The State Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint in 1999, introduced a new design for each of the 50 states. While most state quarters are common and easy to find, certain rarities have emerged that make certain coins highly collectible and valuable.
These rare coins can be worth significantly more than their face value, especially when they are in mint condition or feature unique mint errors. In this article, we will explore the 10 rarest state quarter coins in circulation and why they are so valuable.
1. 1999-S Delaware State Quarter (Proof-Only)
The 1999-S Delaware State Quarter is one of the most valuable coins in the series. Minted in San Francisco for proof sets, this coin was not issued for general circulation, making it a rare find.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only: The S mintmark indicates that this coin was only issued as part of a proof set, not for everyday use.
- Low Mintage: Only about 1.3 million of these were minted, making it rarer than many other state quarters.
Approximate Value:
Up to $100 for high-quality examples.
2. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is famous for the extra leaf error found on the reverse side, in the corn stalk design. This error occurred when a piece of the die became clogged, resulting in an extra leaf being printed.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extra Leaf Error: The additional leaf is clearly visible, making this coin highly collectible.
- Rarity: This is one of the most recognized errors in the state quarter series, and it’s difficult to find.
Approximate Value:
Up to $1,000, depending on condition and the visibility of the error.
3. 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter (Proof-Only)
The 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter is another proof-only coin, meaning it was never released into circulation. Like other proof coins, it was minted for collectors and boasts a distinctive mirror-like finish.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Minting: With fewer than 1 million coins produced, this coin is much rarer than its circulation counterparts.
- Sought-After by Collectors: Collectors are always looking for proof coins from the early years of the State Quarters Program.
Approximate Value:
Up to $50 for high-quality proof versions.
4. 2009 District of Columbia Quarter (Doubled Die Error)
The 2009 District of Columbia State Quarter is a rare find due to a doubled die error, where part of the design appears duplicated. The error is especially noticeable on the word “E Pluribus Unum” on the reverse side.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Doubled Die Error: The doubling effect is visible and makes the coin a rare and highly valuable piece for error coin collectors.
- Low Mintage: The error was only found on a few coins, making it rare in circulation.
Approximate Value:
Up to $500, depending on the condition and severity of the error.
5. 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter (Proof-Only)
The 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter is another proof-only coin that was not issued for general circulation. This coin was minted with a limited mintage in San Francisco and has become highly collectible over the years.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only: Proof coins are highly sought after for their high-quality finishes.
- Low Mintage: With fewer than 1 million minted, it is one of the rarer coins from the early years of the series.
Approximate Value:
Up to $60 for coins in high grade.
6. 2007-D Oklahoma State Quarter (Double Die)
The 2007-D Oklahoma State Quarter is another coin that features a double die error. The most noticeable error is on the lettering of “Liberty” and “In God We Trust”, where the design is slightly doubled.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Double Die Error: Double dies create a unique and recognizable error, making these quarters highly collectible.
- Low Availability: Only a small number of coins were affected by the error, adding to their value.
Approximate Value:
Up to $500 depending on condition and how pronounced the doubling is.
7. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter features an error where an extra tree was inadvertently added to the reverse side of the coin. This error occurred due to a misalignment during the minting process.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extra Tree Error: The added tree makes this coin stand out and increases its rarity.
- Highly Sought After: Error coins such as this one are often worth much more than their face value.
Approximate Value:
Up to $1,000 depending on the visibility of the error and condition.
8. 1999-S Connecticut State Quarter (Proof-Only)
The 1999-S Connecticut State Quarter is another proof-only coin minted specifically for collectors. Like other proof coins, it was made with a high-quality finish and is much rarer than the circulated versions.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only Minting: Proof coins are always valuable to collectors due to their unique finish and low mintage.
- Rarity: Only a limited number were produced, which makes it a desirable item for serious collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $50 for high-quality proof coins.
9. 2004-D Michigan State Quarter (Double Die Error)
The 2004-D Michigan State Quarter features a double die error on the reverse, where the design appears doubled in certain areas of the coin, most notably in the “E Pluribus Unum” motto.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Double Die Error: The double die error is highly collectible and adds rarity to the coin.
- High Collector Demand: Errors like this make the coin worth more than standard quarters.
Approximate Value:
Up to $2,000 in excellent condition.
10. 1999-S Rhode Island State Quarter (Proof-Only)
The 1999-S Rhode Island State Quarter is yet another proof-only coin minted for collectors. Like other proof coins, it was created in a limited quantity and features a mirror-like finish that enhances its appeal.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof-Only: With a small mintage, this coin is considered more valuable than regular circulation coins.
- Early State Quarters Program: As part of the first year of the program, this coin holds additional historical value.
Approximate Value:
Up to $50 for well-preserved proof coins.
10 Rarest State Quarters and Their Value
| Coin | Error/Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-S Delaware Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $100 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter | Extra leaf error | Up to $1,000 |
| 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $50 |
| 2009 District of Columbia Quarter | Doubled die error | Up to $500 |
| 2008-D New Mexico Quarter | Doubled die error | Up to $1,500 |
| 2005 Minnesota Quarter | Extra tree error | Up to $1,000 |
| 1999-S New Jersey Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $60 |
| 2007-D Oklahoma Quarter | Double die error | Up to $500 |
| 2003-S Arkansas Quarter | Proof-only coin | Up to $80 |
| 2004-D Michigan Quarter | Extra leaf error | Up to $2,000 |
While most state quarters are easy to find, certain rarities are worth much more than their face value. From proof-only coins to mint errors like extra leaves and doubled dies, these rare state quarters can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Keep an eye out for these rare coins—whether in your pocket change or in your collection—and you may just find yourself holding a valuable treasure.