Rare State Quarters Worth Money: Check Your Pocket Change!
Rare State Quarters Worth Money
Check your pocket change for these valuable state quarters worth $10 to $100+
Introduction
Looking for modern U.S. quarters worth money can seem daunting when there are so many "regular" state quarters in circulation with no additional value. The vast majority of state quarters you'll find in pocket change are indeed worth only face value (25 cents), especially if they show wear from circulation.
However, some state quarters are rare and worth keeping—and this comprehensive guide reveals exactly which ones those are. From dramatic error coins worth $50-100 to elegant silver proof quarters valued at $30-35, these modern treasures prove that valuable coins aren't limited to historical issues.
What Makes State Quarters Valuable?
State quarter values stem from three main factors: minting errors (like the famous Wisconsin "Extra Leaf"), doubled dies that create ghostly images, and special proof strikes in 90% silver. While most circulating state quarters are common, these varieties command premium prices from collectors nationwide.
Table of Contents
1999-P Delaware "Spitting Horse" quarter
The first installment of the 50 State Quarters series offers collectors an exciting die variety with a whimsical name: the Spitting Horse. This error gets its name from a prominent die break that creates the appearance of the horse "spitting" on the coin's reverse.
1999-P Delaware "Spitting Horse" Quarter
The reverse depicts politician Caesar Rodney on his horse—an homage to the Founding Father's 70-mile nighttime dash in a thunderstorm from Dover, Delaware to Philadelphia to break a deadlocked vote that led to the Declaration of Independence.
Identifying the "Spitting Horse"
Look for a raised line extending from the area of the horse's mouth down to the left. It appears between the letters "C" and "A" in the name "CAESAR." This line was caused by a prominent die break affecting numerous 1999 Delaware quarters.
It's unknown exactly how many of these errors were produced, but they were initially considered rare and sold for $250 to $500 upon discovery. Over the years, the 1999 Spitting Horse Delaware quarter has proven more common than initially thought, and collector interest has waned somewhat, bringing prices down to the current $10-20 range.
2004-D Wisconsin "Extra Leaf" varieties
The 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin quarter offers not just one but two bizarre varieties that lit up the numismatic world upon discovery. Some numismatists speculate these extra leaf varieties may have been intentional additions rather than accidental die breaks.
2004-D Wisconsin "Extra Leaf" Quarters
The "Extra Leaf" anomaly refers to two distinct varieties: the Extra High Leaf and Extra Low Leaf errors. Both show an additional leaf on the lower left of the corn stalk, between the main left leaf and the wheel of cheese.
Extra High Leaf Variety
- Slender leaf appears near top of cheese wheel
- Terminates into the corn stalk's main left leaf
- More dramatic and visible variety
- Currently valued around $65 in circulated condition
Extra Low Leaf Variety
- Addition arcs across top of cheese wheel
- Both ends disappear behind the cheese wheel
- Subtler appearance than High Leaf
- Currently valued around $50 in circulated condition
These varieties made headlines on televised evening news programs when first discovered. Initial trading reached $500 or more, but since the initial hype has subsided, values have stabilized in the $50-65 range for circulated examples.
2005-P Minnesota doubled die varieties
The 2005-P Minnesota quarters left their mark in the world of error and variety coin collecting with more than 60 varieties of doubled dies stemming from this single issue. These generally involve extra spruce trees appearing on the reverse design.
2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die Quarters
This issue honors Minnesota, the state nicknamed the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The doubled die varieties create ghostlike outlines of extra spruce trees around the third and fourth primary trees to the right of the large outline of Minnesota state borders.
Variety Complexity
With over 60 known doubled die varieties for this single coin, providing detailed diagnostics for each is impractical. The most prominent doubling varieties show clear, ghostlike outlines of additional spruce trees that are easily visible to the naked eye.
Values for 2005-P Minnesota quarters vary markedly depending on the specific variety. The most dramatic and visible doubled dies trade for $50 to $100, while more obscure varieties see values ranging from $5 to $25, depending on the magnitude of the doubling and the coin's physical condition.
2009-D District of Columbia doubled die
Technically part of the six-coin Washington D.C. & U.S. Territories Quarters program that followed the 50 State Quarters, the 2009 District of Columbia quarter features what Numismatic News called "the most dramatic doubled die in years."
2009-D District of Columbia Doubled Die Quarter
The quarter features jazz composer and pianist Duke Ellington on the reverse. The dramatic doubled die shows strong doubling of the letters "ELL" in Duke Ellington's name, plus doubling on some piano keys and other nearby elements.
Territories Program Context
The 2009 program included Puerto Rico, Guam, and other U.S. territories. Some coins were released in special silver proof sets, making this one-year commemorative series particularly interesting for collectors who display them alongside classic state quarters.
The 2009-D District of Columbia doubled die quarters gained significant traction among collectors, with many finding examples in circulation. When first discovered in spring 2009, they were selling for hundreds of dollars. Today, circulated examples typically trade for around $75.
Silver proof state quarters
While the previous quarters were all error coins found in circulation, the final category consists of proof coins made specifically for collectors. These special strikes feature 90% silver content and premium finishes that showcase the designs beautifully.
