The U.S. State Quarter Program, launched in 1999, became a fun way to celebrate the history of each state. While most of these coins are worth only 25 cents, a few rare errors and unique features have turned some into valuable treasures.
Let’s dive into the top 10 rare state quarters that might still be hiding in your pocket change, worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The Delaware quarter was the first coin released in the series. It features an error known as the “spitting horse,” caused by a die crack near the horse’s mouth. This makes it look like the horse is spitting, and collectors love its quirky charm.
- Value: Up to $5,000 for well-preserved coins.
- How to Spot It: Look for a small line extending from the horse’s mouth.
1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter
This coin features a “Double Die Reverse” error, where the letters on the back, especially in “PENN,” appear doubled.
- Value: Up to $1,000 in excellent condition.
- Key Feature: Doubling on the reverse lettering.
2000 New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter
This coin includes a die crack that looks like a rope around the famous Old Man of the Mountain formation. While controversial, it’s highly collectible.
- Value: Up to $500, depending on the clarity of the error.
- How to Spot It: Check for a crack forming a rope-like shape around the Old Man’s neck.
2000 South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter
The South Carolina quarter features doubling in the word “South” on the reverse side. Though a minor error, it’s valuable to collectors.
- Value: Up to $250 for well-preserved examples.
- Key Feature: Doubling on the reverse text, especially in “South.”
2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
This famous error coin comes in two variations:
- Extra High Leaf: An added high leaf appears on the corn stalk.
- Extra Low Leaf: A lower leaf is added to the same area.
- Value: Up to $1,500 for coins in great condition.
- How to Identify: Look for the extra leaf above or below the corn stalk.
2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarter
The Minnesota quarter has a doubling error in the background trees, creating a distorted design.
- Value: Up to $300, depending on the extent of the doubling.
- Key Feature: Doubling in the trees on the coin’s reverse side.
2006 Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter
This error occurs when a piece of the die breaks off, creating an extra peak in the mountain range.
- Value: Up to $250 for prominent examples.
- How to Spot It: Look for an extra mountain peak in the design.
2008 Hawaii Double Die Quarter
The Hawaii quarter features a “Double Die” error, where the letters in “HAWAII” on the obverse appear doubled.
- Value: Up to $500 in pristine condition.
- Key Feature: Doubling in the state name “HAWAII.”
2009 District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter
This quarter includes an error in Duke Ellington’s name, misspelling it as “Duke Ellingon.”
- Value: Up to $1,000 for uncirculated examples.
- How to Spot It: Check for the missing “T” in Ellington’s name on the reverse.
Why These Quarters Are Worth So Much
These rare quarters remind us that errors can make everyday objects valuable. Whether it’s a die crack or a doubled design, these mistakes turn ordinary coins into collector’s items.
If you’re lucky, you might find one of these treasures in your change. Keep an eye out—you never know what’s hiding in plain sight!
