The U.S. State Quarter program, launched in 1999, offered a unique way to celebrate each state’s history and heritage. While most of these coins are worth their face value of 25 cents, some rare variations and minting errors have turned certain state quarters into valuable treasures. In this guide, we’ll look into the most sought-after state quarters that could still be circulating in your pocket change, potentially worth thousands of dollars.
1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The Delaware state quarter, released in 1999 as the first in the series, features an error known as the “spitting horse.” A die crack near the horse’s mouth causes the illusion that the horse is spitting. This quirky error has made the coin highly collectible, with well-preserved examples worth up to $5,000.
How to Identify It
- Look for a small line extending from the horse’s mouth. This is the die crack that creates the spitting illusion.
1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter
The 1999 Pennsylvania quarter is known for its “Double Die Reverse” error. This mistake caused distinct doubling in the reverse side’s lettering, most notably in the word “PENN.” This doubled text makes the coin easy to spot, and well-identified examples can fetch up to $1,000.
Key Features
- Noticeable doubling of the letters on the reverse side.
2000 New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter features a controversial die crack error that creates the illusion of a rope around the neck of the Old Man of the Mountain, a famous rock formation. While the error is unsettling, it has attracted the attention of collectors. Depending on the prominence of the crack, these quarters can be worth up to $500.
How to Spot It
- Look for a die crack that forms a rope-like structure around the Old Man’s neck.
2000 South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter
The 2000 South Carolina quarter features a minor yet significant error in the word “South” on the reverse, where doubling is visible in the text. Although not as high-value as other errors, well-maintained versions of this coin can be worth up to $250.
Key Features
- Doubling on the word “South” in the reverse text.
2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter is one of the most famous error quarters. Two versions of the error exist:
- Extra High Leaf: An additional high leaf appears on the corn stalk.
- Extra Low Leaf: A similar error but with the leaf lower on the stalk.
Both versions are highly valued, with coins in excellent condition fetching up to $1,500, making them some of the most valuable modern quarters.
How to Identify It
- Look for an additional leaf on the corn stalk, either higher or lower than the original.
2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota quarter features a unique error with doubling in the background trees. This error creates a visible distortion in the design, making it an attractive find for collectors. Depending on the extent of the doubling, these quarters can be worth up to $300.
Key Features
- Distinct doubling visible in the background trees of the design.
2006 Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter
The 2006 Colorado quarter is known for its “Cud Error,” a die crack that results in the appearance of an extra mountain peak. This error occurs when a piece of the die breaks off, creating a distinctive extra peak on the mountain range design. These quarters can be worth up to $250, particularly if the error is prominent.
How to Identify It
- Look for an extra mountain peak caused by a die crack on the coin’s design.
2008 Hawaii Double Die Quarter
The 2008 Hawaii quarter is one of the more recent examples of a valuable error coin. The “Double Die” error causes visible doubling in the state name, “HAWAII.” While this error is relatively recent, it has already become a sought-after collectible. These quarters can be worth up to $500, depending on condition.
Key Features
- Look for doubling in the state name “HAWAII” on the obverse.
2009 District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter
The 2009 District of Columbia quarter features an error in the spelling of Duke Ellington’s name. The error shows “Duke Ellington” misspelled as “Duke Ellington,” with a missing “T.” This error has made it one of the most sought-after state quarters, with coins in uncirculated condition worth up to $1,000.
How to Spot It
- Check for the misspelling of “Ellington” on the reverse side.
FAQs
What is the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter?
It’s a die crack error that creates the illusion of a horse spitting.
How can I spot the 1999 Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter?
Look for noticeable doubling in the reverse lettering.
What makes the 2000 New Hampshire quarter valuable?
It features a controversial die crack that resembles a rope.
How do I identify the Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter?
Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk.
What is the 2009 District of Columbia Ellington Error Quarter?
It has a misspelling of Duke Ellington’s name.
