The Most Valuable State Quarters

When the U.S. Mint introduced the 50 state quarters between 1999 and 2008, few imagined these tiny tokens of heritage would become a collector's goldmine. But they did. And if you're still asking, "are state quarters worth anything?" you are in for a revelation.

With over 34 billion pieces struck during the program, only a select few have ascended the ranks due to rare minting errors, low populations in high grade, or experimental compositions. If you are holding onto a pile of coins in a jar or have a 50 state quarter collection book, it might be time to dig in.

For example, you can check the value of coins​, mintage and find out other useful facts. We will help you with these issues today. 

The US State Quarters Series: When Did They Start?

The program began in 1999 with a fresh design for each state. The first state coins kicked off a collecting frenzy that swept across the U.S. 

Each depicted the history, culture, and symbols of the states. Some collectors even printed out a printable list to keep track of their finds. 

Today, the fifty State Quarter collection value is a point of curiosity for many. Have you ever wondered, what is the 1999 to 2008 State Quarter collection worth? Beyond their face value, certain specimens are worth much more, thanks to their condition or rarity.

What Is New?

In recent years, the State Quarters collection has remained a staple of U.S. currency, thanks to its new designs that spark interest. The 2021 one celebrated George Washington crossing the Delaware, a historical moment many Americans hold dear. This was a new chapter after the completion of the National Parks series.

In terms of US coins 2023 - until our days, collectors are waiting for what’s coming next. Will there be new designs that capture our attention like the 50 State Quarter collection list? 

Top 10 State Quarters Worth Money

All ordinary and rare State Quarters share common technical specifications unless otherwise altered by errors or experimental planchets:

Standard Weight: 5.67 grams

Diameter: 24.26 mm

Thickness: 1.75 mm

Composition: Clad – outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper

However, some experimental pieces deviate from this composition and weight.

1. 1999-P Delaware Experimental Planchet Quarter

Weight: ~8.1 grams (vs. standard 5.67g)

Composition: Brass alloy (92% copper, 6% zinc, 2% nickel)

Mint: Philadelphia

Edge: Smooth (vs. reeded)

This is one of the 5 most valuable State Quarters. As the very first issue in the series, Delaware holds a place of honor in every collector’s heart. But it is not just nostalgia that makes this coin valuable. Some from this batch were struck on experimental Sacagawea dollar planchets—producing golden-hued, smooth-edged rarities.

Its odd metallic composition makes it instantly distinguishable. Collectors prize these anomalies, especially in grades like MS66. How much are State Quarters worth? One such specimen commanded $4,888 at auction.

What to look for: A golden tint, increased thickness, and a completely smooth edge.

2. 2003-D Maine High-Grade Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Composition: Standard clad copper-nickel

Mint: Denver

Strike Quality: High-definition schooner and lighthouse

It symbolizes Maine’s nautical heritage and showcases the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and a historic schooner. How many state quarters are there? Over 200 million were minted, but nearly all saw heavy circulation. Only a tiny fraction survive in perfect condition.

In MS68 condition, it is a ghost. What is this State Quarters value? Collectors fought over one in 2017 that sold for $2,300.

What to look for: Clean surfaces, strong strike, and zero contact marks.

3. 2000-P South Carolina MS69 Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Mint: Philadelphia

Design: Carolina wren, palmetto tree, outline of the state

With its design featuring a Carolina wren, yellow jessamine, and palmetto tree, this coin is an emblem of the South. But few collectors expected the high-grade coins to be so rare.

MS69 is nearly perfect. PCGS has graded less than a handful, with one reaching the State Quarter values of $8,000.

What to look for: Razor-sharp design elements, particularly the fine lines in the palmetto tree.

4. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Error Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Mint: Denver

Rare state quarter errors: Die gouge or metal shard caused an extra corn leaf to appear

A visual oddity, this coin shows an extra “leaf” on the corn ear—an accidental variety that slipped through quality control.

There are two main varieties: Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low. These were likely caused by metal shavings or die gouges. What is the value of State Quarters? An MS67 sold for $6,000.

What to look for: Extra line or blob on the corn left of the husk.

5. 1999-P Connecticut Experimental Planchet Quarter

Weight: ~8.1g

Composition: Experimental brass alloy

Mint: Philadelphia

Edge: Smooth

The Charter Oak is Connecticut’s iconic symbol, but the real treasure lies in the few struck on Sacagawea alloy planchets.

