The State Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint in 1999, was a highly successful initiative that featured a new design for each of the 50 states. While most of the State Quarters are common and easy to find, some are exceptionally rare and valuable.
If you have any State Quarters in your collection or in circulation, it’s worth taking a closer look. Some of these coins might be worth far more than face value, and some could be considered rare treasures. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 rarest State Quarter coins in circulation and what makes them so valuable.
1. 1999-S Delaware Quarter (Proof Only)
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter is one of the most valuable quarters, but there’s a catch. The rarest version of this coin is the Proof-only variant that was minted for collectors and not intended for circulation.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Minting: Only 1.3 million of these were minted, far fewer than the regular circulating version.
- High Demand: Collectors seek out these proof coins for their sharp detail and mirror-like finish.
Approximate Value:
Up to $100 for uncirculated versions.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter features an extra leaf on the corn stalk on the reverse side. This “extra leaf” error happened because of a misalignment in the die during minting.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extra Leaf Error: The extra leaf is easily visible to the naked eye and adds value to the coin.
- Rarity: Only a few coins with the error were struck, making it a highly desirable collectible.
Approximate Value:
Up to $1,000 depending on the condition and the visibility of the error.
3. 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter (Proof Only)
Like the Delaware quarter, the 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter was also minted as a proof-only coin for collectors. These were never released into general circulation, adding to their rarity.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Coin: The S mintmark indicates it was minted in San Francisco, and only proof versions were made.
- Low Mintage: Fewer than 1 million were produced, making it rare and valuable.
Approximate Value:
Up to $50 for high-quality proof coins.
4. 2009 District of Columbia Quarter (Doubled Die)
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter features a double die error, where part of the design is duplicated, making it a rare find for collectors.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Doubled Die Error: The doubling is most noticeable on the letters “E” and “R” in “District,” which makes the error easy to spot.
- Error Coins: As a minting error, this coin is highly sought after by numismatists.
Approximate Value:
Up to $500 for well-preserved examples.
5. 2008-D New Mexico Quarter (Doubled Die)
The 2008-D New Mexico Quarter features a doubled die error, especially visible on the “One” in the state motto “Crescit Eundo”.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Doubled Die Error: The doubling effect is clear and makes the coin easily identifiable.
- Rarity: The error makes this coin valuable to error coin collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $1,500 depending on condition.
6. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter is known for an error where an extra tree was mistakenly included in the design on the reverse. The extra tree is clearly visible on the right side of the quarter.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extra Tree Error: The presence of an additional tree in the design makes this coin very rare.
- High Demand: Collectors eagerly seek out coins with this error, making them more valuable.
Approximate Value:
Up to $1,000 in excellent condition.
7. 1999-S New Jersey Quarter (Proof Only)
Another proof-only coin, the 1999-S New Jersey Quarter was part of the initial release of state quarters but was only minted for collectors and not for circulation.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Minting: These coins were minted in limited numbers, making them rare.
- Sought After by Collectors: The S mintmark and proof quality make this coin a favorite among collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $60 for a high-grade proof coin.
8. 2007-D Oklahoma State Quarter (Double Die)
The 2007-D Oklahoma State Quarter features a double die error on the obverse, particularly visible in the letters “Liberty” and “In God We Trust”.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Doubled Die Error: This error causes the design to appear doubled, which collectors look for.
- Increased Rarity: Fewer of these double die coins exist, making them more valuable to collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $500 depending on the condition and visibility of the error.
9. 2003-S Arkansas State Quarter (Proof Only)
The 2003-S Arkansas Quarter was minted only for proof sets and is highly collectible because it was never released into general circulation.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Coin: The S mintmark and limited mintage make this coin rare and valuable.
- Collector Demand: Proof coins are in high demand due to their shiny finish and limited availability.
Approximate Value:
Up to $80 for high-grade examples.
10. 2004-D Michigan State Quarter (Extra Leaf)
The 2004-D Michigan State Quarter features an extra leaf error on the reverse, which occurs when a piece of metal gets caught in the minting die.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extra Leaf Error: The extra leaf is clearly visible and adds uniqueness to the coin.
- Rarity: The error makes this coin valuable, especially when found in good condition.
Approximate Value:
Up to $2,000 for coins in excellent condition.
10 Rarest State Quarters and Their Value
| Coin | Error/Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-S Delaware Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $100 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter | Extra leaf error | Up to $1,000 |
| 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $50 |
| 2009 District of Columbia Quarter | Doubled die error | Up to $500 |
| 2008-D New Mexico Quarter | Doubled die error | Up to $1,500 |
| 2005 Minnesota Quarter | Extra tree error | Up to $1,000 |
| 1999-S New Jersey Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $60 |
| 2007-D Oklahoma Quarter | Double die error | Up to $500 |
| 2003-S Arkansas Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $80 |
| 2004-D Michigan Quarter | Extra leaf error | Up to $2,000 |
FAQs
While most state quarters are common and only worth face value, the 10 rarest state quarters highlighted in this article show just how much potential hidden value lies within the series.
Whether it’s due to a minting error, proof-only status, or design variation, some state quarters are worth much more than the typical 25 cents. Keep an eye out for these rare coins, and you could find yourself sitting on a valuable treasure.
How do you do they hope it’s all well. I was texting and asking where is a good place to hand it in to receive the correct money for the rare coins.
Thank you ,very informative. I happen to have one of America’s loonie it looks pretty cool .
Who do you take your special quarters to get money for.
Numismatics is my hobby and it brings alot of happiness and sense of emotional satisfaction,plus historical value.
I have 3 1776-1976 quarters