Understanding Proof Coins
Proofs are special pieces struck multiple times for the sharpest details possible. The fields are specially polished to produce an eye-appealing mirrored effect, while the raised devices receive a frosted finish that enhances the coin's beauty. These silver content quarters combine numismatic artistry with precious metal value.
1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter
The Pennsylvania state quarter was the second design released in 1999. With a mintage of only 804,565, this proof is exceptionally low compared to the hundreds of millions of circulation strikes produced.
Inscriptions on the design emphasize the values of "VIRTUE, LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE." Remembering that Philadelphia was the original capital of early America, these themes seem particularly appropriate. The coin combines elegant design with precious metal content.
1999-S New Jersey Proof Silver Quarter
The New Jersey State Quarter design depicts the famous scene of George Washington (then General Washington) leading revolutionary soldiers across the Delaware River. This classic symbolism makes it a favorite among collectors.
Silver Content Value
These proof quarters contain 90% pure silver, providing intrinsic precious metal value in addition to numismatic premiums. Current silver spot prices help establish minimum values for these collectible pieces.
The grading standard for proof coins is harsher than for circulating coins, requiring flawless condition for top values. Examples of this historical silver coin trade for about $30 in perfect condition.
Collecting tips and value factors
Successfully collecting valuable state quarters requires understanding what drives prices, how to identify varieties, and where to find the best examples. The state quarter series offers opportunities for collectors at every level, from error hunting to silver proof collecting.
Error Identification
- Learn diagnostic features for each variety
- Use magnification for doubled die detection
- Compare with normal strikes for reference
- Verify authenticity through reputable sources
Condition Factors
- Circulated errors: $5-75 depending on variety
- Uncirculated errors: Premium over circulated
- Proof silver quarters: Condition critical
- Avoid cleaned or damaged examples
Market Dynamics
- Initial discovery hype inflates values
- Prices stabilize as supply is understood
- Media attention drives collector interest
- Long-term values depend on actual rarity
Storage and Preservation
- Use coin holders for valuable varieties
- Protect silver proofs from tarnishing
- Document discoveries with photos
- Keep detailed records of purchases
Value Summary Guide
| Quarter Type | Value Range | Key Factors | Collecting Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Error Coins | $50-$100 | Wisconsin Extra Leaf, prominent doubled dies | Focus on dramatic, well-documented varieties |
| Minor Error Coins | $10-$25 | Delaware Spitting Horse, minor doubled dies | Good entry points for error collecting |
| Silver Proof Quarters | $30-$35 | 90% silver content plus proof finish | Combine precious metals with numismatics |
| Regular State Quarters | $0.25 | Common circulation strikes | Foundation for complete sets |
Building Your Collection
Start with affordable error coins to learn identification skills, then gradually add higher-value varieties and silver proofs. Consider both individual rarities and complete sets, as comprehensive collections often command premiums over individual pieces. Focus on quality over quantity, and always verify authenticity through knowledgeable dealers or grading services.
Other valuable state quarter varieties
Beyond the major varieties covered above, the state quarter series includes numerous other errors, varieties, and special issues worth collecting. Each of the 50 state designs plus the territories offers unique collecting opportunities.
Additional Error Types
- Off-center strikes
- Multiple strike errors
- Clipped planchet varieties
- Die crack and cuds
Special Mint Issues
- 2019-W quarters (West Point mint)
- Special finish varieties
- Low mintage proof issues
- First day of issue coins
Complete Set Values
- 50-state circulation sets
- Silver proof complete sets
- Error variety collections
- First-year issue premiums
Market Trends
- Continuing collector interest
- New discoveries still possible
- Silver content provides value floor
- Educational and historical appeal
Honorable Mentions
Every valuable coin in this guide represents just the tip of the iceberg for state quarter collecting. Unlike older coin series, each of the 50 states features a unique design, creating diverse collecting opportunities. Their common Washington obverse technically makes them all Washington quarters, connecting them to the broader quarter collecting tradition while offering modern accessibility.
For collectors interested in exploring beyond state quarters, consider researching the broader world of silver quarters and other modern coin varieties. The state quarter program demonstrated that valuable coins continue being minted today, making careful examination of current issues a potentially rewarding hobby.
Conclusion
The 50 State Quarters program proved that valuable, collectible coins aren't limited to historical issues. From dramatic error coins like the Wisconsin "Extra Leaf" varieties to elegant silver proof strikes, these modern quarters offer collecting opportunities for every budget and interest level.
Success in state quarter collecting comes from education and careful observation. Learning to identify the diagnostic features of valuable varieties—whether a die break creating the Delaware "Spitting Horse" or doubling in the Minnesota spruce trees—enables collectors to discover treasures that others might overlook in everyday pocket change.
The combination of error varieties worth $50-100 and silver proof quarters valued at $30-35 creates a diverse collecting landscape. Whether pursuing individual rarities or building complete sets, state quarters offer the perfect blend of modern accessibility and genuine collectible value that continues attracting new generations of numismatists.
Your Next Steps
Start checking your pocket change for these valuable varieties, focusing on the most dramatic errors first. Consider adding silver proof state quarters to combine precious metal value with numismatic appeal. Remember that patience and knowledge are the collector's best tools—today's pocket change might contain tomorrow's numismatic treasures.