The U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters program, launched in 1999, captivated collectors and the general public alike. While most of these quarters hold nominal value, certain rare errors and unique features have elevated some to significant worth.
Here, we explore eight state quarters minted between 1999 and 2004 that have fetched prices exceeding $3,000, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and the reasons behind their high valuations.
1999-P Delaware Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
The inaugural coin of the series, the 1999 Delaware quarter, features Caesar Rodney on horseback. A notable error, dubbed the “Spitting Horse,” displays a die crack extending from the horse’s mouth, giving the illusion of spitting. High-grade specimens of this error have been auctioned for over $3,000, with one MS66 grade coin selling for $4,888.
1999-P Georgia Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
Some 1999 Georgia quarters were struck on experimental planchets intended for the Sacagawea dollar, resulting in a golden hue. These rare pieces, known as “mule” errors, have garnered significant attention. One such coin in MS66 condition sold for $4,888 at auction.
2000-P South Carolina Quarter (Off-Center Strike)
Off-center strikes occur when a coin is not properly aligned during minting, leading to a misaligned design. A 2000 South Carolina quarter with a 50% off-center strike in MS65 condition fetched $3,525 at auction, highlighting the value collectors place on such minting anomalies.
2001-P Vermont Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
The 2001 Vermont quarter features an image of sap buckets on maple trees. A double die reverse error, where the design elements appear doubled, has been identified on some of these coins. High-grade examples of this error have sold for over $3,000, making them highly sought after by collectors.
2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf High and Low Errors)
Perhaps the most famous errors in the state quarters series are the “Extra Leaf” varieties on the 2004 Wisconsin quarter. These coins exhibit an additional leaf on the ear of corn, either in a high or low position. The “Extra Leaf High” variety in MS68 condition has been auctioned for $6,000, while the “Extra Leaf Low” in similar condition has fetched $2,530.
2005-P Minnesota Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
The 2005 Minnesota quarter showcases a lake scene with trees. A double die reverse error, resulting in extra tree images, has been discovered on some coins. High-grade examples of this error have sold for over $3,000, reflecting their rarity and desirability among collectors.
2005-P Kansas Quarter (In God We Rust Error)
A striking error on the 2005 Kansas quarter involves a grease-filled die, causing the motto “In God We Trust” to appear as “In God We Rust.” While many examples exist, high-grade specimens in MS66 or higher have sold for over $3,000, particularly those with a pronounced error.
2006-P Nevada Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
The 2006 Nevada quarter features wild mustangs. A double die obverse error, where the obverse design elements are doubled, has been identified on some coins. High-grade examples of this error have fetched prices exceeding $3,000 at auction.
| Year | State | Error Type | Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Delaware | Spitting Horse | MS66 | $4,888 |
| 1999 | Georgia | Experimental Planchet | MS66 | $4,888 |
| 2000 | South Carolina | Off-Center Strike (50%) | MS65 | $3,525 |
| 2001 | Vermont | Double Die Reverse | MS67 | $3,000+ |
| 2004 | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf High | MS68 | $6,000 |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Double Die Reverse | MS67 | $3,000+ |
| 2005 | Kansas | “In God We Rust” Error | MS66 | $3,000+ |
| 2006 | Nevada | Double Die Obverse | MS67 | $3,000+ |
These state quarters, due to their unique errors and limited availability, have become highly coveted among numismatists. Collectors are willing to pay substantial sums to acquire these rare pieces, underscoring the importance of examining your change closely. You might just discover a valuable coin in your possession.
