6 Rare State Quarters Worth Money: Check Your Pocket Change!

Sorting through state quarters in hopes of finding a valuable one can feel overwhelming, especially since most of the coins you encounter in circulation are only worth their face value—25 cents. However, there are a few notable exceptions worth watching for, as some rare varieties and errors can fetch impressive prices.

Here’s a breakdown of modern state quarters that collectors seek and the stories behind them:

1. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter — Value: $10 to $20

The first coin in the 50 State Quarters program, the Delaware quarter, holds a fun and quirky variety known as the “Spitting Horse.” On some of these coins, a raised die crack appears to extend from the horse’s mouth toward the letter “C” in “CAESAR,” creating the illusion that the horse is spitting.

Originally, when this die break was discovered, the coin caused quite a stir, and some examples were being sold for $250 to $500. As more of these quarters surfaced, their rarity and price dropped, but even now, they remain a sought-after piece, typically selling for $10 to $20 in circulated condition.

2. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter — Extra Leaf Varieties — Value: $50 to $65

The Wisconsin quarter from the Denver Mint brought collectors not just one, but two famous error types: the “Extra High Leaf” and “Extra Low Leaf” varieties.

These unusual coins feature an extra leaf on the left side of the corn stalk, likely caused by an alteration to the die—whether accidental or intentional is still debated.

When first discovered, these varieties sparked media attention and reached prices over $500. Today, they remain collectible, with the Extra High Leaf version often fetching around $65 and the Extra Low Leaf variety selling for about $50, especially in circulated grades.

3. 2005-P Minnesota Quarter — Doubled Die Variety — Value: $5 to $100

The Minnesota quarter is famous for a wide range of doubled die errors—over 60 known variations exist. The most noticeable varieties feature the appearance of one or more extra spruce trees on the coin’s reverse, specifically near the third and fourth trees from the state outline.

Prices for these doubled die quarters vary depending on how dramatic the doubling is. More prominent examples can sell for $50 to $100, while less noticeable varieties might range between $5 and $25.

4. 2009-D District of Columbia Quarter — Doubled Die Error — Value: $75

Part of the Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories Quarter series, the 2009-D District of Columbia quarter showcases jazz legend Duke Ellington at his piano.

A small batch of these coins was minted with an impressive doubled die error that causes the letters “ELL” in Ellington’s name to appear doubled, along with noticeable doubling on some of the piano keys.

Upon its discovery, this error was a sensation in the numismatic world, with prices reaching several hundred dollars. Though values have cooled, circulated examples still command around $75.

1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Proof Quarter — Value: $35 and Up

This Pennsylvania state quarter was minted for collectors as part of the silver proof set and was struck using a 90% silver composition. Unlike standard quarters, these proofs were designed for optimal visual appeal, with polished fields and frosted details.

Because only 804,565 were minted, they are much scarcer than circulation coins, and well-preserved examples usually sell for $35 or more.

5. 1999-S New Jersey Silver Proof Quarter — Value: Around $30

Another silver proof, the New Jersey quarter honors George Washington’s iconic crossing of the Delaware River. Struck from 90% silver and designed with mirror-like fields and frosted reliefs, this coin stands out among state quarters for both historical and artistic reasons.

Well-kept examples of this silver proof typically trade for about $30 in top condition.

6. Honorable Mentions: State Quarters to Keep an Eye On

Aside from error coins and silver proofs, some state quarters are prized simply for their relatively low mintages or collector demand. Here’s a short list of other state quarters that can be worth holding onto:

Date & Mintmark	Mintage
1999-D New Jersey	299,028,000
2000-D South Carolina	566,208,000
2000-D New Hampshire	495,976,000
2001-D New York	619,640,000
2001-D North Carolina	427,876,000
2001-D Rhode Island	447,100,000
2003-P Maine	217,400,000
2004-P Michigan	233,800,000
2005-P Kansas	263,400,000
2005-D West Virginia	356,200,000
2006-D North Dakota	359,000,000
2006-D South Dakota	265,800,000
2008-D New Mexico	244,400,000
2008-P Arizona	244,600,000

While many state quarters are only worth their face value, these particular coins and errors stand out, making them fun and rewarding targets for collectors.