Between 1999-2008 under the US 50 State Quarters Program, special design coins were released for every state. While most are regular coins, some rare quarters are still being used today and some are even worth as much as $250,000!
If you are a collector of US coins or have ever had a US quarter in your pocket, knowing about these 10 rare quarters can be useful to you.
1. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (Experimental Alloy)
This quarter was produced with a special alloy that was initially intended for the Sacagawea dollar coins. This rare quarter is of significant value among collectors.
Estimated Value: Up to $10,500 (for the high grade version).
2. 2003-P Maine State Quarter (High Grade)
This coin is worth a lot if it is discovered in Mint State (MS) 68 grade. The high-grade version is extremely rare.
Estimated Value: Approximately $2,300 (for MS68 grade).
3. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter (High Grade)
This coin is extremely rare, particularly in MS69 grade, and is highly valued by collectors.
Estimated Value: Approximately $8,000 (for MS69 grade).
4. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Low)
Certain 2004-D Wisconsin quarter coins have an extra leaf on the corn stalk. The mintage error makes this coin very unique.
Estimated Value: Up to $6,000 (for the MS67 grade).
5. 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter (Mint on Sacagawea Planchet)
This coin was minted in error on the Sacagawea dollar planchet, making it very rare and valuable.
Estimated Value: Approximately $10,500 (for the MS69 grade).
6. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter (High Grade)
A less common version of the Delaware State Quarter is its MS66 high-grade coin, which collectors especially look for.
Estimated Value: Approximately $4,888 (for the MS66 grade).
7. 1999-P Pennsylvania State Quarter (Experimental Alloy)
Similar to the Delaware quarters, a few 1999-P Pennsylvania quarters were also struck on the Sacagawea dollar planchet, so they are distinct.
Estimated Value: Around $2,520 (for MS67 grade).
8. 2008-D Oklahoma State Quarter (Low Minting)
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarters were produced in lower quantities than the other quarters, which makes them rarer.
Estimated Value: Depends on the condition of the coin.
9. 2004-P Iowa State Quarter (Additional Design)
A few 2004-P Iowa quarter coins have an additional design feature, making these a rare and unique coin.
Estimated Value: Depends on the severity of the design error.
10. 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Doubled Die)
The 2005-P Minnesota Quarter has a doubled die minting error, which is a doubled image, especially in the trees design.
Estimated Value: Approximately $50 (for clean doubling).
How to Identify and Value Rare Quarters?
If you suspect that you have a rare quarter, do the following to identify it:
- Inspect the Condition of the Coin: If the coin possesses an unworn clear design and shiny surface, it could be more valuable.
- Seek Minting Errors: Mistakes like additional designs, doubled dies, or minting on an incorrect planchet make a coin rarer. 3. Obtain Professional Grading: Having the coin graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) may be a good option to guarantee the coin is valued correctly.
Rare Quarter Summary
| Coin | Year | Rarity Characteristic | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-P Delaware | 1999 | Mint on Sacagawea Planchet | Up to $10,500 |
| 2003-P Maine | 2003 | High-Grade | $2,300 |
| 2000-P South Carolina | 2000 | High-Grade | $8,000 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin | 2004 | Extra Leaf Low | Up to $6,000 |
| 1999-P Connecticut | 1999 | Mint on Sacagawea Planchet | Up to $10,500 |
| 1999-P Delaware | 1999 | High-Grade | $4,888 |
| 1999-P Pennsylvania | 1999 | Mint on Sacagawea Planchet | $2,520 |
| 2008-D Oklahoma | 2008 | Lower Minting | Condition Dependent |
| 2004-P Iowa | 2004 | Additional Designs | Condition Dependent |
| 2005-P Minnesota | 2005 | Doubled Die | Up to $50 |
Conclusion
Most state quarters are everyday coins, but there are some rare types that can be incredibly valuable. If you search your coins with care, you may even find one of those rare quarters! Search your pockets, wallets, and stacks of coins with care—who knows, you may be hiding a treasure in there worth money! ????
FAQs
Q1. How can I tell if I have a rare state quarter?
Check for minting errors, high-grade conditions, or special features like doubled dies or experimental alloys. Professional grading services can help confirm rarity.
Q2. Which rare state quarter is the most valuable?
The 1999-P Delaware and 1999-P Connecticut quarters struck on Sacagawea dollar planchets are among the most valuable, worth up to $10,500 in high grades.
Q3. Where can I sell a rare state quarter?
You can sell rare quarters through coin dealers, online marketplaces like eBay, or auction houses specializing in numismatics.
Q4. How do I get a coin professionally graded?
Submit your coin to professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for an official evaluation.
Q5. Are state quarters still in circulation?
Yes, many state quarters are still in circulation, but rare variations are hard to find and are often collected by numismatists.