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If you grew up in the 1990s or early 2000s, you probably remember collecting state quarters at some point. There were even cardboard maps in the size of America where you could put down your latest discoveries. And if you find a brighter or more interesting version of something you already have, you can replace it.
But did you know that some of those state quarters are actually worth money now? These mostly contain minor discrepancies, such as casting errors or double-die versions. Some coins – such as 90% silver proof – are worth even more.
Check out these state quarters and see how much they’re worth.
2004-D Wisconsin ‘Extra Leaf’ Quarter
The Wisconsin state quarter was first issued in 2004, the same year coin collectors realized there were two valuable varieties:
- Extra leaf high variety: The leaf is located higher on the corn stalk than expected and has a more curved, thinner appearance. Between 5,000 and 10,000 were minted. It costs $65 to $85.
- Extra leaf less variety: The leaf of this coin is wider with a more noticeable curve and is located above the cheese wheel. The leaf tips disappear behind the cheese. Between 7,000 and 15,000 were minted. It costs $50 to $65.
These appear to have been made deliberately rather than as design mistakes. Only the Denver (D) Mint is worth any money. When it was first discovered, it was worth between $500 and $1,500, but once the publicity subsided, its value dropped significantly.
2009-D District of Columbia Double-Die Quarter
The reverse of the DC quarter depicts renowned pianist, composer and jazz orchestra leader Duke Ellington playing the piano. The words “Duke Ellington” and “Justice for All” are written beside them.
The version of this quarter that is worth more than your standard 25 cents has some different doublings on certain elements, such as:
- Primary doubling on “ELL” with clear separation between them
- Secondary doubling on piano keys
- Minor doubling on Ellington’s collar and bow tie
Raw coin prices range from $50-$60 (XF-40 grade) to $150 (MS-65 grade).
1999-P Delaware ‘Spitting Horse’ Quarter
Delaware was the first state quarter minted and issued to the public. But one particular flaw makes it worth a few bucks.
You can recognize the “Spitting Horse” error by a die break around the horse’s mouth that makes it look as if it is spitting – thus the name. It is a raised metal line that stops between the “C” and “A” of “CAESAR”. It is only on Philadelphia (P) coins.
As of last year, this coin now goes for $10 to $25 on auction and reseller sites. It used to be priced at $250 to $500, but that was before collectors realized that it was quite common.
2005-P Minnesota Double-Die Quarter
Over 60 documented varieties of the Minnesota state quarter exist today. That is a record. But only four of them are valuable. These are:
- WDDR-02 (Spanning Tree): Many trees are moderately doubled and appear to be spreading across the treetops. The coin is valued at $40 to $60 (AU condition).
- WDDR-04 (Ghost Forest): There is a slight doubling across the tree line, giving the forest the illusion of shade. It costs $25 to $50 (AU).
- WDDR-01 (Extra Tree): The third and fourth trees on this coin are very clearly doubled. It even has an extra tree outline. The coin is valued at $75 to $100 (AU).
- Other varieties: Minor anomalies in the design, most of which require a magnifying lens to see, are valued at $5 to $25. The exact value depends on how significant the doubling is.
The Minnesota State Quarterly was released April 4, 2005. Coins minted within a few weeks of that date have the strongest doubling effect and the highest overall value.
90% Silver Proof State Quarter
The San Francisco Mint also produced a 90% silver proof state quarter to go with it US Mint Program. These coins exist in more limited quantities (about 800,000 to 900,000 per design) and were created specifically for collectors. Similar to quarters minted before 1965, these coins are made of only 10% copper.
According to Gainesville Coin, the most valuable of these are:
- 1999-S Pennsylvania ($35 to $40)
- 1999-S Delaware ($30 to $35)
- 2004-S Wisconsin ($12 to $15)
Completed sets range from $450 to $550 (for all 50 states) or $525 to $625 (including 2009 US territories). Sets that are still in their original packaging are worth about 10% to 15% more.
Take the 50-state set in its original government packaging. Divided, the value of each quarter is:
- $9 to $11 x 10% = $9.90 to $12.10
- $9 to $11 x 15% = $10.35 to $12.65
Editor’s note: Data was taken from source gainesville coins And major coin auction sites.