The U.S. State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, created a lot of excitement among collectors and everyday people alike. This program released unique quarters, each representing a different state. While billions of these coins were made, some are much rarer and more valuable than others. If you’re interested in coin collecting or just want to check your change, here are the ten rarest state quarters you might come across.
1. 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter
The 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter is the rarest on our list, with a low mintage of just 194.6 million coins. It was released during the economic downturn of 2008, making it hard to find. While worn coins are worth only 25 cents, uncirculated ones can be worth around $1.25.
2. 2004-P Iowa Quarter
Next is the 2004-P Iowa Quarter. With a total mintage of 213.8 million, this quarter features a charming design of a one-room schoolhouse. Uncirculated versions can be valued at over $1, making it a prized find for collectors.
3. 2002-P Ohio Quarter
The 2002-P Ohio Quarter has a higher mintage of 414.8 million coins but is still sought after. When found in excellent condition, some of these quarters have sold for more than $3,500 at auction.
4. 1999-P Delaware Quarter
As the first state quarter released, the 1999-P Delaware Quarter had a massive mintage of over 774 million. However, it features a famous error known as the “Spitting Horse,” where a line appears to come from the horse’s mouth. This error can make coins worth anywhere from $5 to $30 based on their condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter is famous for its design error, where an extra leaf appears on the corn stalk. Uncirculated versions of this quarter can sell for over $100. This coin is particularly popular among error coin collectors.
6. 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
Next up is the 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter. This coin features a noticeable error where an extra tree appears. Depending on the severity of the error, these coins can be worth between $5 and $50.
7. 2008-D Alaska Quarter
The 2008-D Alaska Quarter has a mintage of 251.8 million. It features a striking image of a grizzly bear with a salmon. Some error varieties, where details are missing, can fetch up to $80.
8. 2002-D Indiana Quarter
With a mintage of 327 million, the 2002-D Indiana Quarter showcases an Indy race car and the motto “Crossroads of America.” In mint condition, this quarter can be worth over $1, and exceptional pieces can go for about $3,700 at auction.
9. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
The 2000-P South Carolina Quarter features the state bird and tree, and despite having a high mintage of 742 million, certain varieties in mint condition have sold for as much as $3,525 in auctions.
10. 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter
Lastly, the 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter features the “Old Man of the Mountain” and is known for an error where the state name is missing from the reverse side. These coins are highly collectible, sometimes selling for hundreds of dollars.
Rarest State Quarters Overview
| Quarter | Mintage (Millions) | Typical Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-D Oklahoma | 194.6 | $1.25+ |
| 2004-P Iowa | 213.8 | $1.10+ |
| 2002-P Ohio | 414.8 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 1999-P Delaware | 774.8 | $30 (error coin) |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
| 2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die | N/A | $50 (error coin) |
| 2008-D Alaska | 251.8 | $80+ |
| 2002-D Indiana | 327 | $3,700 (auction) |
| 2000-P South Carolina | 742 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 2000-P New Hampshire | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
Conclusion
If you stumble upon one of these rare state quarters in your change or while coin hunting, you might have something worth more than just its face value. Some of these coins, especially those with errors or limited mintages, can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So, keep your eyes peeled; you never know when you might find a hidden gem!
five frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What are state quarters?
State quarters are special coins released by the U.S. Mint between 1999 and 2008, each representing one of the 50 states. They were part of a program to celebrate each state’s unique history and culture.
2. How can I tell if my quarter is rare?
To determine if your quarter is rare, check the year, mint mark (which indicates where it was made), and any errors or unique features. Rarity often comes from low mintage numbers or special design errors.
3. What is the value of rare state quarters?
The value of rare state quarters can vary widely. While most are worth 25 cents, certain ones can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if they are in excellent condition or have errors.