Top 10 State Quarters Worth Money List: Explore and Collect

Top 10 State Quarters Worth Money List: Explore and Collect

The US Mint regularly releases peculiar and empowering series each representative of which might become a fine addition to any collection. Sometimes, numismatists are given such a wide range of coins to choose from that they can get flabbergasted all at once, and the State Quarters program definitely falls into this category.

The US Mint regularly releases peculiar and empowering series each representative of which might become a fine addition to any collection. Sometimes, numismatists are given such a wide range of coins to choose from that they can get flabbergasted all at once, and the State Quarters program definitely falls into this category. 

By the way, are state quarters worth anything? If so, what state quarters are worth the most? Let us appeal to a reputable coin value checker and explore some prominent instances in detail. Everything you need to know about state quarters and their exceptional instances is here — below.

A picture of a coin collection made up entirely of state quarters, each coin neatly arranged to display its unique state design

A Bit of Background on State Quarter Collection

Let us start with the basics. One of the most well-liked coin series in American history is the State Quarter program, which was introduced by the US Mint in 1999. From the beginning, it was meant that each state was to be recognized with a unique quarter design released in the succession of statehood. It is definitely the right way to honor and cherish the history of each state via the representations on the reverse side. 

Initially, state quarters were popular since they were new and easy to get. Since most people could stumble upon these quarters in their regular operations, both novices and professionals alike were able to easily get acquainted with the stack of the coins and obtain them in the end. This extraordinary success was obvious, and the logical continuation of this program came down to the release of the National Parks quarters and the like. But what state quarters are worth money? 

Criteria for Valuation

In order to correctly identify post-2000 quarters worth money, we would love to concentrate on the following important factors which can be both apparent and surprising, though. Note that the value of state quarters can fluctuate, and this completely depends on extraordinary situations, such as market demand and unexpected bursts of popularity. 

  • Mintage and how scarce these coins are

  • Mint errors, e.g., double-die strikes, off-center designs, or unusual compositions

  • Special finishes like polished die in silver-proof sets 

  • Condition and grading (coins graded MS65 or higher)

  • Demand and popularity

We know a lot about the American Women Quarters program with its prominent and lucrative representatives such as the Maya Angelou 2022 quarter and 2023 quarter Bessie Coleman, but are any state quarters valuable? Are any state quarters valuable? All the above-mentioned aspects are generally seen as major components of state quarters value and, hence, their presence in the relevant collections. So, which state quarters are worth money, by the way? 

A picture of a 2004 Wisconsin state quarter featuring the “extra leaf” error, highlighting the reverse side with an additional leaf on the corn stalk in the design

Top 10 Valuable Quarters After 2000

So as to grasp and categorize this information, we gladly appealed to Coin ID Scanner, a new yet promising application with a rich database and numismatic encyclopedia incorporated. What is the rarest state quarter? How much are state quarters worth? With Coin ID Scanner, this is no longer a problem to quickly identify the current popularity and appreciation levels of a coin and which state quarters are worth the most. Let us see.

2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf (High and Low)

Value: $50-$300

The list of state quarters worth money should be started with exceptional state coins worth money, i.e., 2004 state quarter, that features  a cow, a wheel of cheese, and a corn stalk on the reverse side. Wisconsin's design clearly displays an extra leaf on the corn husk, most likely as a result of a die gouge. Nevertheless, the amounts of people attacted to this unique and peculiar coin is overwhelming. 

2005-P Minnesota Double Die Quarter

Value: $5-$50

This numismatic creation elegantly depicts a lake scene with two canoeists, a loon in the front, and evergreen trees, illustrating Minnesota's famous landscape. Due to the double-die problem, additional "trees" emerge on the left side of the forest, which gives this coin a distinctive, crowded woodland appearance that collectors find charming.

2009-D District of Columbia (Duke Ellington) Double Die

Value: $10-$100

One more coin that may belong to 5 most valuable state quarters ever refers to 2009 state quarters that honor Duke Ellington who is portrayed at a grand piano with the words "DUKE ELLINGTON" above. This coin is a unique collectible due to the double-die error that affects the writing and piano keys, giving the "ELLINGTON" letters and piano parts a minor doubling effect.

2008-D Arizona Extra Cactus Quarter

Value: $3-$20

The state of Arizona is magnificent, and its nature, i.e., the Grand Canyon, is vividly depicted with a large saguaro cactus in the foreground. The "extra cactus" problem is caused by a die gouge and manifests as extra cactus leaves close to the main cactus.

A picture of a 2008-D Arizona state quarter featuring the “extra cactus” error, showing the reverse side with an additional cactus design in the background

2006-P South Dakota Double Die Quarter

Value: $5-$20

One of the most iconic sceneries is presented via the South Dakota quarter that displays Mount Rushmore with a flying pheasant and a ring of wheat surrounding it. The wheat and sections of Mount Rushmore exhibit the double-die mistake, where certain aspects appear increased by twofold.

2004-P Iowa Extra Design Quarter

Value: $5-$30

Sometimes, circulation valuable state quarters worth money may appear unexpectedly. Although the mintage of such a coin was predetermined, the aspect that might have attracted the collectors is the words "Foundation in Education" with a picture of a schoolhouse containing a teacher and pupils. The mistake, which makes this unit valuable, includes additional features in the schoolhouse's windows.

2005-P Kansas “In God We Rust” Error

Value: $10-$50

Kansas may also boast about a unique coin that features an American bison with sunflowers, which are emblematic of Kansas. The motto reads "In God We Rust" instead of a correct version because of a minting error that makes the "T" in collocation appear weak or absent.

2003-P Alabama “No FG” Quarter

Value: $5-$50

Some coins are meant to commemorate certain people. and 2003-P Alabama state quarter was launched in order to honor Helen Keller with a picture of her, her name in Braille and English, and symbolic magnolia blossoms. A unique discovery for collectors, the absence of the "FG" abbreviation is a distinctive feature that one can find both appealing and beneficial.

2009-P Northern Mariana Islands Double Die Quarter

Value: $10-$75

Finally, we have come to a coin that may honor the culture of the Northern Mariana Islands as it shows a traditional canoe, tropical seabird, and island vegetation on the reverse side. Nevertheless, errors like double dies produce additional outlines boost its value for good.

A picture of a 2009-P Northern Mariana Islands quarter, featuring a traditional canoe, tropical seabird, and island vegetation on the reverse side

Are state quarter collections worth anything? Yes, they are. In fact, the majority of instances that have some flaws and errors, as a rule, represent the most lucrative part of the series, and stater quarters stick to this principle, too. Anyway, do not neglect the presence of these coins but incorporate them into collections with due respect. One day, they might get even more valuable than today… 


Sources: 

  1. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coins-and-medals/50-state-quarters?srsltid=AfmBOorvnJ877og6mgLtEAW7GzbjrkmUcIeTR-Lojdy9bAbKY8jKoLZI 

  2. https://www.govmint.com/us-coins/other-us-coins/state-quarter?srsltid=AfmBOoqUlyxW3GIdmVWo4FYaaMLvyARTmt5pdRx9IymYMDA_9Th1ftMx

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