The U.S. Mint’s State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, gave us 50 unique quarter designs, each representing a different state. While most of these quarters are common, some have become valuable due to limited production numbers, errors, or other factors.
Whether you’re a collector or just someone curious about coinage, checking your pocket change might reveal one of these rare and valuable quarters.
What Makes a State Quarter Rare?
Several factors determine the rarity of a state quarter. These include:
- Mintage numbers: Quarters with low production numbers are harder to find.
- Errors or variations: Quarters with minting mistakes are sought after by collectors.
- Condition: Uncirculated quarters or those in excellent condition can be worth far more than face value.
The 10 Rarest State Quarters in Circulation
1. 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter stands out due to its low mintage of 194.6 million. It was released during the 2008 economic recession, so fewer were circulated. While a worn version will likely be worth its face value, an uncirculated Oklahoma quarter could sell for around $1.25.
The quarter features the state flower, the Indian blanket, adding to its appeal.
2. 2004-P Iowa Quarter
The 2004-P Iowa quarter is another rare find with a mintage of 213.8 million. This quarter showcases a one-room schoolhouse, symbolizing Iowa’s rich history of education.
While common versions won’t bring in much, uncirculated examples can fetch over $1. In mint condition, the value could be higher, making it worth holding on to if you find one.
3. 2002-P Ohio Quarter
The 2002-P Ohio quarter was minted in Philadelphia, with 414.8 million produced. Although this number seems high, pristine versions of this coin are highly collectible.
Some uncirculated coins have sold for over $3,500 at auctions, making it one of the more valuable state quarters. The quarter honors Ohio’s contribution to aviation, featuring an astronaut and a plane.
4. 1999-P Delaware Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
The 1999-P Delaware quarter holds a special place as the first quarter released in the program. While it had a high mintage of 774 million, the famous “Spitting Horse” error makes this coin valuable.
In certain versions, a line appears near the mouth of the horse on the reverse side, making it look like the horse is spitting. Depending on the condition, these error coins can sell for anywhere from $5 to $30.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is famous for its “Extra Leaf” error. This variety shows an extra leaf on the corn stalk, with two versions: the “high leaf” and “low leaf” varieties.
These error coins are highly collectible, with uncirculated versions selling for over $100. These coins were minted in Denver and are in demand among collectors.
6. 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter is another error coin, known for the “Doubled Die” mistake, where an extra tree appears next to the others on the reverse.
While minor versions of this error may sell for about $5, more prominent examples can fetch up to $50. This makes the Minnesota quarter a treasure for those looking for valuable error coins.
7. 2008-D Alaska Quarter
The 2008-D Alaska quarter, with a mintage of 251.8 million, features a grizzly bear with a salmon in its mouth. Some coins have errors, like missing or incomplete details, which can make them more valuable.
Error-free, uncirculated coins can sell for up to $80, making this another rare quarter to look out for.
8. 2002-D Indiana Quarter
The 2002-D Indiana quarter, minted in Denver, has a lower mintage of 327 million. It features an Indy race car, a nod to the state’s racing heritage.
Uncirculated versions of this quarter can be worth over $1, but at auctions, exceptional specimens have been sold for as much as $3,700. If you have a mint-condition Indiana quarter, it could be worth more than you think.
9. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
The 2000-P South Carolina quarter, with a high mintage of 742 million, might not seem rare at first glance. However, collectors have paid significant sums for mint-condition versions of this coin, with some selling for up to $3,525.
Featuring the state bird and tree, this quarter is a valuable find for those lucky enough to spot one in pristine condition.
10. 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter (Missing State Name Error)
The 2000-P New Hampshire quarter is famous for a rare error where the state name is missing from the reverse side.
This error makes the quarter highly collectible. Depending on its condition, this error coin can sell for hundreds of dollars, making it worth a close inspection if you come across one.
State Quarters Value Table
| Quarter | Mintage (in millions) | Error/Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter | 194.6 | None | $1.25 |
| 2004-P Iowa Quarter | 213.8 | None | $1+ |
| 2002-P Ohio Quarter | 414.8 | None | Up to $3,500 |
| 1999-P Delaware Quarter | 774 | Spitting Horse Error | $5-$30 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter | 453.2 | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | Up to $100 |
| 2005-P Minnesota Quarter | 239.6 | Doubled Die (Extra Tree) | $5-$50 |
| 2008-D Alaska Quarter | 251.8 | Various Errors | Up to $80 |
| 2002-D Indiana Quarter | 327 | None | Up to $3,700 |
| 2000-P South Carolina Quarter | 742 | None | Up to $3,525 |
| 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter | 673 | Missing State Name Error | Hundreds of dollars |
FAQs About Rare State Quarters
1. How do I know if I have a rare state quarter?
Look for error coins, low-mintage years, and pristine or uncirculated coins. Errors like the “Spitting Horse” or “Extra Leaf” are especially valuable.
2. What makes a state quarter valuable?
Factors like low mintage numbers, minting errors, and condition all contribute to a quarter’s value. Uncirculated coins or those with rare errors often sell for far more than face value.
3. Can I still find rare state quarters in circulation?
Yes! While rare, some of these quarters are still in circulation. It’s worth checking your pocket change and rolls of quarters from the bank.
4. Where can I sell rare state quarters?
You can sell rare quarters to coin dealers, at coin auctions, or online through platforms like eBay. Make sure to have the coin appraised first to understand its true value.
5. How can I keep my state quarters in good condition?
Store your coins in a dry, cool place. Use coin holders or albums to prevent them from getting scratched or worn.
6. Are error quarters worth more than regular state quarters?
Yes, error quarters are typically worth much more than regular state quarters, especially if the error is rare or prominent.
7. How much is the “Spitting Horse” Delaware quarter worth?
Depending on its condition, the “Spitting Horse” error can be worth between $5 and $30.
8. What’s the most valuable state quarter?
One of the most valuable state quarters is the 2002-P Ohio quarter in uncirculated condition, which has sold for over $3,500.
9. Are quarters from the State Quarters Program still in circulation?
Yes, many state quarters are still in circulation, but finding rare or valuable ones is becoming more difficult as time passes.
10. Should I keep or sell my rare state quarters?
This depends on your goals as a collector. If you’re in it for the long haul, holding onto your rare quarters might yield a higher return in the future.
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