Collecting state-specific quarters can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, but not all state quarters hold the same value. While most circulated coins are worth just 25 cents, certain quarters—especially those in pristine condition, with rare minting errors, or low mintage—can be worth significantly more.
In this article, we highlight the most valuable state quarters, making it easier for both beginners and experienced collectors to know which coins to seek out.
The Statehood Quarter Program: A Brief History
The U.S. Mint introduced the Statehood Quarter Program to celebrate each state’s unique history, geography, and culture. Between 1999 and 2008, 50 quarters were released, each featuring George Washington on the obverse and a unique design on the reverse that symbolized the state it represented.
Each year, five quarters were minted in order of when the states entered the Union, totaling over 34 billion state quarters. Despite the high mintage of some quarters, their values can vary greatly, especially depending on factors like condition and rarity. While most coins are worth their face value, certain ones are highly coveted by collectors and can be sold for much more.
Some quarters, such as those from Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama, are more challenging to find due to their lower mintage. Others, like those from New Mexico, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Michigan, and Arkansas, are easier to find as they had higher mintage numbers. Still, it’s the rare, error-prone, or pristine mint-condition coins that can bring in the big bucks.
The Most Valuable State Quarters
1999 P Pennsylvania MS 67 Struck on an Experimental Planchet
In 1999, the Pennsylvania state quarter was accidentally struck on a Sacagawea dollar planchet. Only a few of these experimental quarters exist, making them very rare and valuable. One such example was sold for $2,520.
2006 D North Dakota State Quarter
The North Dakota quarter has a relatively low mintage in higher grades, and the most valuable versions are those graded MS68 or higher. A MS68 example was auctioned for $3,760 in 2017.
2004 P Texas State Quarter
The Texas state quarter is notable for a rare error known as the grease strike-through, where grease obstructed part of the design. A quarter with this error in MS69 grade fetched $10,000, while an MS69 without the error can sell for around $3,055.
2008 D New Mexico State Quarter
Struck in Denver with a finer quality compared to the Philadelphia mint, the 2008 New Mexico quarter is rare in mint state. Even a lower-grade MS62 can fetch $2,500, with MS67 being extremely scarce.
1999 D Connecticut State Quarter
Released in 1999, the Connecticut quarter had an impressive strike but is rare in higher grades. One MS68 example was sold for $2,300 in a 2018 auction.
2006 P Nebraska State Quarter
Featuring the iconic Chimney Rock, the Nebraska quarter is scarce in mint state. A particularly high-grade MS68 specimen was sold for $2,350 at auction in 2017.
1999 P Georgia State Quarter (Deep Die Cap, Double Struck)
The Georgia quarter is one of the rarest, with a deep die cap error where the coin was struck multiple times. A specimen in MS65 was sold for $4,200 in 2022, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Tips for Collecting State Quarters
While most state quarters are only worth their face value, focusing on coins in mint state with low mintage or minting errors can yield significant profits. Keep an eye out for rarer coins from states like Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama. Always look for coins in high-grade conditions, as these are more likely to hold or increase in value over time.
FAQs
Are state quarters always worth more than their face value?
No, most state quarters are worth their face value unless they are in mint condition, have rare errors, or have a low mintage.
How can I tell if my state quarter is valuable?
Check the condition, minting errors, and rarity. Coins in higher grades or with errors are more valuable.
What’s the best way to store my state quarters?
To preserve value, store state quarters in protective cases or albums, away from moisture, dirt, or extreme temperatures.
Where can I sell my valuable state quarters?
You can sell state quarters through online auction platforms, coin dealers, or numismatic conventions to find interested buyers.