For coin enthusiasts and collectors, the U.S. State Quarters series offers more than just an artistic representation of American history—it’s also a treasure hunt. While most State Quarters are only worth their face value, a select few have become incredibly valuable due to unique minting errors, scarcity in pristine condition, or historical significance.
Some of these rare coins have fetched prices as high as $6,000 or more, making them highly desirable among collectors.
In this article, we’ll uncover the 10 most valuable State Quarters, examining what makes them special and how you might spot one in your own collection. Whether it’s the intriguing “spitting horse” error or an elusive high-grade coin, these quarters are worth your attention—and perhaps a small fortune.
Coin | Year | Mintmark | Unique Feature | Value Range (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Delaware Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | “Spitting horse” error | $400 – $5,000 |
Wisconsin Quarter | 2004 | Denver | “Extra leaf” error | $300 – $6,000 |
Minnesota Quarter | 2005 | Philadelphia | “Extra tree” error | $200 – $3,500 |
Georgia Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Rare mint-state condition | $100 – $2,500 |
District of Columbia Quarter | 2009 | Denver | Doubled-die error | $150 – $4,000 |
Pennsylvania Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Scarce in high-grade condition | $80 – $2,000 |
New York Quarter | 2001 | Denver | Rare pristine condition | $250 – $3,000 |
South Carolina Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Difficult to find in mint state | $100 – $2,000 |
Alaska Quarter | 2008 | Denver | “Extra claw” error | $300 – $2,500 |
New Hampshire Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Scarcity in pristine form | $100 – $1,500 |
Table of Contents
- 1 Delaware Quarter (1999)
- 2 Wisconsin Quarter (2004)
- 3 Minnesota Quarter (2005)
- 4 Georgia Quarter (1999)
- 5 District of Columbia Quarter (2009)
- 6 Pennsylvania Quarter (1999)
- 7 New York Quarter (2001)
- 8 South Carolina Quarter (2000)
- 9 Alaska Quarter (2008)
- 10 New Hampshire Quarter (2000)
- 11 Final Thoughts
- 12 FAQs
Delaware Quarter (1999)
The Delaware Quarter, the first coin in the State Quarters series, is a collector’s favorite due to the “spitting horse” error. This flaw, caused by a die crack near the horse’s mouth, gives the appearance of a horse spitting.
The historical significance of being the first State Quarter further increases its value. Depending on its condition, a Delaware Quarter with the “spitting horse” error can be worth between $400 and $5,000.
Wisconsin Quarter (2004)
The Wisconsin Quarter is famous for its “extra leaf” error, which features an additional leaf on the corn stalk in the design. There are two variations of this error—one with a high leaf and another with a low leaf. These errors were caused by die gouges during minting, making these coins exceptionally rare.
Collectors prize these coins for their uniqueness, and pristine examples can fetch anywhere from $300 to $6,000.
Minnesota Quarter (2005)
The Minnesota Quarter stands out for its “extra tree” error, caused by die doubling. This error results in an additional tree-like feature appearing in the background of the coin’s design.
While subtle, this error has made the Minnesota Quarter a must-have for collectors. Depending on its grade, this coin can be worth between $200 and $3,500.
Georgia Quarter (1999)
Though the Georgia Quarter lacks a specific error, it has become valuable due to its rarity in mint-state condition. Coins from the early years of the State Quarters series are harder to find in pristine form, making them more desirable to collectors.
High-grade Georgia Quarters typically sell for between $100 and $2,500.
District of Columbia Quarter (2009)
The District of Columbia Quarter, honoring jazz legend Duke Ellington, became even more famous due to a doubled-die error. This minting mistake causes parts of the text and design to appear doubled, making the coin stand out among collectors.
A District of Columbia Quarter with this error can be worth between $150 and $4,000, depending on its condition.
Pennsylvania Quarter (1999)
Like other early State Quarters, the Pennsylvania Quarter is valuable in high-grade condition. These coins, minted during the series’ inaugural year, are increasingly scarce in pristine form, driving up their value.
Collectors can expect to pay $80 to $2,000 for a Pennsylvania Quarter in excellent condition.
New York Quarter (2001)
The New York Quarter, featuring the Statue of Liberty and a state outline, is another coin highly valued in mint-state condition. Its design appeals to collectors, and its scarcity in pristine form makes it particularly sought after.
Mint-condition examples of the New York Quarter are valued between $250 and $3,000.
South Carolina Quarter (2000)
The South Carolina Quarter may not have a notable error, but its difficulty to find in high-grade condition makes it desirable to collectors. Coins from the early 2000s are generally harder to find in pristine form, and this coin is no exception.
In top-notch condition, a South Carolina Quarter can sell for $100 to $2,000.
Alaska Quarter (2008)
The Alaska Quarter is a favorite among error coin collectors due to the “extra claw” flaw. This error, caused by a die gouge, results in the bear depicted on the coin appearing to have an additional claw.
Depending on its grade, the Alaska Quarter can fetch between $300 and $2,500.
New Hampshire Quarter (2000)
The New Hampshire Quarter, known for its depiction of the Old Man of the Mountain, holds value for its scarcity in mint condition. Coins from this year are increasingly difficult to find without signs of wear.
Collectors are willing to pay between $100 and $1,500 for a New Hampshire Quarter in pristine form.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. State Quarters series has created excitement among collectors, and while most quarters remain common, a few have become incredibly valuable due to errors, rarity, or condition.
Whether you’re checking your loose change or searching through a coin collection, spotting one of these valuable quarters could mean discovering a hidden treasure.
With values ranging up to $6,000, these coins prove that small details can make a big difference. If you come across one of these rare quarters, consider having it professionally graded to determine its true worth.
FAQs
What is the most valuable State Quarter?
The Wisconsin Quarter with the ‘extra leaf’ error can be worth up to $6,000.
How can I tell if my quarter has an error?
Look for design anomalies like extra leaves, trees, claws, or doubled-die features.
Are all State Quarters valuable?
No, most are only worth face value unless they have errors or are in high-grade condition.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell valuable quarters at coin shops, auctions, or online marketplaces like eBay.
Should I get my State Quarter graded?
If your quarter has a known error or is in pristine condition, grading can increase its value.