9 Rare Error Quarters Worth Up to $300 Million Still in Circulation Quarters are one of the most common coins in the U.S., used daily in transactions, vending machines, and tolls. But did you know some of these seemingly ordinary coins could be worth a fortune? Due to rare minting errors, some quarters have become highly sought after by collectors, with values soaring into the millions. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these rare error quarters, you could be sitting on a small fortune! Here are nine of the most valuable error quarters still in circulation.
1. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
One of the most famous error quarters, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter, features an extra leaf in the design of the corn stalk. The quarter originally depicted a simple ear of corn, but due to a die error, some coins feature an additional leaf that was never intended. This rare variation is incredibly valuable, with some selling for over $100,000 depending on the coin’s condition. Look closely at the corn stalk on the reverse side for the extra leaf—it could be your ticket to a fortune.
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a classic in the world of rare U.S. coins. While it wasn’t technically an error coin, its scarcity and high demand make it one of the most valuable quarters still in circulation. This quarter was issued in honor of George Washington’s 200th birthday, and due to limited minting, it has become highly collectible. Some well-preserved examples of this coin have been sold for nearly $500,000, making it a significant find for any numismatist.
3. 1964-D Quarter with Double Die Obverse
The 1964-D Double Die Obverse Quarter is another rare error coin, where the date and other elements on the obverse side appear to be doubled. This mistake occurred during the minting process, when the die was improperly aligned. The doubled date and lettering are visible when examined closely, especially on the 1964 date. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch between $10,000 to $50,000, making it a great piece for collectors.
4. 1983-P Washington Quarter with No Mint Mark
In 1983, a rare minting error resulted in the production of Washington Quarters that lacked the typical mint mark found on quarters from the Philadelphia Mint. These mintless quarters, which were supposed to carry the “P” mark to indicate their origin, are highly sought after by collectors. Only a handful of these no-mint mark coins were released, and they can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more in excellent condition.
5. 1999 Wide “AM” in “AMERICA”
A small but valuable error was discovered in the 1999 Pennsylvania State Quarter, where the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” were spaced unusually wide. This error was the result of a misalignment during the minting process. While not all of the 1999 quarters from the Philadelphia Mint exhibit this wide “AM,” the ones that do are worth significantly more, with some coins fetching up to $50,000 or more depending on the condition.
6. 1982 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
Another rare error from the 1980s, the 1982 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is similar to the 1983 error, but this one is slightly rarer. Some 1982 quarters were struck without the “D” or “S” mint mark, making them particularly valuable. Because of the rarity and the error, these coins can be worth around $5,000 or more, especially if they are in near-mint condition.
7. 1970-S Silver Quarter (with No Mint Mark)
The 1970-S quarter, intended to be minted as a silver coin, is another highly sought-after rarity. The mint mark on these quarters is missing, even though they were supposed to carry the “S” stamp for the San Francisco Mint. This error makes them incredibly rare and valuable, with prices reaching as high as $100,000 for a pristine example. The silver composition and rarity make these error quarters a collector’s dream.
8. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter with Extra Leaf
Much like the Wisconsin quarter with an extra leaf, the 2005 Minnesota State Quarter features an extra “ear of corn” on the reverse side. This error coin, which occurred during the minting of the Minnesota quarter, has become highly coveted by collectors, with well-preserved examples fetching up to $100,000 or more. If you spot a Minnesota quarter with an unexpected extra ear of corn, you might have a hidden treasure in your pocket!
9. 1937 D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel (Mistakenly Included with Quarters)
While technically not a quarter, this error coin was occasionally found in quarters rolls due to its similar size. The 1937 D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a well-known error, where the buffalo on the reverse side is missing one of its legs, resulting in a very rare and valuable mistake. It’s worth noting that this coin is often mixed up with quarters when looking through rolls, so it’s worth checking your change carefully. A Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on its condition.
These rare error quarters and coins are more than just unusual pieces of currency—they represent the potential for serious financial rewards. If you come across any of these coins, it’s worth consulting with a coin expert or numismatist to evaluate their value. While finding one of these rare quarters may feel like a long shot, it’s always exciting to imagine that the next coin in your change might be worth a small fortune! So, keep an eye out and check your pockets—these rare treasures could still be circulating right under your nose.