Interested in Collecting State Quarters? Discover the Most Valuable Ones!
Collecting state quarters can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but not all are equally valuable. Most circulated quarters are worth only their face value. However, quarters in mint condition, with low mintages or unique errors, can be worth from a few dollars to thousands.
History of the Statehood Quarter Program
From 1999 to 2008, the U.S. Mint released 50 unique state quarters, each featuring George Washington on the front and a design representing each state on the back. They were issued in sets of five per year, honoring states in the order they joined the Union.
About 34.3 billion state quarters were minted, with each state producing at least 400 million coins. Some states like Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama produced fewer coins, making their quarters rarer. Others like New Mexico, Iowa, Florida, and Michigan had much larger mintages, making their quarters more common.
While most state quarters are worth just 25 cents in circulated condition, rare error coins and pristine examples can fetch thousands at auction.
Here’s a list of the most valuable state quarters to watch for!
Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money
1. 1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter
In 1999 and 2000, the U.S. Mint conducted experiments by striking some state quarters on alternative metal alloys to determine the best material for the upcoming Sacagawea dollar, introduced in 2000.
This experiment involved quarters from five states: Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia.
The 1999 Philadelphia-minted Delaware quarter struck on an experimental alloy is especially rare, making it highly valuable.
One specimen graded MS66 sold at auction for an impressive $4,888, setting a record for coins from this experimental series.
2. 2003 D Maine State Quarter
Released on June 2, 2003, the Maine quarter was the 23rd in the series and was minted at Denver.
While circulated Maine quarters are fairly easy to find, mint state examples are scarce, especially those graded MS67 or above, which are very difficult to obtain.
A Maine quarter graded MS68 fetched $2,300 at Heritage Auctions in 2017, highlighting its desirability among collectors.
3. 2000 P South Carolina State Quarter
The South Carolina quarter was the eighth released in the program, appearing in 2000 and minted in Philadelphia.
These quarters are rare and more valuable when found in mint state. Finding high-grade examples requires searching through mint sets, original rolls, or new bank bags.
The Professional Coin Grading Service notes that fewer than 500 South Carolina quarters have been graded, with only a few reaching MS69.
One MS69 example discovered in 2018 was valued at $8,000, showing how prized these coins can be.
4. 2004 D Wisconsin State Quarter: Extra Leaf Low
The Statehood Quarters Program produced very few notable varieties, so any error coins from this series stand out.
One of the most famous errors is the 2004 Wisconsin quarter with the “Extra Leaf” variety. This variety shows an additional maize leaf on the left side of the ear of corn design—either hanging low or positioned slightly higher.
This extra leaf is considered a mint error and is absent from standard Wisconsin quarters.
A 2004 D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Low quarter graded MS67 sold for $6,000 at auction in 2020, making it one of the most significant mint errors in the series.
5. 1999 P Connecticut State Quarter
The 1999 Philadelphia Connecticut quarter is notable for being part of the Sacagawea dollar experimental planchet series, struck on unusual metal alloy blanks.
These error coins are quite rare due to the limited number produced.
To identify one, note that this quarter is thicker and heavier than a normal quarter and has a goldish color rather than the usual silver tone.
Additionally, the edge of this error quarter is smooth, unlike the typical reeded edge of regular quarters.
One MS69 graded Connecticut experimental quarter sold for $10,500 in 2018, according to PCGS.
6. 1999 P Delaware State Quarter
The Delaware quarter was the first struck in the Statehood Quarter Program, reflecting Delaware’s status as the first state to join the Union.
This historical significance makes the Delaware quarter especially popular among collectors aiming to complete their sets.
Many collectors hoarded Delaware quarters when released, making mint state examples harder to find today.
One specimen graded MS66 sold for $4,888 in a 2008 auction, illustrating its collector value.
7. 1999 P Pennsylvania MS 67 Struck on an Experimental Planchet
Pennsylvania was among the five states that had quarters struck on Sacagawea dollar planchets during the 1999 alloy experiment.
Only a handful of these experimental quarters exist, which contributes to their rarity and value.
According to the Numismatic Guaranty Company, a 1999 P Pennsylvania quarter graded MS67 and struck on an experimental planchet can be worth up to $2,520.
FAQs
What makes a state quarter valuable?
A state quarter’s value depends on rarity, condition, low mintage, and any minting errors or experimental alloys used during production.
How can I identify error state quarters?
Look for unusual features like extra design elements, different alloys, smooth edges, or variations in thickness and weight compared to regular quarters.
Are circulated state quarters worth collecting?
Most circulated state quarters hold only face value, but mint state or rare error quarters can be worth significantly more to collectors.
Where can I get my state quarters appraised?
You can use verified coin appraisal services online or visit local coin dealers and numismatic experts to get accurate evaluations.
Last Thought
Collecting state quarters can be a rewarding and exciting hobby, especially when you discover rare or error coins that hold significant value. While most quarters are worth just their face value, knowing which ones to seek out—like experimental alloys or mint-state rarities—can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced collector, these valuable state quarters offer a fascinating glimpse into U.S. history and the art of coin minting. Happy collecting!
