State quarters from the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program (1999-2008) have captivated collectors and casual coin enthusiasts alike, with some of these quarters now reaching impressive values.
Particularly rare or error-variant coins can fetch high prices, with the top examples, such as the elusive 2004-D Wisconsin quarter, valued at $725,000. Here, we dive into the details of why this coin is so valuable and highlight three other quarters worth checking your change for.
2004-D Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf Error
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter holds a unique place in the numismatic world due to an error in its design: an additional leaf on the corn stalk.
This error has two varieties—the “Extra High Leaf” and “Extra Low Leaf”—which were created when mint machinery added an extra leaf to the design by mistake. Coins featuring this error in uncirculated condition have sold for over $725,000, making this one of the most sought-after error quarters.
2005 Minnesota Quarter with Doubled Die Error
The 2005 Minnesota quarter features the famous “doubled die” error, where the image on the coin appears slightly doubled, particularly around the trees.
The doubling effect was an error from the minting process, and some variants with prominent doubling can fetch up to $5,000 in top condition. Checking the quarter’s fine details can reveal if it’s one of these rare versions.
1999 Delaware Quarter – “Spitting Horse” Error
The Delaware quarter, the first in the State Quarters Program, features the iconic Caesar Rodney on horseback. A unique error on some of these coins creates a raised line that appears to show the horse “spitting.” This error, known as a die crack, initially sold for around $100 but has increased in value, with mint-condition versions now worth as much as $30 to $300.
2008-D Oklahoma Quarter – Low Mintage and Scarcity
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter is rare due to its low mintage, created during the economic downturn in 2008, which resulted in reduced coin production. Although it does not have an error, the scarcity alone makes high-grade, mint-condition versions of this quarter valuable, reaching prices up to $2,000 at auction.
| State Quarter | Error Type | Highest Value | Year Issued | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-D Wisconsin | Extra High/Low Leaf | $725,000 | 2004 | 453,200,000 |
| 2005 Minnesota | Doubled Die Error | $5,000 | 2005 | 488,600,000 |
| 1999 Delaware | Spitting Horse Die Crack | $300 | 1999 | 774,824,000 |
| 2008-D Oklahoma | Low Mintage | $2,000 | 2008 | 194,600,000 |
Checking your pocket change for these valuable quarters can be a rewarding venture. These quarters, especially when uncirculated or featuring rare errors, continue to draw interest and high bids at auctions, making them not only valuable but also intriguing collectibles.
FAQs
1. What makes the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter so valuable?
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is highly valuable due to a unique mint error that created an extra leaf on the corn stalk, with rare versions in top condition reaching values up to $725,000.
2. How can I identify a 2005 Minnesota quarter with the doubled die error?
Look closely at the trees on the coin; a noticeable doubling effect indicates this valuable error, especially sought after by collectors.
3. What is the “Spitting Horse” error on the 1999 Delaware quarter?
The “Spitting Horse” error is a die crack on the Delaware quarter, creating a raised line near the horse’s mouth, which appears like it’s “spitting.” Mint-condition versions can be worth up to $300.
4. Why is the 2008-D Oklahoma quarter considered valuable?
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter is rare due to its low mintage, making high-grade examples desirable and valued at around $2,000.
5. Are all State Quarters valuable?
No, most circulated State Quarters are only worth face value. However, rare versions with errors or low mintage numbers can be valuable in uncirculated or mint condition.