The State Quarter program introduced in 1999 by the U.S. Mint was a hit, and many people collected these coins as they depicted each state’s unique heritage. However, certain state quarters are rarer than others, especially those with minting errors or limited production.
Some of these coins can fetch significant value due to their rarity and unique characteristics. Here are ten of the rarest state quarters that might still be in circulation.
1999 Delaware Quarter
The 1999 Delaware quarter, the first state quarter released, is famous for its “spitting horse” error, a die crack near the horse’s mouth on the reverse side. This small error has increased the value of these quarters significantly.
1999 Pennsylvania Quarter
A rare version of this quarter features a striking error known as the “Double Die Reverse,” where letters appear doubled. Due to this misprint, collectors are willing to pay a premium for this particular quarter.
2000 New Hampshire Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter is prized for an error called the “Hanging Old Man.” A die crack on the coin makes it look as if there’s a rope around the neck of the “Old Man of the Mountain,” a famous rock formation in the state. Collectors highly seek this error.
2000 South Carolina Quarter
The 2000 South Carolina quarter has a rare variety with an error that causes doubling in the word “South.” This minor error dramatically boosts the coin’s desirability, making it valuable in the eyes of collectors.
2001 Kentucky Quarter
A notable version of the 2001 Kentucky quarter exhibits doubling in the horse’s mane on the reverse. Known as the “Horse Doubling Error,” this rare defect is highly prized among numismatists and collectors.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter is among the most famous error quarters due to its “extra leaf” variety. There are two versions of this error: one with an “extra high leaf” and another with an “extra low leaf” near the corn stalk. Both versions are worth significantly more than face value.
2005 Minnesota Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota quarter is known for a unique “Double Die” error. Multiple trees in the background appear doubled, leading collectors to seek out this variant. Some coins display slight doubling, while others have multiple trees doubled, with rarer versions being worth more.
2006 Colorado Quarter
A rare 2006 Colorado quarter variant has a die crack along the mountains on the coin’s reverse, which has been dubbed the “Cud Error.” This defect creates a raised ridge that appears like an extra part of the mountain range, increasing the coin’s worth.
2008 Hawaii Quarter
This quarter features an error where doubling occurs in the word “Hawaii.” Known as a “Double Die Error,” it’s rare and valuable, particularly for a relatively recent coin. This Hawaii quarter variant has become a collector’s treasure.
2009 District of Columbia Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia Quarter features the iconic jazz musician Duke Ellington, and one version includes a misspelling of “Ellington.” This “Ellington Error” variant is rare and highly valuable, making it a key coin for collectors.
| Quarter | Error Type | Estimated Value | Year of Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Delaware | Spitting Horse | Up to $5,000 | 1999 |
| 1999 Pennsylvania | Double Die Reverse | Up to $1,000 | 1999 |
| 2000 New Hampshire | Hanging Old Man | Up to $500 | 2000 |
| 2000 South Carolina | Doubling on “South” | Up to $250 | 2000 |
| 2001 Kentucky | Horse Doubling Error | Up to $300 | 2001 |
| 2004 Wisconsin | Extra Leaf Error | Up to $1,500 | 2004 |
| 2005 Minnesota | Double Die Error | Up to $300 | 2005 |
| 2006 Colorado | Cud Error | Up to $250 | 2006 |
| 2008 Hawaii | Double Die Error | Up to $500 | 2008 |
| 2009 District of Columbia | Ellington Misspelling | Up to $1,000 | 2009 |
While these state quarters are rare and can be valuable, finding them requires some luck and a close eye for details. Checking change, visiting coin shops, or attending coin shows might lead you to discover one of these prized quarters.
FAQs
Why are these state quarters so valuable?
Errors, low mintage numbers, and unique designs increase the value of these quarters as they are more attractive to collectors.
How can I identify a rare state quarter?
Look for specific details like doubling errors, die cracks, and other misprints that distinguish rare coins from standard ones.
Where can I sell rare state quarters?
You can sell them through online marketplaces, auction sites, or coin dealers who specialize in collectible currency.
What should I do if I find a rare state quarter?
It’s best to have it evaluated by a coin grading service, as their verification and grading will add to its value.
Are all error quarters worth a lot?
Not all error quarters are valuable, but certain errors, especially those listed here, are worth much more than their face value.
Hi I have some of the quarter that had been mentioned in the article, now where I can sell them thank you