Collecting state quarters is not only a fun and rewarding hobby but an opportunity to examine coins worth far more than their face value. Most circulated quarters have little extra value. Some state quarters are highly valuable either because they have low mintage, contain minting errors, or simply stand out due to their condition. Here’s a guide to some of the most valuable state quarters and why they’re highly sought after by collectors.
1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter
In 1999, the U.S. Mint experimented with various alloys for the Sacagawea dollar by using quarters from Delaware and other states. The experimental planchets were minted in such low numbers that they are extremely rare.
A graded MS66 Delaware experimental alloy quarter sold for an astronomical $4,888 at auction. This coin is one of the most valuable to be issued under the Statehood Quarters program.
2003-D Maine State Quarter
Maine’s state quarter, released in 2003, is common in circulated condition but rare in higher grades. Mint-state coins graded MS67 or better are exceptionally hard to find.
In 2017, a near-perfect MS68 Maine quarter fetched $2,300 at auction, underscoring the premium value of pristine examples.
2000-P South Carolina State Quarter
The 2000 South Carolina quarter is another rarity, especially in mint-state condition. High-grade examples, such as MS68 or MS69, are extremely rare.
In 2018, one MS69 South Carolina quarter even sold for $8,000, which proves the desire of collectors in it.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter has a mint error-an extra leaf on the corn husk in two variations: “Low Leaf” and “High Leaf.”
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with Low Leaf error graded MS67 sold for $6,000 at auction in 2020, which signifies the value of error coins.
1999-P Connecticut State Quarter
Connecticut’s 1999 quarter is another experimental Sacagawea planchet coin, recognizable by its gold color, thicker composition, and smooth edge. These planchet errors are extremely rare and highly collectible.
In 2018, a Connecticut quarter graded MS69 sold for $10,500, making it one of the most expensive state quarters ever sold.
1999-P Delaware State Quarter
As the first of the Statehood Quarters Program, the Delaware quarter offers historical value. Very few mint state examples exist for this coin type, and its MS66 sample sold for a price of $4,888 back in 2008.
1999-P Pennsylvania Experimental Planchet MS67
The 1999 Pennsylvania State Quarter was created on experimental planchets. Due to the scarcity, this coin presents a collector with a dream offer.
According to the Numismatic Guaranty Company, its estimated value is $2,520 for this type of the MS67 type.
2006-D North Dakota State Quarter
The North Dakota state quarter was released in 2006 and is relatively common in circulation, but rare in mint-state grades of MS67 and above.
A 2017 sale of an MS68 North Dakota quarter for $3,760 reflected its rarity in top condition.
2004-P Texas State Quarter
The 2004 Texas quarter is known for its “Grease Strike Through Error,” in which grease on the coin die causes missing design details.
A flawless MS69 Texas quarter brought $10,000. Error-free, mint-state proofs trade for thousands of dollars.
2008-D New Mexico State Quarter
While not as collectible as the Philadelphia-minted issues, the Denver-minted New Mexico quarter is still an attractive issue, with sharper features and a better finish.
Coins grading MS67 or higher are extremely rare. Their rarity and high quality make them of great interest to collectors.
FAQs:
Why are some state quarters valuable?
Rarity, mint errors, and high-grade conditions increase value.
What is an experimental planchet?
A test alloy used for minting coins like the Sacagawea dollar.
Which state quarter has the most errors?
The 2004 Wisconsin quarter with the Extra Leaf error.