The State Quarters program, launched in 1999, was an exciting initiative by the U.S. Mint to commemorate each of the 50 states with its own unique quarter design. While most of these quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, some are incredibly rare and can fetch thousands of dollars. If you’re a collector—or just someone who likes to keep an eye on your spare change—you might be lucky enough to find one of these rare quarters in circulation. Here’s a list of 10 of the rarest State Quarters worth up to $2,000 that could be hiding in your pocket change.
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1. 1999 Connecticut State Quarter (Wide “AM” Variety)
The 1999 Connecticut State Quarter is known for an error where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced farther apart than on the typical coin. This variety is rare and highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved 1999 Connecticut State Quarter with this error can be worth up to $2,000 depending on its condition.
2. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf)
In 2004, a very limited number of Wisconsin State Quarters were minted with an extra leaf on the ear of corn. This error occurred due to a die misalignment. The “extra leaf” variety is a rare find and can be worth anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500 in excellent condition.
3. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Inverted “D” Mintmark)
A few 2005 Minnesota State Quarters were struck with an inverted “D” mintmark, making them highly valuable among collectors. This error can significantly increase the coin’s value, with well-preserved examples reaching up to $1,500 or more.
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4. 2004 Michigan State Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
The 2004 Michigan State Quarter features an error known as the double die obverse, where the design on the front of the coin was struck twice, causing the details to appear blurry or doubled. A Michigan State Quarter with this error is rare and can be worth up to $1,000 or more, depending on its condition.
5. 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter (Spitting Horse)
The 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter has earned the nickname “Spitting Horse” because of a small die crack on the horse’s mouth, which resembles it spitting. This error is rare and can fetch up to $500 in good condition, and possibly more for coins in pristine condition.
6. 2007 Wyoming State Quarter (Die Crack)
The 2007 Wyoming State Quarter is another example of a coin with a die crack, which creates a noticeable line across the design. This particular die crack occurred along the top of the coin, creating an interesting defect that collectors desire. Coins with this die crack can be worth $300 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the crack and the coin’s overall condition.
7. 2000 South Carolina State Quarter (Off-Center Strike)
A few 2000 South Carolina State Quarters were struck off-center, meaning the design was misaligned during the minting process. These off-center quarters are very rare and can be worth up to $1,000 or more, depending on how far off-center the strike is and its overall condition.
8. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Extra “Low” Leaf)
In 1999, the Delaware State Quarter was mistakenly struck with an extra low leaf on the reverse side. This variety is much rarer than the regular version and can be worth $1,000 to $2,000 if it is in good condition, especially if you manage to find one in uncirculated form.
9. 2009 District of Columbia State Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
The 2009 District of Columbia State Quarter features a double die reverse error, where the design on the reverse side was struck twice, making some of the details appear blurred or doubled. This error is highly collectible, and coins in great condition can be worth up to $500 or more.
10. 2006 Nevada State Quarter (Die Crack on the “R” in “NEVADA”)
The 2006 Nevada State Quarter features a die crack that runs through the “R” in the word “NEVADA.” This error makes the coin much rarer and more desirable to collectors. Depending on the severity of the die crack, a Nevada State Quarter with this feature can be worth up to $1,000.
Conclusion
While most State Quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare varieties and minting errors have turned these coins into valuable collectibles. If you come across one of these rare quarters in circulation, you could be holding onto a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To maximize the value of your collection, make sure to inspect your quarters closely and consider having any rare or unusual coins appraised. You never know when you might discover a hidden gem in your spare change!