5 Rare State Quarters Worth Over $5,000 — Check Your Spare Change!
Did you know that a few state quarters could be worth thousands of dollars? Most of us ignore our spare change, but some quarters from the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program (1999–2008) are highly valuable thanks to rare mistakes, low mintage numbers, or unusual features.
Let’s explore 5 state quarters that might still be in circulation — and why they could fetch over $5,000 if you’re lucky enough to find one.
Why Are Some State Quarters So Valuable?
Not all quarters are created equal. Here’s what makes certain ones so special:
- Minting Errors – Mistakes during production, like doubling or missing details, make these coins rare.
- Limited Quantities – Fewer coins mean higher demand.
- Collector Interest – The rarer the coin, the more collectors are willing to pay.
- Perfect Condition – Coins with little or no wear can be worth much more.
- Special Versions – Some quarters were made with silver or given proof finishes.
Table: 5 Valuable State Quarters Worth Over $5,000
| State | Year | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 2004 | D | Extra leaf on corn (high or low) | $5,000–$6,500 |
| Delaware | 1999 | P | “Spitting Horse” die crack | $5,000+ |
| Kansas | 2005 | P | “In God We Rust” printing error | $5,000+ |
| Minnesota | 2005 | P or D | Extra tree design | $5,000+ |
| Georgia | 1999 | P | Misprint on peach or border | $5,000+ |
1. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – The Extra Leaf Error
This coin shows an ear of corn with an extra leaf — either pointing high or low — that shouldn’t be there. It happened because of a die mistake during minting.
Why It’s Valuable:
Few of these errors were made, and collectors are willing to pay over $5,000 for one, especially in great shape.
2. 1999 Delaware Quarter – The “Spitting Horse”
This quarter shows Caesar Rodney on horseback. Some coins have a tiny crack that looks like the horse is spitting.
Why It’s Valuable:
It’s a funny-looking mint error that’s rare, and collectors love it. A clean, uncirculated one can bring in $5,000 or more.
3. 2005 Kansas Quarter – “In God We Rust”
In some of these quarters, the phrase “In God We Trust” appears as “In God We Rust” due to grease on the minting die.
Why It’s Valuable:
It’s a well-known and visible error. When found in excellent condition, it can be worth more than $5,000.
4. 2005 Minnesota Quarter – Extra Tree Error
Look closely and you might see extra tree-like shapes that weren’t part of the original design. This is due to die doubling.
Why It’s Valuable:
The more noticeable the extra trees, the higher the value. Good-condition examples have sold for $5,000 or more.
5. 1999 Georgia Quarter – Peach Design Misprint
This quarter has a peach in the center, but some versions show a misaligned or distorted peach or missing state borders.
Why It’s Valuable:
Because it was one of the first state quarters, mistakes were rare and went unnoticed. High-grade error coins can be worth more than $5,000.
What To Do If You Find a Rare Quarter
- Inspect Closely: Look for odd designs, missing letters, or strange marks.
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can lower the coin’s value.
- Get It Checked: Visit a coin shop or send it to a professional grading service.
- Store It Safely: Keep it in a protective case to prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Look for errors like missing letters, doubled images, or unusual shapes. Then, check online or have it evaluated by a coin expert.
2. Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell valuable coins at coin shops, through online auctions like eBay, or via certified coin dealers.
3. Does the mint mark matter?
Yes. The mint mark (P, D, or S) can affect value — some rare errors only came from specific mints.
4. Can a dirty coin still be valuable?
Yes. Even if a coin looks worn or dirty, it might still be valuable if it has a rare error. Avoid cleaning it and have it assessed first.