Do you have an interest in coin collecting, especially collecting state quarters? Do you want to know which state quarters are worth what they’re worth? State-specific quarter collecting can be a rewarding and enjoyable pastime. But the value of each state quarter differs. Most of these quarters only have their face value—25 cents—when they are in circulation.
However, individual quarters can sell for something from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, especially when they are in excellent mint condition, have a low mintage number, or have unique minting errors.
We have compiled a list of some of the most valuable state quarters in this article. Even expert collectors may find it difficult to choose which quarters to give priority to, but this list will help to make your collecting journey easier, more engaging, and full of potential value.
Brief History of the State Quarters Program
The Statehood Quarter Program was launched by the U.S. Mint to commemorate each state, its history, and the Mint itself. The Mint made 50 individual quarters during this program, which occurred from 1999 to 2008; each quarter had George Washington on the obverse and a different design on the reverse that represents a state. Whether historical, geographical, or cultural, each design highlighted a unique facet of the state.
Collectors were excited and expecting the Mint’s production of five quarters yearly in the order that the states joined the Union. With at least 400 million quarters going to each state, an estimated 34.3 billion state quarters have been manufactured and put into circulation altogether. Some quarters are easier to find because of their high mintage, but others, especially those that originate from states like Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama, are far scarcer and thus more challenging to collect.
Though collecting state quarters has become a widespread hobby, most coins from the program are generally worth only their face value. However, error coins and rare gem-condition quarters are highly valued; some collectors have paid hundreds of dollars for them. We’ll explore some of the valuable state quarters that could greatly enhance your collection below.
How to Identify Valuable State Quarters
Finding specific characteristics can often be essential to identifying the most valuable state quarter coins worth money. The most valuable coins typically belong to those that are in mint condition, have few mints, or have unique errors. Look for quarters from certain series or states, especially those with experimental alloy compositions or unique errors. The difference between a normal quarter and a very valuable quarter can be determined by paying great attention to details.
Top 10 State Quarters Worth Money
- 1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter
- 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter: Struck on the End of a Feeder Finger
- 2003-D Maine State Quarter
- 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter
- 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter: Extra Leaf Low
- 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter on a Sacagawea Planchet
- 1999-P Delaware State Quarter
- 1999-P Pennsylvania State Quarter on an Experimental Planchet
- 2006-D North Dakota State Quarter
- 2008-D New Mexico State Quarter
1. 1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter
In 1999 and 2000, the U.S. Mint experimented with different alloys for the Sacagawea dollar, testing out various metals on a small batch of state quarters from five states, including Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia. These experimental alloy quarters are extremely rare because of their limited mintage, making them highly valuable. The 1999 P Delaware State Quarter, struck in Philadelphia, is one of the most demanded coins in this series. A record-breaking auction saw a 1999 Delaware quarter-graded MS66 sell for $4,888.
2. 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter: Struck on the End of a Feeder Finger
A rare error in which the coin was struck on the end of a feeder’s finger, this 1999 Connecticut State Quarter is another highly valuable coin from the Statehood series. Collectors are willing to pay high prices for such unique errors, with some even appearing on specialized lists of rare varieties.
3. 2003-D Maine State Quarter
It was released on June 2, 2003, the Maine State Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint as the 23rd quarter in the series. While circulated examples are easy to find, those in mint state are exceedingly rare. Any examples graded MS67 or higher are hard to come by. An MS68 Maine quarter sold for $2,300 at a Heritage Auctions event in 2017.
4. 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter
The South Carolina P State Quarter was released in 2000 as the eighth quarter in the program. While this quarter is relatively easy to find in circulated conditions, mint state examples graded MS68 or above are extremely rare. Only a limited number of these coins have been graded and certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). In 2018, a South Carolina P quarter-graded MS69 sold for $8,000, making it one of the most valuable state quarters.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter: Extra Leaf Low
One of the most famous errors in the Statehood Quarters Program, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter features an additional “extra leaf” on the corn stalk—one variant shows a low leaf, and another shows a high leaf. This mint error has made these quarters high demand. In 2020, an MS67 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf Low” quarter sold for $6,000 at auction.
6. 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter on a Sacagawea Planchet
This Connecticut State Quarter is particularly interesting, as it was struck on a Sacagawea dollar planchet during the experimental alloy period. These coins are distinct because they are thicker and heavier than regular quarters, and they have a golden hue and smooth edge. In 2018, a 1999 P Connecticut quarter-graded MS69 fetched an astonishing $10,500 at auction.
7. 1999-P Delaware State Quarter
The Delaware quarter was the first released under the Statehood Quarter Program, making it a highly collectible piece because of Delaware’s status as the first state to join the Union. Many of these coins were hoarded when first issued, but finding one in a high-grade mint state is rare. An MS66 Delaware quarter once sold for $4,888.
8. 1999-P Pennsylvania State Quarter on an Experimental Planchet
Pennsylvania’s state quarter was another coin involved in the experimental alloy testing. Only a few of these quarters exist, making them incredibly valuable. An MS67 example of a Pennsylvania quarter struck on an experimental planchet was valued at around $2,520 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).
9. 2006-D North Dakota State Quarter
It was released on August 28, 2006, the North Dakota State Quarter is another collectible gem in high mint state. While most circulated quarters are worth face value, mint-state examples are much rarer. In 2017, an MS68 example of the North Dakota quarter sold for $3,760 at auction.
10. 2008-D New Mexico State Quarter
Despite its high mintage of 244,400,000, the 2008-D New Mexico quarter from Denver is especially valuable in the mint state due to its quality strike. In grades like MS62 and above, these coins are highly desirable. One example graded MS62 even sold for $2,500.
Where to Find Valuable State Quarters
Searching for these valuable quarters can be as thrilling as finding a hidden treasure. Look in mint sets, original coin bags, and coin rolls to find pristine examples. Some collectors also keep an eye on auctions and rare coin dealers for higher-grade quarters.
Also Read – Top 10 Most Valuable Pennies
Conclusion
Some state quarters can become valuable, especially those with unique features, even if most of them are just worth their face value. Choose quarters from rarer states like Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama that are in excellent condition for the best returns. As you continue with your coin-collecting plans, investing within the right quarters could lead to financial benefits as well as life satisfaction.
