly for these rare and valuable state quarters. While most are worth just 25 cents, some errors could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars
FAQs
- What is the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter?
The 1999 Delaware quarter features a die crack near the horse’s mouth, creating the illusion that the horse is spitting. This error makes the coin highly collectible. - How can I spot the 1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter?
Look for noticeable doubling in the reverse side’s lettering, especially in the word “PENN,” which will appear thicker and duplicated. - What makes the 2000 New Hampshire quarter valuable?
This quarter features a die crack that forms a rope-like structure around the Old Man of the Mountain, creating a controversial but sought-after error. - How do I identify the Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter?
Check the corn stalk on the reverse—look for an additional leaf that appears either higher or lower than the original, creating a distinct error. - What is the 2009 District of Columbia Ellington Error Quarter?
The 2009 quarter features a misspelling of Duke Ellington’s name, with “Elliongton” instead of “Ellington,” making it a rare and valuable find.