State quarters have been released in 1999 as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, which proved to be one of the most valuable coin sets in U.S. history. Even though the majority of these quarters are ideally valued at 25 cents, a few rare types have fetched tens of millions of greenbacks due to minting errors, specific compositions, or near optimum conditions. Some of these precious quarters are still in use today—i.e., you might have one in your pocket change! Below are five state quarters worth up to $6.7 million per coin that you should look out for.
How to Determine If You Have a Rare State Quarter
If you think you have a precious state quarter, then follow these steps:
- Examine the Design: Check for obvious mistakes such as extra leaves, doubling, or misstrikes.
- Verify the Weight: Certain scarce quarters were minted on test planchets that are heavier.
- Inspect the Edge: Silver planchet mistakes will not exhibit the typical copper band.
- Have It Graded: Get a professional grading company such as PCGS or NGC authenticate your coin.
2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter is very well known for its farm-themed design with a cow, cheese, and corn.
- Rare Error: some of these varieties have an additional leaf on the ear of corn, either up or down
- Collector Interest: these varieties are very rare and very desirable
- Value: others have sold for over $1,500 each, and mint, uncirculated specimens can fetch even higher prices
Who knew a small leaf would make a 25-cent coin into a fortune?
1999 Delaware Quarter
The 1999 Delaware Quarter is the best for being the lead coin produced in the 50 State Quarters Program.
- Design: This design features Caesar Rodney on horseback, representing Delaware as the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution
- Rarity: Some misprinted money with double dies or off-centering are extremely rare and valuable
- Value: Some rare error coins have sold for as much as $6.7 million at auction
If you find a Delaware quarter with any visible minting errors, keep it handy—this may be your ticket to gold.
2008 Alaska Quarter
The 2008 Alaska Quarter depicts a salmon being snagged by a grizzly bear, which represents wildlife in the state.
- Hidden Value: some special mint edition proof coins were put into circulation in error
- How to Spot it: proof quarters have a mirror look and additional inscribed impressions than usual coins
- Worth: these proof quarters are hundreds or even thousands of dollars
Riffle through your loose change for any exceptionally shiny Alaska quarters—you could be holding a fortune in your hand.
2000 New Hampshire Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire Quarter honors the Old Man of the Mountain, a well-known rock formation that fell in 2003.
- Rare Discoveries: A few instances of strikes of the quarter found their way into circulation by mistake
- Value: If you find one in great condition, it could be worth up to $500
Although it’s not as precious as certain quarters, it’s definitely worthwhile to dig around in your change to see if you have this bit of history.
2005 Minnesota Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota Quarter commemorates the grace of nature in the state on a lake as a loon.
- Error Description: Double die-struck some of the coins made in this year, thereby blurring or duplicating some part of the design
- Market Value: $100 to $6,000 depending on condition
If you find a doubling on your Minnesota quarter, you might be in possession of a collector’s gem.
Final Thought
If you’ve ever thought about collecting coins, today is the day to start checking your change! These five scarce State Quarters can still be found in circulation, and if you stumble upon one, you might be in possession of life-changing treasure that could sell for up to $6.7 million!
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my quarter is worth a lot?
Search for mint mistakes, extra design features, or proof varieties with a reflective finish.
What is the extra leaf error on the 2004 Wisconsin Quarter?
There are some quarters that have an extra corn leaf, and they’re quite valuable.