Since the launch of the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, state quarters have become a favorite collectible for millions of Americans. While most of these coins are common and hold minimal value beyond their face worth, a select few have gained extraordinary value due to unique errors, low mintages, or rare characteristics.
Let’s take a closer look at these sought-after state quarters and the errors or features that make them worth as much as $20,000.
Delaware Quarter
Released in 1999, the Delaware quarter depicts Caesar Rodney on horseback. A notable error on some coins, known as the “spitting horse” error, occurs due to a die crack that makes it appear as though the horse is spitting. This unique flaw makes these coins highly desirable among collectors.
Estimated Value
$100–$20,000
Wisconsin Quarter
The Wisconsin quarter, released in 2004, features a cow, cheese, and an ear of corn. Some coins were minted with an additional “high leaf” or “low leaf” on the corn stalk due to a die variation. These rare varieties have become highly collectible and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
Estimated Value
$300–$10,000
Kansas Quarter
The 2005 Kansas quarter showcases a buffalo and sunflowers. On some coins, a minting error caused the motto “In God We Trust” to appear as “In God We Rust.” This unusual flaw has made these coins stand out, turning an everyday quarter into a prized collectible.
Estimated Value
$50–$3,000
Minnesota Quarter
The Minnesota quarter, issued in 2005, highlights the state’s lakes and forests. Some coins exhibit an extra tree error, where an additional tree appears in the design due to a minting mistake. Collectors eagerly seek these coins for their rarity.
Estimated Value
$150–$5,000
Connecticut Quarter
The 1999 Connecticut quarter features the iconic Charter Oak. A small number of these coins have a doubled-die error, where details on the coin, such as the tree or lettering, appear doubled. This error significantly increases the coin’s value.
Estimated Value
$200–$10,000
Arizona Quarter
The Arizona quarter, released in 2008, depicts the Grand Canyon and a saguaro cactus. Some coins show a design alteration error, where parts of the design appear missing or incomplete. These flawed coins have become rare collectibles.
Estimated Value
$100–$8,000
Georgia Quarter
The 1999 Georgia quarter displays the state’s iconic peach emblem. Coins with errors in the lettering or design have become rare finds, adding significant value for collectors looking to complete their state quarter sets.
Estimated Value
$50–$3,500
Tennessee Quarter
The 2002 Tennessee quarter celebrates the state’s musical heritage with a design featuring musical instruments. Some coins feature misalignments or doubling errors, making them rare and valuable additions to a coin collection.
Estimated Value
$50–$2,000
| Coin Name | Year Released | Key Error/Feature | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 1999 | Spitting Horse | 100–20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2004 | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | 300–10,000 |
| Kansas | 2005 | In God We Rust Error | 50–3,000 |
| Minnesota | 2005 | Extra Tree Error | 150–5,000 |
| Connecticut | 1999 | Doubled-Die Error | 200–10,000 |
| Arizona | 2008 | Design Alteration Error | 100–8,000 |
| Georgia | 1999 | Lettering/Design Error | 50–3,500 |
| Tennessee | 2002 | Misalignment/Doubling Errors | 50–2,000 |
State quarters were produced in the billions, but these rare and unique errors transform everyday change into potentially lucrative collectibles. If you come across any of these coins, it’s worth having them evaluated by a coin expert or professional grading service to determine their true value.
FAQs
What is the spitting horse error?
A die crack on the Delaware quarter creates the appearance of a spitting horse.
What makes the Wisconsin quarter valuable?
The extra leaf error on the corn increases its rarity.
What is the In God We Rust error?
A minting flaw on Kansas quarters alters the motto.
How do I identify a Connecticut doubled-die quarter?
Look for doubled details on the Charter Oak or lettering.
Are state quarters still worth collecting?
Yes, certain errors and rare varieties can be highly valuable.
