Since the United States Mint first released the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, millions of Americans have collected these iconic coins, each representing one of the 50 states in the U.S. But did you know that some of these quarters are worth much more than their face value?
While many state quarters are still relatively inexpensive, certain rare ones have become highly sought after by collectors and can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Below, we’ll highlight 10 of the rarest state quarters and explain why they’re so valuable.
1. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Extra Leaf (Wheat) Variety
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter became famous for a minting error known as the “extra leaf” variety. On some of the coins, the corn stalk on the reverse shows an additional leaf near the base, giving it a distinct appearance. There are two known varieties: the “Low Leaf” and the “High Leaf”, with the High Leaf version being more valuable.
- Value: A High Leaf variety in mint condition can fetch anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on its grade and condition.
2. 2005 Minnesota Quarter – Extra Tree Branch
Another valuable state quarter is the 2005 Minnesota Quarter. A minting error caused some of the coins to feature an extra tree branch on the reverse design. The flaw, known as the “Extra Tree Branch”, can be spotted on the left side of the design near the tree’s base.
- Value: This error coin can be worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for high-grade specimens.
3. 2004 Michigan Quarter – DDO (Double Die Obverse)
The 2004 Michigan Quarter features a Double Die Obverse (DDO) variety, where the coin’s design was struck twice, leading to a doubling of the features on the obverse (front) side. This error coin is relatively rare and can be identified by the noticeable double outlines on the “E Pluribus Unum” inscription.
- Value: A high-quality DDO Michigan quarter can be worth $100 to $1,000 depending on its grade.
4. 2002 West Virginia Quarter – Missing Clad Layer
The 2002 West Virginia State Quarter is unique because a number of these coins were struck with a missing clad layer, which is the thin layer of copper-nickel that covers the coin. These “clad errors” are quite rare and can be valuable to collectors who specialize in minting mistakes.
- Value: A missing clad layer coin can be worth up to $100 to $300, and in certain conditions, even higher prices can be found.
5. 2007 Washington D.C. Quarter – Missing Mint Mark
The 2007 Washington D.C. Quarter was issued as part of the District of Columbia’s inclusion in the State Quarters program. Some of these quarters were mistakenly struck without the mint mark, which indicates the location of the mint that produced the coin (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco). The lack of the mint mark makes these coins incredibly rare.
- Value: These “no mint mark” quarters can be worth anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on their condition.
6. 2003 Ohio Quarter – Double Die Reverse
The 2003 Ohio Quarter features a double die reverse (DDR), which means the reverse side of the coin was struck twice, creating doubled features in the design. This error coin is sought after because of its distinct appearance and rarity.
- Value: If you find a high-grade example of the DDR Ohio Quarter, it could be worth between $100 and $1,000.
7. 2004 Arkansas Quarter – DDR (Double Die Reverse)
Another state quarter that features a Double Die Reverse (DDR) error is the 2004 Arkansas Quarter. This coin has the doubled features on the reverse side, and the error is often visible on the words “Arkansas” and the state outline.
- Value: Depending on the grade and condition, the 2004 DDR Arkansas Quarter can be worth anywhere from $50 to $500.
8. 2006 Nevada Quarter – Dropped Letter Error
The 2006 Nevada Quarter is one of the most famous state quarters due to a dropped letter error. In some cases, the “E” from “E Pluribus Unum” dropped out of the design, leaving behind a noticeable gap. These errors are highly collectible.
- Value: A dropped letter Nevada quarter can be worth $100 to $1,000 depending on its quality.
9. 2008 Alaska Quarter – Inverted “S” Mint Mark
Some 2008 Alaska State Quarters feature a minting error in which the “S” mint mark is inverted, making it upside down. This mistake is very rare, making these quarters incredibly valuable to collectors.
- Value: The inverted “S” mint mark Alaska quarter can fetch up to $500 to $3,000 for high-quality examples.
10. 1999 Delaware Quarter – Double Die Obverse (DDO)
The 1999 Delaware Quarter, one of the first coins in the State Quarters Program, features a rare Double Die Obverse (DDO) error. The error involves doubling in the lettering and features on the obverse side of the coin. It’s one of the most famous early-state quarter errors, and collectors prize it.
- Value: A 1999 DDO Delaware Quarter can be worth anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on its condition and the extent of the doubling.
Final Thoughts
While most state quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, certain rare varieties have turned into highly valuable collector’s items. If you’ve been collecting quarters or just happen to have some old ones lying around, be sure to inspect them closely for any of the rare errors or features discussed above.
You could be holding a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars! If you’re unsure about the value of a coin, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional numismatist or use a coin grading service to determine its condition and worth. Happy coin hunting!
