The U.S. State Quarters Program, launched between 1999 and 2008, produced quarters featuring designs that celebrate each state. Though billions of these coins were made, some have become particularly valuable due to limited mintages, unique errors, or distinct variations. For collectors and those with an interest in coinage, here are the ten rarest state quarters in circulation today.
10 Rarest State Quarters in Circulation
1. 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter is one of the rarest due to its relatively low mintage of 194.6 million. Released during an economic downturn, this quarter is scarce in circulation. While worn coins generally hold their face value, uncirculated versions can fetch around $1.25 due to their rarity.
2. 2004-P Iowa Quarter
The 2004-P Iowa quarter, with a mintage of 213.8 million, is another sought-after coin. Featuring a design of a one-room schoolhouse, it holds value for collectors, especially in uncirculated condition, where it can be worth over $1.
3. 2002-P Ohio Quarter
Minted in Philadelphia with a mintage of 414.8 million, the 2002-P Ohio quarter may be more common than some on this list, but its value in mint condition can be extraordinary. At auctions, some pristine examples have sold for over $3,500, making it highly collectible.
4. 1999-P Delaware Quarter
As the first state quarter released, the 1999 Delaware quarter had a significant mintage of 774 million. However, the “Spitting Horse” error variety, where a line appears near the horse’s mouth, makes certain coins more valuable. Depending on the condition, these error coins can be worth between $5 and $30.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is famous for an error where an extra leaf appears on the corn stalk depicted on the reverse. There are both “high leaf” and “low leaf” varieties, and uncirculated examples can sell for over $100. These error coins were produced in the Denver Mint and are popular among collectors.
6. 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
This quarter is known for an error where an extra tree appears due to a doubled die. Several variations exist, with more prominent errors valued at up to $50, while minor variations typically sell for around $5. The 2005-P Minnesota quarter remains a popular find among error coin collectors.
7. 2008-D Alaska Quarter
Another rare quarter from 2008 is the Alaska quarter, with a mintage of 251.8 million. It features a grizzly bear with a salmon. Some coins exhibit error varieties, such as missing details, which can significantly increase their value, with certain examples fetching up to $80.
8. 2002-D Indiana Quarter
The 2002-D Indiana quarter has a lower mintage of 327 million and features an Indy race car along with the state motto, “Crossroads of America.” Uncirculated coins can be valued over $1, and exceptional specimens have sold for as much as $3,700 at auction.
9. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
The 2000-P South Carolina quarter, featuring the state bird and tree, has a high mintage of 742 million. Despite its abundance, certain varieties, especially those in mint condition, have sold for as much as $3,525 at recent auctions.
10. 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter
The 2000-P New Hampshire quarter is famous for an error where the state name is missing from the reverse side, which makes it highly collectible. Coins exhibiting this error can sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars.
| Quarter | Mintage (Millions) | Typical Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-D Oklahoma | 194.6 | $1.25+ |
| 2004-P Iowa | 213.8 | $1.10+ |
| 2002-P Ohio | 414.8 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 1999-P Delaware | 774.8 | $5-$30 (error coin) |
| 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
| 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” | N/A | $50 (error coin) |
| 2008-D Alaska | 251.8 | $80+ |
| 2002-D Indiana | 327 | $3,700 (auction) |
| 2000-P South Carolina | 742 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 2000-P New Hampshire | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
While many state quarters are worth only their face value, some coins are highly prized due to errors, low production numbers, or pristine condition. Keeping an eye out for these quarters could mean finding a valuable coin in your pocket change.
What makes state quarters valuable?
State quarters gain value primarily due to limited production, unique error varieties, or excellent mint condition.
How can I tell if my quarter is an error coin?
Look for unusual features, such as extra details, missing elements, or doubled images. Consulting a coin grading expert can help determine the authenticity and value of potential error coins.
Are all state quarters collectible?
While all state quarters are popular among collectors, only certain coins with errors or in mint condition are considered more valuable.
