The majority of quarters in your pocket are only worth 25 cents. However, some state quarters from the U.S. State Quarter Program are quite valuable because of special flaws or peculiar characteristics.
This initiative started in 1999 and was a huge endeavor to celebrate each of the 50 states with unique coin designs. Although most of these coins are only commemorative, several were produced with uncommon flaws, making them valuable collectibles.
Look out for these uncommon state quarters if you’re a coin enthusiast interested in discovering hidden treasures in regular pocket change. Discover how to spot these ten valuable state quarters that you may come upon.
Quarter of 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse”
The first coin in the series, the Delaware State Quarter, immediately attracted notice due to an odd die crack fault. This split close to the horse’s mouth creates the impression that the animal is “spitting,” a peculiar defect that collectors like.
- Value: In good condition, up to $5,000.
- How to Identify It: Watch for a thin line from the horse’s lips.
1999 Quarter of the Pennsylvania Double Die
The “Double Die Reverse” fault on the Pennsylvania state quarter, which causes the writing on the back to look doubled, is noteworthy. This mistake is most noticeable in the word “PENN.”
- Value: Up to $1,000.
- How to Spot It: Look for instances of doubling in the coin’s reverse side inscription.
New Hampshire, 2000 Quarter of “Hanging Old Man”
This quarter honors the well-known rock feature, the Old Man of the Mountain. But the sad moniker “Hanging Old Man” comes from a die crack that makes it look like a rope around the Old Man’s neck.
- Value: Depending on how noticeable the inaccuracy is, up to $500.
- Important Information: Examine the Old Man’s neck for a crack that resembles a rope.
2004 The “Extra Leaf” Quarter for Wisconsin
One of the series’ most well-known mistakes is the Wisconsin state quarter. Due to an error made during the minting process, some coins have an “Extra High Leaf” or “Extra Low Leaf” on the maize stalk.
- Value: For immaculate instances, up to $1,500.
- How to Identify It: On the corn stalk, look for an additional leaf that is either taller or lower than the rest.
District of Columbia, 2009 Quarter of “Ellington Error”
A rare edition of the District of Columbia quarter, which celebrates jazz great Duke Ellington, misspells his name by leaving off the “T” in “Ellington.”
- Value: Uncirculated coins may be worth up to $1,000.
- How to Identify It: Look at how “Ellington” is spelled on the coin’s reverse side.
Additional Notable, Seldom Found State Quarters
| Year & State | Error Type | Value (Up To) | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 South Carolina | Doubled text in “South” | $250 | Look for slight doubling in the word. |
| 2005 Minnesota | Doubling in background trees | $300 | Spot distorted or doubled trees. |
| 2006 Colorado | “Cud Error” (extra peak) | $250 | Check for an extra mountain peak. |
| 2008 Hawaii | Double die error on “Hawaii” | $500 | Look for doubling in the state name. |
The Significance of These Quarters
These uncommon state quarters demonstrate the intriguing realm of coin collecting. The kind of mistake determines the worth of each coin, how visible it is, and the coin’s overall condition.
Die cracks, doubling, or missing features are errors that happen during the minting process and give the coin a distinctive appearance, frequently making it more desirable to collectors.
These little flaws, like the oddball “Spitting Horse” on the Delaware quarter or the additional leaf on the Wisconsin design, have transformed common coins into priceless gems.
Examine Your Change in More Detail
Hunting for rare state quarters doesn’t require being an expert numismatist; curiosity and attention to detail can reveal hidden treasures. Look for any indications of mistakes, such as die cracks, doubling, or odd characteristics, in your coin jar or pocket change. These coins provide a physical link to history and the craft of minting, making them more than just collectors.
Scrutinize a state quarter the next time you see one; you could discover a coin worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Your spare change may turn into a modest fortune if you’re lucky.
FAQs
1. How can I determine whether my Delaware quarter is the “Spitting Horse” version?
Look for a die crack that looks like a line of spit coming from the horse’s mouth.
2. What is the value of the Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” quarter?
Due to a minting accident, this piece has an extra leaf on the corn stalk, which makes it extremely valuable.
3. Is it still possible to obtain these uncommon quarters?
Although they are getting harder to locate, it is feasible to discover some of these uncommon state quarters in use.
4. Before I sell unusual quarters, should I clean them?
Coins can lose value if they are cleaned. Even if a coin seems worn, collectors like it in its original state.
5. Where can I sell rare state quarters?
Rare quarters can be sold at numismatic auctions, coin dealers, or internet marketplaces for valuable coins.
READ MORE: 4 Signs of the Zodiac That Find It Hard to Feel They Are Deserving of True Love
