Error quarters hold a special place among rare U.S. coins. These coins were accidentally misstruck or produced with unique imperfections, making them highly desirable for collectors. Here, we explore ten rare error quarters that have gained significant value due to their scarcity and quirks.
1. 1955 DDO Washington Quarter
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Washington Quarter is known for its misaligned features on the front, with doubling evident on the text. This error gives the coin distinct character and appeals to serious collectors.
2. 1965 Silver Washington Quarter
In 1965, quarters were supposed to be copper-nickel clad, yet a few were mistakenly struck on 90% silver planchets. This silver composition for 1965 quarters makes them rare and valuable compared to standard versions.
3. 1983 P Washington Quarter
The 1983 P Washington Quarter with no mint mark and missing outer clad layer is a fascinating error coin. This coin’s unlayered look is visually striking and highly collectible, making it a standout error quarter.
4. 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
This error appears on the 1999 Delaware Quarter, where a line under Caesar Rodney’s horse creates the illusion of the horse “spitting.” This quirky error has become a popular piece among collectors for its unique look.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter features an additional leaf on the corn stalk. There are two variants: the High Leaf and Low Leaf errors, each adding to the coin’s value and uniqueness among state quarters.
6. 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter
On the 2005 Kansas Quarter, the “T” in “Trust” is partially missing, reading “In God We Rust.” This printing error gives the coin an unusual and sought-after appearance among error coins.
7. 2007 Wyoming Doubled Die Quarter
Some 2007 Wyoming quarters were minted with a doubled die error, most visible in the words “In God We Trust.” This doubling effect makes these quarters distinct from regular issues and valuable in numismatic circles.
8. 2009-D District of Columbia Quarter
This quarter error features doubling in the text “ELLINGTON” honoring Duke Ellington. Known as the 2009-D Doubling Error, this mistake highlights a key area and has made the coin popular among collectors.
9. 2015 Homestead Quarter Snow on the Roof
The 2015 Homestead Quarter from Nebraska has an error resembling snow on the roof of a cabin depicted on the coin. This anomaly has sparked collector interest and increased the coin’s desirability.
10. 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter
The 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter has seen multiple errors, including die chips on Washington’s hat and doubling in inscriptions. These imperfections have made it highly collectible.
| Coin | Year | Error Type | Unique Feature | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 DDO Quarter | 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | Text doubling | High |
| 1965 Silver Quarter | 1965 | Silver Planchet | 90% Silver composition | Very High |
| 1983 P Quarter | 1983 | Missing Clad Layer | Unlayered outer appearance | High |
| 1999 Spitting Horse | 1999 | Spitting Line | Visual effect of “spitting” | Moderate |
| 2004-D Extra Leaf | 2004 | Extra Leaf Error | High or Low Leaf variants | Very High |
These ten rare error quarters highlight the intriguing mistakes that can make a coin worth far more than its face value. From unique designs to metal composition errors, each coin offers collectors a rare find and a piece of U.S. minting history.
FAQs
What makes error quarters valuable?
Error quarters are valuable due to their unique manufacturing mistakes, limited availability, and high demand among collectors.
Are all error quarters worth collecting?
While not all errors increase a coin’s value, significant and uncommon errors, like doubled dies or off-metal strikes, often enhance a coin’s desirability.
How can I identify an error quarter?
Identifying an error quarter involves examining its features for abnormalities, such as doubling, missing layers, or unusual designs.
Where can I sell my error quarters?
Rare coin dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces specializing in numismatic items are good options to sell valuable error quarters.
What is the most valuable error quarter?
Among error quarters, the 1965 Silver Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable, as it was struck on a silver planchet instead of a clad one, making it highly sought after.
