For coin collectors and numismatists, the U.S. State Quarters program is more than a work of art depicting American history—it’s a hunt for treasures. While most State Quarters are only worth their face value, some of them have become extremely valuable because of special minting mistakes, rarity in perfect condition, or historical relevance.
A few of these uncommon coins have sold for up to $6,000 or more, so these coins are highly sought after by collectors.

In this article, we’ll reveal the 10 most valuable State Quarters, discussing what makes them unique and how you may be able to find one in your own stash. Whether it’s the fascinating “spitting horse” error or a hard-to-find high-grade coin, these quarters are worth your while—and possibly a small fortune.
Coin | Year | Mintmark | Unique Feature | Value Range (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Delaware Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | “Spitting horse” error | $400 – $5,000 |
Wisconsin Quarter | 2004 | Denver | “Extra leaf” error | $300 – $6,000 |
Minnesota Quarter | 2005 | Philadelphia | “Extra tree” error | $200 – $3,500 |
Georgia Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Rare mint-state condition | $100 – $2,500 |
District of Columbia Quarter | 2009 | Denver | Doubled-die error | $150 – $4,000 |
Pennsylvania Quarter | 1999 | Philadelphia | Scarce in high-grade condition | $80 – $2,000 |
New York Quarter | 2001 | Denver | Rare pristine condition | $250 – $3,000 |
South Carolina Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Difficult to find in mint state | $100 – $2,000 |
Alaska Quarter | 2008 | Denver | “Extra claw” error | $300 – $2,500 |
New Hampshire Quarter | 2000 | Philadelphia | Scarcity in pristine form | $100 – $1,500 |
Delaware Quarter (1999)
The Delaware Quarter, the inaugural coin in the State Quarters program, is a collector’s gem because of the “spitting horse” mistake. The imperfection, a result of a die crack near the horse’s mouth, resembles a horse spitting.
The fact that it is a first State Quarter adds to its historical value. Depending on the condition, a Delaware Quarter with the “spitting horse” mistake can range in value from $400 to $5,000.
Wisconsin Quarter (2004)
The Wisconsin Quarter is renowned for its “extra leaf” error, which has an extra leaf on the corn stalk in the design. There are two types of this error—one with a high leaf and one with a low leaf. These errors were created by die gouges during minting, so these coins are extremely rare.
These coins are highly valued by collectors for their rarity, and mint condition examples can sell for between $300 and $6,000.
Minnesota Quarter (2005)
The Minnesota Quarter is noteworthy due to its “extra tree” mistake brought about by die doubling. The mistake creates another tree-like aspect showing up at the back of the coin design.
Though hardly perceptible, this mistake has created the Minnesota Quarter a coin worth collecting. Its value is from $200 to $3,500 based on its condition.

Georgia Quarter (1999)
While the Georgia Quarter does not have a distinct error, it has become sought after because of its rarity in mint state. Coins in the early months of the State Quarters series are less common in pristine condition and therefore more collectible.
High-grade Georgia Quarters tend to retail for $100 to $2,500.
District of Columbia Quarter (2009)
District of Columbia Quarter commemorating jazz master Duke Ellington gained even more popularity because of a doubled-die error. The minting error makes part of the words and image to look doubled, which makes the coin unique for collectors.
One such District of Columbia Quarter, having this mistake, can sell from $150 to $4,000 depending on its quality.
Pennsylvania Quarter (1999)
Similar to other original State Quarters, the Pennsylvania Quarter has its value in high-grade. Coins with such coins minted in the series first year are becoming rarer in unused condition, which increases their price.
Collectors will have to spend $80 to $2,000 for a Pennsylvania Quarter in fine condition.
New York Quarter (2001)
The New York Quarter, which depicts the Statue of Liberty and the outline of a state, is another highly collectible coin in mint-state. Its look attracts collectors, and its availability in perfect form makes it a rare find.
Examples of mint-condition New York Quarters are worth between $250 and $3,000.
South Carolina Quarter (2000)
The South Carolina Quarter does not have a particularly well-known error, but its rarity in high-grade condition means that it is sought after by collectors. The early 2000s coins tend to be harder to locate in perfect condition, and the same can be said about this coin.
Being in top condition, a South Carolina Quarter can fetch $100 to $2,000.
Alaska Quarter (2008)
The Alaska Quarter is a popular choice among error coin collectors because of the “extra claw” defect. The error, which is a result of a die gouge, makes the bear on the coin look like it has an extra claw.
Depending on its grade, the Alaska Quarter can sell for between $300 and $2,500.
New Hampshire Quarter (2000)
The New Hampshire Quarter, which features the Old Man of the Mountain, is valuable because it is rare in mint condition. Quarters from this year are becoming harder to find in any condition.
Buyers are offering $100 to $1,500 for a New Hampshire Quarter in mint condition.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. State Quarters series has created excitement among collectors, and while most quarters remain common, a few have become incredibly valuable due to errors, rarity, or condition.
Whether you’re checking your loose change or searching through a coin collection, spotting one of these valuable quarters could mean discovering a hidden treasure.
With prices reaching up to $6,000, these quarters demonstrate how details can make a significant difference. If you happen to find one of these unusual quarters, have it professionally graded to discover its actual value.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the most valuable State Quarter?
A. The Wisconsin Quarter with the ‘extra leaf’ error can be worth as much as $6,000.
Q. How do I know if my quarter has an error?
A. Check for design anomalies such as extra leaves, trees, claws, or doubled-die features.
Q. Are all State Quarters worth money?
A. No, most are only worth face value unless they have errors or are in high-grade condition.
Q. Where can I sell a rare quarter?
A. You can sell valuable quarters at coin stores, auction houses, or places on the Internet such as eBay.
Q. Should I have my State Quarter graded?
A. If your quarter has a notable error or is in mint condition, grading can add to its value.