The U.S. Mint’s State Quarters Program sparked excitement among collectors, issuing a series of quarters from 1999 to 2008 that celebrated each state. However, some coins have become highly sought after due to their rarity, unique designs, or production errors.
Collectors and enthusiasts often search for these valuable pieces, which have gained substantial worth over time. Here are eight of the rarest state quarters that you might still find in circulation.
1999 Delaware Quarter
This coin holds significance as the very first in the State Quarters series. The Delaware quarter gained additional value due to a well-known production error called the “spitting horse,” where a die break causes Caesar Rodney’s horse to appear as though it is spitting.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter
The Wisconsin quarter is popular due to two rare versions, known as the “extra leaf” varieties. Some coins display an additional low or high leaf on the corn stalk, making these variations very rare and valuable.
2005 Minnesota Quarter
The Minnesota quarter is notable for its “extra tree” error. Due to a die flaw, some coins show extra trees in the design, leading to a range of unique variations that collectors seek.
2000 South Carolina Quarter
The South Carolina quarter is known for its double-die error, where some coins show doubled details on the palmetto tree or other design elements, adding to their rarity and desirability.
2007 Wyoming Quarter
The Wyoming Quarter’s error, often called the “galloping horse,” occurred when the coin’s design showed a distorted or partially missing horse image, making it a collector’s favorite.
1999 Georgia Quarter
A double-die error on the Georgia quarter has made this coin one of the rarest in the series. Some coins display doubled letters, particularly on the state name, enhancing their collector value.
2008 Arizona Quarter
The Arizona quarter is rare due to an error where an extra cactus branch appears, partially obscuring the designer’s initials. This unexpected addition makes it one of the rarer finds in circulation.
2003 Alabama Quarter
The Alabama quarter holds unique significance as the first U.S. coin to feature Braille. Some coins, however, have an error in the Braille dots, making these coins a collector’s item for those looking for rare variations.
| Coin | Year | Error Type | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 1999 | Spitting Horse | Die break on horse |
| Wisconsin | 2004 | Extra Leaf | Extra high or low leaf |
| Minnesota | 2005 | Extra Tree | Die flaw adds trees |
| South Carolina | 2000 | Double Die | Doubling on details |
| Wyoming | 2007 | Galloping Horse | Distorted horse image |
| Georgia | 1999 | Double Die | Doubled state name |
| Arizona | 2008 | Extra Cactus | Extra cactus branch |
| Alabama | 2003 | Braille Error | Braille dots error |
While some of these quarters may still be in circulation, finding them is rare and thrilling for collectors. Checking your change carefully may reveal one of these valuable coins, turning a small denomination into a cherished collector’s item.
FAQs
Why are some state quarters more valuable than others?
Some state quarters are more valuable due to production errors, limited mintage, or unique design elements that make them rare.
What is the “extra leaf” error on the Wisconsin quarter?
The “extra leaf” error refers to two varieties of the Wisconsin quarter that display an additional low or high leaf on the corn stalk, making them highly collectible.
How can I identify the “spitting horse” Delaware quarter?
Look for a small die break line in front of the horse’s mouth on the Delaware quarter, which gives the appearance that the horse is spitting.
Are error quarters worth more than face value?
Yes, error quarters can be worth much more than face value, especially if the error is prominent or the coin is in excellent condition.
Where can I sell rare state quarters?
You can sell rare state quarters through online auction sites, coin dealers, or collectible coin marketplaces to interested collectors.