Coin collecting is a fun hobby for many people. Some quarters, because of their unique designs or mistakes during minting, can be worth a lot more than just 25 cents. While most quarters today are worth only their face value, a few rare ones can sell for as much as $10,000 or even more at auctions. This article highlights eight rare quarters that could be worth a small fortune if you find them in your collection.
1999 Georgia State Quarter (Experimental Planchet)
The 1999 Georgia State Quarter is part of the 50 State Quarters series. This coin was mistakenly minted on special planchets meant for the Sacagawea dollar, making it very rare. These coins might look different because they can appear greenish or golden instead of the usual copper-nickel color.
- Key Features: Experimental planchet
- Estimated Value: Up to $10,000
- Identification: Weighs between 5.9 and 6.3 grams, possibly with a greenish or golden hue.
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (“Extra Leaf” Error)
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter has a notable design mistake. Some coins were made with an extra leaf on the corn stalk design. These are called the “Extra High Leaf” or “Extra Low Leaf.” Collectors really want these rare coins.
- Key Features: Extra leaf error
- Estimated Value: $300 to over $2,500
- Identification: Look for an extra high or low leaf on the corn stalk.
2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Double Die Error)
A double die error on the 2005 Minnesota State Quarter caused an extra tree to appear on the back of the coin. This mistake has made these coins very valuable, especially if they are in excellent condition.
- Key Features: Double die error
- Estimated Value: Up to $7,500
- Identification: Look for an extra tree on the reverse side.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Minted to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is mostly worth just 25 cents. However, certain errors like doubling or off-center strikes can make these coins very valuable, especially if they are in mint condition.
- Key Features: Special edition, errors
- Estimated Value: Up to $10,000
- Identification: Look for errors like doubling or off-center strikes, particularly in uncirculated condition.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is very popular among collectors due to its low production. Only 436,800 were made at the Denver Mint, making it very valuable, especially if it is in uncirculated condition.
- Key Features: Low mintage
- Estimated Value: $100 to $143,750
- Identification: Look for the “D” mint mark and pristine condition for higher value.
1962-D Washington Quarter
This quarter, minted in Denver, is more valuable if it is in near-perfect, uncirculated condition. Some minting mistakes can also make it worth a lot more.
- Key Features: Mint condition, errors
- Estimated Value: $6 to $18,400
- Identification: Look for mint condition and errors like doubling or planchet imperfections.
1927-S Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1927-S Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter is very rare, with only 396,000 ever made. It is particularly valuable if Lady Liberty’s head is detailed and shows little wear.
- Key Features: Low mintage, full head design
- Estimated Value: Up to $175,000
- Identification: The coin is more valuable if Lady Liberty’s head is fully detailed.
2000-P Maryland Quarter (Mule Error with Sacagawea Dollar)
In 2000, a Maryland State Quarter was mistakenly struck with the reverse design of a Sacagawea dollar, creating a mule error. Only about 100 to 200 of these coins exist, making them extremely rare and valuable.
- Key Features: Mule error with Sacagawea dollar
- Estimated Value: $1,000 to $10,000
- Identification: The reverse side features the Sacagawea dollar design.
Summary Table of Rare Quarters
Coin | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
1999 Georgia State Quarter | 1999 | Experimental Planchet, Errors | Up to $10,000 |
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter | 2004 | Extra Leaf Error | $300 – $2,500 |
2005 Minnesota State Quarter | 2005 | Double Die Error | Up to $7,500 |
1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Mint Condition/Errors | Up to $10,000 |
1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low Mintage | $100 – $143,750 |
1962-D Washington Quarter | 1962 | Mint Condition/Errors | $6 – $18,400 |
1927-S Full Head Standing Liberty | 1927 | Full Head, Low Mintage | Up to $175,000 |
2000-P Maryland Quarter | 2000 | Mule Error with Sacagawea Dollar | $1,000 – $10,000 |
If you think you have one of these rare quarters, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional coin expert or a reliable coin-grading service like PCGS or NGC. While most quarters are just worth their face value, finding one with a small minting mistake or a rare design can turn a simple 25-cent coin into something worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
In the world of coin collecting, some quarters stand out because of their unique features or mistakes during minting. Coins like the 1999 Georgia State Quarter or the 2000-P Maryland Quarter could be hiding in your pocket and might be worth thousands of dollars. Always keep an eye out for these rare finds! Getting a professional opinion can help you discover the true value of your coins and guide you on your journey as a collector.
FAQs
What makes a quarter worth more than its face value?
A quarter can be worth more than its face value if it has rare features, such as minting errors, low production numbers, or unique designs.
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
To determine if your quarter is valuable, check for minting errors, unique features, or rare designs.
Where can I sell my valuable quarters?
You can sell valuable quarters at coin shops, online marketplaces (like eBay), or through coin auctions.
Are all state quarters worth more than 25 cents?
No, not all state quarters are worth more than 25 cents.