5 State Quarters Still in Circulation Worth Over $5,000 Each

Discover Hidden Treasures in Your Loose Change. You might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it! The U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, introduced unique quarter designs for each of the 50 states.

While most of these coins are common and worth only their face value, some rare versions with minting errors or special features can now be worth thousands of dollars. This article explores five particularly valuable quarters, explains what makes them special, and shows how you can identify them in your pocket change.

Overview of the 50 State Quarters Program

Between 1999 and 2008, the U.S. Mint issued five new quarter designs each year, each representing a different state’s history and culture. Over 34 billion quarters were produced during this program, so the vast majority hold no special value beyond 25 cents.

However, some quarters have unusual minting errors or unique characteristics that set them apart. These mistakes—such as extra design elements or incorrect metal composition—are highly sought after by collectors. Many of these rare coins are still found in everyday circulation, just waiting to be discovered.

Delaware’s Unique “Spitting Horse” and Gold-Tinted Quarters

The 1999 Delaware quarter, the first in the series, features a well-known error called the “Spitting Horse.” This flaw appears as a die crack near the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting. Coins with this error in excellent condition can sell for over $5,000.

Additionally, some Delaware quarters were struck on experimental gold-colored planchets originally intended for the Sacagawea dollar, giving them a distinctive golden look. These rare gold-tinted Delaware quarters can be worth as much as $10,000 or more when in top condition.

Wisconsin’s Rare “Extra Leaf” Error

Collectors prize the 2004 Wisconsin quarter because of the “Extra Leaf” error, which appears on some coins produced at the Denver Mint. This error shows an additional leaf on the corn stalk in the coin’s design, either pointing upward (“High Leaf”) or downward (“Low Leaf”).

This anomaly is the result of a faulty die, and only a limited number of quarters display this feature. In pristine condition, these coins can be worth up to $6,000, making them a highly desirable find for coin enthusiasts.

Quick Guide to Valuable Quarter Errors

Here is a summary of some valuable quarters and their estimated values:

State	Year	Error or Feature	Estimated Value
Delaware	1999	Spitting Horse or Gold Planchet	$5,000 to $10,000
Wisconsin	2004	Extra Leaf (High or Low)	Up to $6,000
Connecticut	1999	Gold Planchet (Sacagawea Alloy)	Up to $10,500

Minnesota’s “Doubled Die” Tree Error

The 2005 Minnesota quarter is notable for its “doubled die” error. This mistake causes the trees on the design to appear doubled or blurry due to a misaligned die during minting. The extra tree outlines create a shadow effect that collectors find very appealing.

Depending on the clarity of this doubling and the coin’s condition, it can fetch prices up to $7,000. To spot this error, closely examine the right side of the quarter’s design for any shadowy or duplicated tree images.

Tips for Finding Valuable Quarters

Anyone can try to find these valuable coins in their own change. Look closely at your quarters for unusual features such as extra leaves, doubled designs, or a golden tint. Using a magnifying glass can help you spot smaller details like the “Spitting Horse.”

It’s important not to clean coins since cleaning can reduce their value. If you find something unusual, bring the coin to a professional coin dealer or send it to grading services like PCGS or NGC for authentication. These rare quarters could be hiding in your wallet or coin jar, so keep an eye out.

Final Thoughts

The 50 State Quarters Program brought many beautiful designs into everyday circulation, but hidden among them are some incredibly valuable coins. From Delaware’s “Spitting Horse” to Wisconsin’s “Extra Leaf,” and Minnesota’s doubled trees, these rare quarters can be worth thousands of dollars. So next time you reach for your change, take a moment to inspect your quarters closely—you might be surprised at the treasure you’re carrying.

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