The 2000 Quarter Collection: Issues, Mintages, and Worth

On the verge of a new millennium, culturally affected areas do change, as they have to adapt to a freshly constructed reality (although it may be the same in broader terms. The sphere of numismatics in the US is a vibrant space dazzling with peculiar pieces of different denominations, yet today’s interest refers to the quarter coins. 

The quarters of 2000 are unique units of currency that praise the legacy of certain states and their cultural past. So, which regions were commemorated that year? Which features identify these coins, and what is their current value in 2025? Let us check.

Overview of the 2000 Quarter

The 2000 quarters belong to a larger 50 State Quarters Program, an innovative initiative commenced by the US Mint in 1999. Their idea was to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of each US state, which is why they released five unique state-themed quarters annually between 1999 and 2008. Obviously enough, the 2000 quarters represent the second year of this series and feature designs for Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

What about its design? While the obverse features the well-known portrait of George Washington developed by sculptor John Flanagan (with slight adjustments made for the program), each piece has a unique reverse design that reflects the identity and traditions of the state.

*The main characteristics provided by the Coin ID Scanner app, an innovative tool for coin identification by photo, collection management, community engagement, and many more. Should you wish to learn more about the quarters, do not hesitate to download it (for free!).

2000 Massachusetts Quarter

Reverse: The Minute Man Statue from Concord and the inscriptions "The Bay State", "1775" (i.e., the year of the Lexington and Concord battles), and "E PLURIBUS UNUM".

2000 Maryland Quarter

Reverse: The dome of the Maryland State House, the white oak, and the inscriptions "The Old Line State" and "Maryland" along with the date "1788", which denotes the year Maryland joined the Union. 

2000 South Carolina Quarter

Reverse: A Carolina Wren, the state bird, perched on a branch with a cabbage palmetto tree in the background, yellow jessamine, as well as the state's motto "While I Breathe, I Hope", the state name, founding year, i.e., "South Carolina" and "1788". 

2000 New Hampshire Quarter

Reverse: Old Man of the Mountain (i.e., a natural rock formation), nine stars (representing New Hampshire as the 9th state to join the Union), along with the inscriptions “Old Man of the Mountain”, "Live Free or Die" (i.e., the state’s motto) and the year "1788".

2000 Virginia Quarter

Reverse: Ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery (i.e., the three ships that brought the settlers to Virginia in 1607) with the classic inscriptions, the year, and the commemorative text "Jamestown 1607–2007." 

Mintages and Production

Just like other coins, the 2000 quarters were minted by three major US facilities located in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco respectively. To be more precise, San Francisco concentrated on proof coins, including clad and silver variants, while Philadelphia and Denver produced coins meant for regular circulation.

As with other State Quarters, proof coins from the San Francisco Mint were produced in smaller quantities than others. Which is natural, these are more valuable and sought-after by collectors. But this is not the only category that can be considered more or less expensive (or not?).

Special Issues and Variants

Although regular coins are more regular than others, there can be found unique variations and issues that attract coins consistently. These include proof coins and mint errors, too. Let us start with the proofs.

Proofs and Their Designations

In the case of the 2000 quarters, there were two types of proof coins issued, i.e. clad proofs (the same copper-nickel-clad composition) and silver proofs (struck on 90% silver planchets). Silver and clad versions both bear the San Francisco Mint "S" mint mark to be easily identified by collectors and the rest.

Besides, coins can be further categorized based on their finish and the attribute assigned by the Mint:

• Cameo (CAM): Proof coins with a slightly frosted appearance on the design elements and a reflective background. 

• Deep Cameo (DCAM): Proof quarters with a strong, frosted contrast between the design elements and the reflective fields.

In general, DCAM versions are considered more valuable, yet current market trends may not reflect the same.

Notable 2000 Quarter Errors

Although the range of errors can vary, and there might appear new deviations no one has ever heard about, one should still pay attention to particular errors that are considered valuable. 

• 2000-P Massachusetts Quarter Struck on Experimental Planchet (wrong materials used).

• 2000-D Maryland Quarter Missing Clad Layer (missing an outer clad layer, weighing only 4.7 grams).

• Doubled Die South Carolina Quarter (doubling in design details).

• 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter Off-Center Strike (misalignment by 25%).

• Virginia Quarter Horizontal Misalignment (a misaligned hammer die).

How Much Is a 2000 Quarter Worth?

The 2000 quarter value may vary based on its origin, condition, designations, and distinctive features such as mistakes. Yes, as the rule states, the majority of coins in circulation are worth 25 cents only, but some can get even more:

• Circulation Coins (Philadelphia and Denver Mints): $0.50 to $2, depending on grade.

• Clad Proofs: $3 to $6+.

• Silver Proofs: $5 to $7+.

• Error Coins: Up to $1,000+

Mind that auction records may present completely different figures (higher than you may even believe). This depends on a number of factors taken simultaneously. As for us, we have provided the most generalized information for one to understand how much these would cost on average. 

Modern coins are just as interesting as their predecessors, though obtaining a fine sample can be complicated at first. Explore the world of numismatics consistently, find instances to obtain, and create a collection of your dreams.

Sources: 

1. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/50-state-quarters 

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_State_quarters