What State Quarters Are Worth Money?

The United States Mint launched the 50 State Quarters Program, issuing commemorative quarter-dollar coins from 1999 through 2008. This program honored each of the 50 states, releasing five distinct designs annually based on the order states ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union. More than 34 billion quarters were produced, making it the most successful numismatic program in U.S. history and significantly reinvigorating coin collecting. While the vast majority of these coins are worth their twenty-five cent face value, certain rare varieties or unique errors can command substantial premiums. This guide identifies specific State Quarters that hold significant value.

Understanding Coin Value Fundamentals

A coin’s value extends beyond its face denomination, influenced by several key factors. One primary determinant is the coin’s condition, often referred to as its grade. Professional coin grading services assess a coin’s state of preservation, assigning grades like “Uncirculated,” “About Uncirculated,” “Extremely Fine,” or “Very Fine.” A higher grade, indicating less wear and damage, generally corresponds to a higher market value. Even common coins can command premiums in top-tier grades.

Rarity also plays a substantial role in determining a coin’s worth. This is measured by mintage figures, representing the total number of coins produced, and survival rates, indicating how many coins of a particular issue still exist in collectible condition. Coins with lower original mintages or fewer surviving examples in good condition are rarer and typically more valuable. The State Quarters Program produced billions of coins, making most common issues worth only their face value due to their abundance.

Mint marks, small letters indicating where a coin was struck, also hold significance. Common mint marks include “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. While most circulating quarters bear “P” or “D” marks, “S” mint marks often denote proof coins, which are specially struck for collectors and generally possess higher initial value, especially those made of silver. The presence or absence of a specific mint mark can sometimes denote a rare variety or special edition.

Errors and varieties are significant drivers of value in modern coinage. An error results from a mechanical malfunction or human mistake during minting, such as a misstruck coin. Varieties are deviations in the die itself, like doubled dies where the design appears duplicated, or repunched mint marks. These anomalies make individual coins distinct and desirable to collectors.

Finally, collector demand influences market pricing. The popularity of a coin series, historical significance, or the allure of an error can drive up its market value. While intrinsic metal value is a factor for silver proof coins, for standard clad quarters, their worth is almost entirely dependent on collector interest and condition. This interplay of condition, rarity, mint mark, errors, and demand shapes a coin’s financial standing.

Specific Valuable State Quarter Varieties

Certain minting anomalies and varieties significantly increase a State Quarter’s numismatic worth. These valuable coins often result from errors in the production process or subtle die variations. Knowing the specific features to examine can help identify these treasures.

2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter

The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is a well-known example with two distinct valuable varieties: the “Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low.” These errors occurred at the Denver Mint. To identify them, examine the reverse side of the quarter, specifically the ear of corn on the left side of the dairy cow. An additional, small, curved leaf will appear near the bottom of the corn stalk, either pointing upwards towards the highest part of the corn (Extra Leaf High) or downwards towards the lowest part (Extra Leaf Low). These quarters can fetch between $45 and over $1,200, depending on the condition and whether it is the High or Low variety, with higher grades commanding premium prices.

2005-P Kansas State Quarter

Another notable error is found on the 2005-P Kansas State Quarter, often referred to as the “In God We Rust” variety. This error originates from the Philadelphia Mint. On the obverse side of the coin, examine the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above George Washington’s portrait. Due to a grease-filled die, the letter “T” in “TRUST” is either partially or completely missing, making it appear as “IN GOD WE RUST.” These quarters can still be worth between $5 and $100, with better-preserved examples at the higher end of this range.

1999-P Delaware State Quarter (“Spitting Horse”)

The 1999-P Delaware State Quarter also presents a recognized error known as the “Spitting Horse.” Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this error involves a die crack on the reverse of the coin. A distinct line or “spit” appears to emanate from the mouth of Caesar Rodney’s horse, extending downwards. Depending on its prominence and the coin’s overall condition, a “Spitting Horse” Delaware quarter typically sells for values ranging from $3 to $20.

1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Experimental Planchets)

Beyond the commonly discussed errors, some 1999-P Delaware Quarters were inadvertently struck on experimental planchets. These rare coins, originating from the Philadelphia Mint, were test pieces. Identifying features include an unusual golden or slightly greenish hue, a slightly thicker profile, and a heavier weight, typically ranging from 5.9 to 6.3 grams, compared to the standard 5.67 grams. These experimental planchet errors are considerably rarer and can be highly valuable, with some specimens selling for thousands of dollars, reaching as high as $15,000, depending on the specific experimental composition and grade.

2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters

The 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters have certain doubled die varieties. These quarters were released in a single year following the 50 State Quarters Program. For the 2009-D District of Columbia quarter, some examples exhibit significant doubling in the “ELL” of “ELLINGTON” on the reverse, along with doubling in the piano keys. Depending on the visibility and extent of this doubling, these can range from $5 to $20 for minor examples, with pronounced doubling fetching $1,000 or more in high grades.

Similarly, doubled die errors have been reported across other 2009 territorial quarters, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. These can manifest as doubling on various design elements or lettering on either the obverse or reverse. The value of these specific doubled die varieties varies significantly based on the clarity of the doubling and the coin’s condition, with some uncirculated examples potentially reaching into the hundreds of dollars.

Next Steps for Your Valued Quarters

Discovering a potentially valuable State Quarter requires careful handling and verification. Never clean the coin. Cleaning can permanently damage its surface, removing its natural patina and reducing its value. Always handle the coin by its edges, preferably while wearing clean cotton gloves, to prevent oils and dirt from transferring to its surface.

After careful handling, verify the suspected error or variety by comparing its features with detailed images and descriptions from reputable numismatic resources. Online databases and specialized coin collecting guides offer visual cues to confirm authenticity.

For coins believed to hold significant value, professional grading and authentication are the next logical steps. Services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) authenticate the coin, assign a precise grade, and encapsulate it in a tamper-evident holder. The submission process involves becoming a member, selecting a service tier, and paying associated fees.

The cost for professional grading can vary, often ranging from approximately $20 to $40 per coin for standard submissions, with higher fees for more valuable or expedited services. There is typically an additional handling fee, plus variable return shipping and insurance costs. This investment is justified for coins whose potential value significantly exceeds these costs.

Once a coin is authenticated and graded, you might consider obtaining an appraisal to understand its current market value. Local coin dealers often offer free verbal appraisals. Formal written appraisals, often required for insurance or estate purposes, may incur fees.

When selling your valuable quarters, several avenues are available. Local coin dealers offer a quick sale. Online auction platforms like eBay provide a wide audience. Numismatic conventions and coin shows also present opportunities to connect directly with dealers and collectors. Online specialized coin marketplaces offer another option.

Profits from the sale of collectibles, including valuable coins, are subject to capital gains tax. If a coin is held for more than one year, the net gain is a long-term capital gain, taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28%. For coins held for one year or less, any gain is short-term capital gain and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. Keep accurate records of purchase price and sale proceeds to determine the taxable gain.