Most of us see quarters as simple pocket change, but some of these coins are worth far more than their face value. The U.S. State Quarter Program, which began in 1999, introduced beautifully designed quarters representing all 50 states. While most are just worth 25 cents, a select few with rare errors or unique features have become highly collectible, fetching thousands of dollars at auctions.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 9 state quarters, including the popular bicentennial quarter, that are worth much more than their face value. These coins are prized for their historical significance and fascinating production errors. Read on to discover what makes these quarters so special and how you can identify these hidden treasures.
Overview Table: Rare State Quarters to Look For
| Year | State | Error/Feature | Value (Up To) | How to Identify |
| 1999 | Delaware | “Spitting Horse” Die Crack | $5,000 | Thin line extending from the horse’s mouth |
| 1999 | Pennsylvania | Double Die Reverse | $1,000 | Doubling in the reverse text, especially “PENN” |
| 2000 | New Hampshire | “Hanging Old Man” Die Crack | $500 | Rope-like crack near the Old Man of the Mountain |
| 2000 | South Carolina | Doubled Text | $250 | Doubling in the word “South” |
| 2004 | Wisconsin | “Extra Leaf” (High/Low) Error | $1,500 | Additional leaf on the corn stalk design |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Double Die in Trees | $300 | Doubling of background trees |
| 2006 | Colorado | “Cud Error” Extra Peak | $250 | An extra mountain peak in the design |
| 2008 | Hawaii | Double Die in Text | $500 | Doubling in the state name “Hawaii” |
| 2009 | District of Columbia | Misspelled “Ellington” | $1,000 | Missing “T” in Duke Ellington’s name on the reverse |
1. Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter (1999)
The Delaware quarter, the first release of the State Quarter Program, gained attention for a peculiar die crack on the reverse. This error creates the illusion of the horse spitting, making it a sought-after collectible.
Value: Up to $5,000 for pristine coins.
How to Spot It: Look for a thin crack extending from the horse’s mouth on the reverse side of the coin.
2. Pennsylvania Double Die Quarter (1999)
Pennsylvania’s state quarter features a rare double die reverse error, where certain letters on the reverse side appear doubled. This doubling, particularly noticeable in the word “PENN,” adds significant value.
Value: Up to $1,000 depending on the condition.
How to Identify: Look for doubling in the text, especially around the word “PENN.”
3. New Hampshire “Hanging Old Man” Quarter (2000)
The New Hampshire quarter includes a unique die crack error that looks like a rope hanging from the neck of the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation featured on the coin. This odd feature has earned it the nickname “Hanging Old Man.”
Value: Up to $500 for well-preserved examples.
How to Spot It: Look for a crack resembling a rope near the Old Man of the Mountain’s neck.
4. South Carolina Doubled Text Quarter (2000)
The South Carolina quarter includes a minor error with doubled text on the reverse. Although subtle, collectors prize this coin for its rarity and distinctiveness.
Value: Up to $250 for high-quality examples.
How to Identify: Check for slight doubling in the word “South” on the reverse side.
Key Characteristics of Valuable Quarters
To spot potentially valuable quarters, keep an eye out for:
- Die Cracks: These can appear as extra lines or features, like the Delaware “Spitting Horse” or Colorado “Cud Error.”
- Doubled Dies: Look for doubling in letters or images, such as in the Pennsylvania or Hawaii quarters.
- Misprints: Misspelled words or missing elements, like the District of Columbia quarter, can greatly enhance a coin’s value.
5. Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter (2004)
The Wisconsin quarter became famous for its “Extra Leaf” error, where an additional leaf appears on the corn stalk in the design. This extra leaf can be either slightly higher or lower than the rest, creating two distinct varieties.
Value: Up to $1,500 for mint-condition coins.
How to Spot It: Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk design, positioned either above or below the other leaves.
6. Minnesota Double Die Quarter (2005)
Minnesota’s state quarter features a double die error in the background trees. This doubling creates a striking visual effect and makes the coin highly collectible.
Value: Up to $300 depending on the clarity of the doubling.
How to Spot It: Look closely at the background trees for evidence of doubling or distortion.
7. Colorado “Cud Error” Quarter (2006)
The Colorado quarter includes a notable “cud error,” where a die crack resulted in the addition of an extra mountain peak on the coin’s reverse. This error is subtle but highly valuable to collectors.
Value: Up to $250 for coins with prominent errors.
How to Spot It: Look for an extra peak in the mountain range design.
8. Hawaii Double Die Quarter (2008)
The Hawaii quarter is known for its double die error, which affects the text on the reverse side. The most noticeable doubling appears in the word “Hawaii.”
Value: Up to $500 for coins in excellent condition.
How to Identify: Look for distinct doubling in the letters of “Hawaii.”
9. District of Columbia “Ellington Error” Quarter (2009)
The District of Columbia quarter features a misspelling error, where the “T” in Duke Ellington’s name is missing. This rare mistake has made it a favorite among collectors.
Value: Up to $1,000 for uncirculated examples.
How to Spot It: Check the spelling of “Ellington” on the coin’s reverse for a missing “T.”
The Iconic Bicentennial Quarter
Although not part of the State Quarter Program, the bicentennial quarter (minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary) is a standout coin. While most are worth face value, rare versions in pristine condition or with specific mint marks can command higher prices.
Collectors love the bicentennial quarter for its dual dates (1776-1976) and patriotic design, featuring a drummer on the reverse. Whether or not it’s worth thousands, it remains an iconic part of American numismatics.
1. How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check for unique features like die cracks, doubled letters, or missing details. Using a magnifying glass can help you spot subtle errors.
2. Are bicentennial quarters valuable?
While most bicentennial quarters are worth 25 cents, rare or uncirculated versions may be worth more to collectors.
3. Where can I sell rare state quarters?
You can sell rare quarters through online marketplaces like eBay or consult a coin dealer or auction house.
4. What is a double die error?
A double die error occurs when a coin is struck with a die that has an accidental doubling of its design, leading to overlapping or blurred images.
5. Can I find rare quarters in circulation?
Yes, many valuable quarters are still in circulation. Carefully inspect your pocket change for unique features.