Like its Delaware cousin, it features a gold sheen, extra weight, and rarity. This is also one from the State Quarters worth money list: one MS69 example achieved a staggering $10,500.

What to look for: Weight (should be heavier), gold color, and smooth edge.

6. 1999-P Pennsylvania Experimental Planchet Quarter

Weight: ~8.1g

Mint: Philadelphia

Composition: Brass-based experimental alloy

What State Quarters are worth money else? Another from the experimental set, Pennsylvania’s one stands out for its contrast between the planchet color and the sharp engraving of the state’s outline and motto. An MS67 version struck on the incorrect alloy sold for $2,520.

What to look for: A distinctive golden tone and clean surfaces.

7. 2006-D North Dakota High-Grade Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Mint: Denver

Design Details: Dual bison grazing, Great Plains in background

Which State Quarters are worth money? 2006 D North Dakota High-Grade ones. With its depiction of two grazing bison, this coin quietly entered circulation—but in top condition, it is anything but ordinary. High mint-state grades like MS68 are exceptionally rare. One sold for $3,760.

What to look for: Clean background fields and fully struck bison details.

8. 2004-P Texas Grease Strike-Through Error Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Mint: Philadelphia

Error Type: Grease-filled die obscures part of the design

This is one of the rarest State Quarters. Featuring a lone star and an outline of the state, the Texas one is a collector favorite. But one with a strike-through error caused by die grease? 

The missing details from clogged dies make this a rare variation that you may find in any list of all State Quarter errors with pictures. One sold for $10,000.

What to look for: Blurred or missing parts of the design, especially around the state border.

9. 2008-D New Mexico High-Grade Quarter

Weight: 5.67g

Mint: Denver

Design: Zia symbol over the state map

The Zia sun symbol and map outline make New Mexico’s piece visually striking. But if you have one that looks pristine, it might be special. An MS62 coin fetched $2,500—unheard of for such a recent coin.

What to look for: Full, sharp sun rays and mirror-like surfaces.

10. 1999-P Georgia Deep Die Cap, Double Struck Error

Weight: Variable due to error

Mint: Philadelphia

Error Type: Die cap, multiple strikes on blank planchets

This is one from the valuable State Quarter error list. Georgia’s peach and state outline design got an accidental makeover when it was struck twice while stuck in the press.

A serious mint error, this coin stands out in both design and rarity. One MS65 example sold for $4,200.

What to look for: Blurred or warped reverse, and a cup-like shape from die capping.

The Old Line State Quarter (Maryland, 2000): Special or Not?

Release: 7th in the series

Mint Marks: P, D, S (Proof)

Composition: Copper-nickel clad

Weight: 5.67g

Edge: Reeded

There are no major known errors, but look through a State Quarters checklist misstrikes. 

Collecting Coins: Are You Wealth?

From the United States state quarters to those ones commemorating key moments in U.S. history (e.g., 2021 Crossing the Delaware), or even 1943 steel penny, the value of your collection could surprise you.

Here is how you can assess your collection:

1. Check for Rare Specimens – Consult a rare U.S. coins list to identify the cost.

2. Look at Minting Errors – Some were minted with mistakes. This makes them more valuable.

3. Assess Condition – Uncirculated coins, or those in mint condition, are worth more than worn coins.

4. Check in an App – There are different apps for phones (e.g., Coin ID Scanner) that can identify any coin and provide you with the necessary numismatics information. 

Here is what affects the value:

Condition – Are your coins in pristine, uncirculated condition? Or have they been jingling around in your pocket for years?

Rarity – Certain ones, particularly those with minting errors, are highly sought after.

Demand – The popularity of coin collecting can fluctuate and affect the overall value of these coins.

Your Coin Could Be a Treasure

If you have coins, it is time to digitize your collection. The Coin ID Scanner app lets you scan and identify your coins.

With features like:

• AI-powered image recognition

• Instant price estimates based on market trends

• Numismatic details

• Personal collection management

...it is THE tool for any collector or just a person interested in the topic.

So before you cash in your change jar, scan it. You might just find valuable state quarters worth money hiding in plain sight.

Sources:

1. https://www.foodprocessingbihar.com/5-state-quarters-worth

2. https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/state-quarters