The State Quarters program was issued by the U.S. Mint from 1999 to 2008. It is considered a milestone in American coin collecting. Most state quarters are still worth just 25 cents, but some rare coins can sell for thousands of dollars due to their uniqueness and low numbers.
While there are often exaggerations on the internet that some quarters can be worth billions of dollars, the truth is that no state quarter has ever sold for billions. Still, some particularly rare quarters have fetched thousands of dollars at auction. If you have some old quarters, they’re worth a closer look—you might have a priceless coin!
Top 10 Rare and Valuable State Quarters
1.Wisconsin Quarter (2004-D)
- Estimated Value: $300 to $6,000
- Why is it valuable?
This quarter features an extra leaf on the corn stalk, which is due to a rare error. It is one of the most famous errors.
2. Minnesota Quarter (2005-P)
- Estimated value: $200 to $3,500
- Why is it valuable?
This quarter features an extra tree in the background due to a die crack, making it a very special and sought-after coin.
3. Delaware Quarter (1999-P)
- Estimated value: $400 to $5,000
- Why is it valuable?
This quarter features a crack coming out of the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting (spitting horse error). It is also very famous for being the first state quarter.
4. Georgia Quarter (1999-P)
- Estimated value: $5,000 to $7,000
- Why is it valuable?
Some Georgia quarters were mistakenly minted on a planchet that was the same metal used for the Sacagawea Dollar. This makes it different in color and texture from other quarters.
5. District of Columbia Quarter (2009-D)
- Estimated value: $150 to $4,000
- Why is it valuable?
This quarter had a minting misalignment that caused some parts of the coin’s design to appear double.
6. New York Quarter (2001-D)
- Estimated value: $250 to $3,000
- Why is it valuable?
Although this is not a quarter with an error, quarters in mint state condition sell for very high prices.
7. Alaska Quarter (2008-D)
- Estimated value: $300 to $2,500
- Why is it valuable?
This quarter features an extra claw error, caused by a die gouge.
8. Pennsylvania Quarter (1999-P)
- Estimated value: $80 to $2,000
- Why is it valuable?
This was the first state quarter issued. Quarters in uncirculated condition are rare and sell for high prices.
9. South Carolina Quarter (2000-P)
- Estimated value: $100 to $2,000
- Why is it valuable?
Although it is as commonly found as a regular quarter, brand new and high-grade quarters sell for a higher price.
10. Delaware Quarter (1999-P) – Experimental Planchet
- Estimated Value: Up to $4,888
- Why is it valuable?
It is one of the few state quarters accidentally minted in a unique metal. Its rarity makes it very valuable.
Is any state quarter really worth a “billion dollars”?
- No! No state quarter has ever sold for a billion dollars.
- The most expensive quarter ever sold was the 1932-D Washington quarter, which fetched $89,125.
- If you have a rare quarter, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
If you have an old quarter, take a closer look—do you have a priceless treasure hidden somewhere?
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Does a state quarter sell for millions or billions?
State quarters reached price tags of numerous thousand dollars when they were sold commercially.
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and any errors. The verification of grades should be handled only by professional graders when questions arise.
Where can I sell my rare state quarter?
You can sell them at coin shops, online marketplaces (such as eBay), or specialty auction houses.
Conclusion:
If you have some old state quarters, take a close look at them. You may have a unique and valuable coin that can fetch you thousands of dollars if sold at the right place!