9 Rare State Quarters Worth a Fortune : The U.S. Mint released the 50 State Quarters Program between 1999 and 2008, making it one of the most successful coin series in history. While most state quarters are common and worth only face value, some rare variations and error coins have become highly valuable among collectors.
If you have old state quarters, you might be sitting on a fortune! Here are nine of the most valuable state quarters, their unique features, and how much they are worth today.
Table of Contents
1. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error) – Up to $5,000
The Delaware quarter, the first in the state quarter series, features Caesar Rodney on horseback. Some coins show a die crack from the horse’s mouth, giving it the nickname “Spitting Horse” error.
- Mint Mark: “P” (Philadelphia)
- Error: Die crack (Spitting Horse)
- Value: $100 – $5,000 (depending on condition)
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) – Over $10,000
This Wisconsin quarter features a corn stalk with an extra leaf, which was accidentally added during the minting process. Two varieties exist: the Extra High Leaf and Extra Low Leaf.
- Mint Mark: “D” (Denver)
- Error: Extra leaf on corn stalk
- Value: $300 – $10,000+
3. 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter (Silver Proof, Deep Cameo) – Up to $7,000
The Pennsylvania proof quarter was minted in 90% silver and intended for collectors. Deep cameo (DCAM) versions, featuring a frosted design with a mirrored background, are particularly valuable.
- Mint Mark: “S” (San Francisco)
- Composition: 90% silver
- Value: $500 – $7,000+
4. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Double Die Error) – Up to $5,000
This Minnesota quarter features a famous double die error, where extra trees appear in the background due to a misalignment during minting.
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Error: Double die (extra trees)
- Value: $300 – $5,000
5. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (Off-Center Strike) – Over $3,500
Off-center strikes happen when the coin is misaligned in the press. The greater the misalignment, the more valuable the coin. Some 2000-P South Carolina quarters have been found 50% off-center and sold for thousands.
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Error: Off-center strike
- Value: $500 – $3,500+
6. 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter (Double Die Error) – Up to $2,000
A double die reverse error occurs when the design is struck twice, causing slight doubling in the details. The Connecticut quarter with a double-struck Charter Oak tree is highly desirable.
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Error: Double die reverse
- Value: $200 – $2,000
7. 2008-D Oklahoma State Quarter (Struck on Wrong Planchet) – Over $6,000
Some Oklahoma state quarters were accidentally struck on a foreign coin planchet, making them much lighter than usual. These rare errors are worth a fortune.
- Mint Mark: “D”
- Error: Wrong planchet
- Value: $3,000 – $6,000+
8. 2007-P Wyoming State Quarter (Ghost Overstrike Error) – Up to $2,500
The Wyoming quarter features a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. Some coins have a “ghostly” overstrike error, making the image appear faint or missing details.
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Error: Overstrike misprint
- Value: $500 – $2,500
9. 2003-P Missouri State Quarter (Missing Clad Layer) – Over $4,500
Some Missouri state quarters lost their top clad layer, revealing the inner copper core. These unique coins are highly valuable due to their distinct copper appearance.
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Error: Missing clad layer
- Value: $1,000 – $4,500+
How to Identify a Valuable State Quarter
If you think you have a rare state quarter, follow these steps to verify its value:
✅ Check the mint mark – Coins from Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) can have rare varieties.
✅ Look for errors – Double dies, off-center strikes, and missing clad layers are key indicators of rare coins.
✅ Check the coin’s condition – The higher the grade (MS67+), the more valuable it will be.
✅ Use a scale – Quarters struck on the wrong planchet may weigh less or more than the standard 5.67 grams.
Conclusion
State quarters are not only nostalgic but can also be highly valuable. If you have any 1999-2008 state quarters, carefully inspect them for rare errors or silver proof editions. You never know one of these rare coins might be worth a small fortune.
Start checking your coin collection today you could be holding onto a valuable state quarter without even knowing it.
