Ever dumped your coin jar only to find nothing but pocket change? Well, you might want to look again. Some state quarters from the late ‘90s and early 2000s are worth way more than 25 cents some even fetch thousands, and in rare cases, millions. It all comes down to unique mint errors, rare variants, and accidental releases. Here are five state quarters still in circulation that could turn your spare change into serious cash.
Delaware
The Delaware quarter, released in 1999, kicked off the 50 State Quarters Program. It features Caesar Rodney galloping on horseback, but it’s not the design that makes this coin special it’s the mistakes. Some Delaware quarters were struck with double die errors or off-center features.
Collectors love these kinds of quirks. One error coin from this batch reportedly sold for an eye-popping $6.7 million. That’s right one tiny coin with a minting flaw became a millionaire’s dream. If your quarter looks a little “off,” don’t brush it aside.
Wisconsin
This one’s a cornfield goldmine. The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter shows a wheel of cheese and an ear of corn, but some versions have something extra a mysterious leaf. These “extra leaf” errors, either pointing low or high, have become hot collector’s items.
Found one? You could be holding anywhere from $400 to $2,000, depending on the version and condition. Here’s a quick look at what they’re going for:
| Version | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Normal Design | $0.25 |
| Extra Leaf Low Error | $400–$1,500+ |
| Extra Leaf High Error | $600–$2,000+ |
That’s not a bad return for a coin you might have gotten as change at the grocery store.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s 2005 quarter looks peaceful at first glance just a lake, some trees, and a loon. But here’s where it gets wild: some of these coins have a double die error. That means certain design elements (usually trees or outlines) appear doubled or blurred.
Depending on the severity of the doubling and the condition, these quarters have sold for anywhere from $100 to $6,000. It’s like a magic trick look closer and you just might find a hidden gem.
Alaska
Now let’s talk bears. The 2008 Alaska quarter features a massive grizzly catching fish, but a few rare proof versions somehow escaped the mint and ended up in circulation. Proof coins have a shiny, mirror-like finish and are usually only sold in sets to collectors.
If you find one in your change especially one that looks unusually polished you could be holding a rare proof quarter worth hundreds or even thousands. Glossy isn’t always bad!
NewHampshire
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter shows the famous Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. The real-life rock collapsed in 2003, but the coin remains a piece of history. What makes it valuable? Accidental circulation of proof versions.
These clean, sharp coins were never supposed to be tossed into the wild, but a few slipped through the cracks. If yours looks pristine, with perfect details and a glossy shine, it could bring in up to $500. Not too shabby for a quarter.
So, next time you get change at a drive-thru or dig into your couch cushions, don’t just toss the coins aside. One of them might just be your ticket to a small fortune. These rare state quarters are still out there waiting to be discovered by someone lucky enough to spot the clues.
FAQs
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Look for minting errors, extra leaves, or proof finishes.
Which quarter sold for $6.7 million?
A rare 1999 Delaware error quarter reportedly hit that value.
What’s a double die quarter?
It’s a coin where part of the design appears doubled.
Are proof quarters worth more?
Yes, especially if they mistakenly entered circulation.
Where can I sell rare quarters?
Try coin dealers, auctions, or certified online marketplaces.
