The U.S. State Quarters program, running from 1999 to 2008, captured the imagination of collectors with unique designs representing each state. Yet, beyond their aesthetic appeal, certain quarters have become exceptionally valuable due to rare minting errors. These errors are often subtle, but when discovered, can boost a quarter’s value dramatically, sometimes reaching up to six figures at auction.
Here are three state quarters that have gained fame—and value—among collectors due to unique minting quirks.
1. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The 1999-P Delaware quarter, celebrating the “First State,” showcases the historic ride of Caesar Rodney. However, what makes this coin particularly interesting is the “Spitting Horse” error, where a raised line appears to extend from the horse’s mouth, looking like spit. This minting flaw, though seemingly minor, has intrigued collectors. Coins in mint condition with this error can sell for thousands of dollars, and top-grade examples have reached values as high as $20,000 or more at auction. If you find one in pristine condition, you could be holding onto a valuable piece.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter, depicting a cow, cheese, and an ear of corn, holds a fascinating error known as the “Extra Leaf.” This error appears as an additional leaf on the corn stalk, with two distinct variations: the “High Leaf” and the “Low Leaf.” The uniqueness of these variations has driven intense demand among collectors, with the finest examples fetching up to $30,000 or more at auction. Given the popularity of this error, checking for these unique leaves on any 2004-D Wisconsin quarters you have could pay off handsomely.
3. 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter, part of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” design, contains a subtle but valuable error known as the “Doubled Die.” This error, resulting from a doubling effect in the minting process, creates the appearance of an additional tree next to the actual tree line. While the doubling is often hard to see without close inspection, collectors prize these quarters for their rarity. High-grade versions of this doubled-die error have sold for several thousand dollars, making this quarter a sought-after find among serious collectors.
| Coin Name | Error Description | Auction Value (Up To) | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” | Raised line from horse’s mouth | $20,000+ | “Spitting Horse” error |
| 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” | High and low leaf variations | $30,000+ | Extra leaf on the corn stalk |
| 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” | Extra tree next to tree line | $5,000+ | Doubling effect on trees |
These state quarter errors offer a compelling opportunity for collectors and casual coin holders alike. Given their high value at auction, it can be well worth taking a closer look at any quarters you have stored away to see if one might contain one of these rare and lucrative errors.
How can I tell if I have a valuable state quarter?
Checking for unique features such as raised lines, extra leaves, or doubled images on your state quarters is a good start. Using a magnifying glass and comparing your coins with online images of these errors can help you identify valuable ones.
What should I do if I find an error on my quarter?
If you believe you’ve found a valuable error coin, consider having it professionally graded. Certified grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can verify its authenticity and assign it a grade, which can significantly impact its resale value.
Are error quarters still in circulation?
Yes, it’s possible to find error quarters in circulation, though they’re increasingly rare as collectors acquire them. Checking change from cash transactions or rolls from the bank can sometimes yield these valuable finds.
