The $500,000 State Quarter: 3 Coins You Need to Look For

State quarters, minted from 1999 to 2008, have fascinated collectors for years. Some of these coins, due to errors or unique features, have reached incredibly high values.

Among them, a few have sold for up to $500,000 at auctions. If you’re holding onto some quarters, here are three that could turn out to be treasured.

1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter

The 1999-P Delaware quarter is known for a unique minting error called the “Spitting Horse.” This error appears as a small raised line extending from the horse’s mouth, resembling spit. While this error may seem minor, it has piqued collectors’ interest. In mint condition, these quarters have sold for thousands at auction, and a high-grade example could fetch you a considerable sum.

2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter

This is one of the most famous state quarter errors. The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter has an error where an extra leaf appears on the corn stalk. There are two variations of this error: the high leaf and the low leaf. These variations make the coin extremely valuable, with some of the finest examples reaching prices up to $30,000 or more at auction. Always check your Wisconsin quarters carefully, as this small difference could mean big money.

2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter

The 2005-P Minnesota quarter also boasts a notable error: the doubled die. This error shows an extra tree next to the tree line, resulting from a minting mistake. This error might be harder to spot with the naked eye, but those who do often find that their quarter is worth significantly more. High-grade versions of this coin have sold for thousands, making it one of the most sought-after quarters for collectors.

Coin Name	Error Description	Auction Value (Up To)	Unique Feature
1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse	Raised line from horse’s mouth	$20,000+	Spitting Horse error
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf	High and low leaf variation	$30,000+	Extra leaf on the corn stalk
2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die	Extra tree next to tree line	$5,000+	Doubling effect on trees

FAQs

What makes a state quarter valuable?

State quarters are typically valuable due to minting errors, low production runs, or unique variations such as extra details, doubling, or missing elements. Quarters in uncirculated or high-grade condition are often more valuable.

Where can I find these rare quarters?

You can find these quarters in circulation, in old collections, or by searching through rolls of quarters from banks. Some collectors even focus on quarter rolls to try their luck at finding rare errors.

How do I know if my quarter is valuable?

Examining your quarter under a magnifying glass or having it professionally graded can help determine its value. Look for minting errors, doubling, or other unique features.

Should I clean my valuable quarter?

No, cleaning a valuable coin can significantly reduce its worth. It’s best to handle coins carefully and store them properly to preserve their condition.

How can I sell my valuable quarter?

You can sell valuable quarters through online auctions, coin dealers, or even at numismatic shows. Having the coin graded and authenticated can help fetch the best price.