The U.S. State Quarters, minted between 1999 and 2008, are a staple in the world of coin collecting. While most of these coins are worth only their face value—25 cents—there are certain rare errors and variations that can turn an ordinary state quarter into a valuable treasure.
Some of these errors are so rare that they can fetch over $1,000 at auction, making them highly sought after by collectors. Below are the top 6 State Quarter errors that are worth $1,000 or more, along with details about what makes them so valuable.
1. 1999 Delaware Quarter – Spitting Horse
One of the most famous and valuable State Quarter errors, the 1999 Delaware Quarter is known for its “spitting horse” error.
The error occurs due to a die crack that causes a metal spill from the horse’s mouth, making it appear as though the horse is spitting. This error is rare, and coins in excellent condition can be worth anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the grade.
2. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Extra Leaf
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The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter is famous for its “extra leaf” error, which can be found on the corn stalk design on the reverse. There are two versions of this error:
- Extra Leaf (Low): A small leaf appears under the corn stalk near the base.
- Extra Leaf (High): A more pronounced leaf is visible above the base of the corn stalk.
Both versions of this error can be valuable, with the Extra Leaf (High) variant being the more sought-after one. Coins with this error can sell for anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on condition.
3. 2004 Michigan Quarter – Extra Tree
The 2004 Michigan Quarter features an error in which an extra tree is visible on the reverse design. The Michigan quarter design shows the state’s outline with a tree and a shoreline in the background. In some coins, a second tree is visible in the design, which was caused by an error during the minting process.
These quarters with the extra tree are extremely rare, and well-preserved examples can fetch $1,000 to $2,500 or more at auction.
4. 1999 Connecticut Quarter – Broadstrike
A broadstrike error occurs when a coin is struck outside of its collar, causing it to spread out and distort. The 1999 Connecticut Quarter is one of the few state quarters that features this error.
Broadstrikes are relatively rare, and when one occurs on a popular series like the State Quarters, the value can significantly increase. Broadstrike Connecticut quarters can be worth $1,500 or more, especially in good condition.
5. 2000 South Carolina Quarter – Missing Mintmark
Some 2000 South Carolina Quarters were minted without the expected mintmark (the small “S” indicating they were made in the San Francisco Mint).
These coins were supposed to be struck at the San Francisco Mint, but some were inadvertently produced without the mintmark. Missing mintmark coins are rare and can be worth $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on their condition.
6. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Double Die Reverse
The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter with a double die reverse error features a doubling of the design on the reverse side of the coin.
This can make the inscriptions like “E Pluribus Unum” or the corn stalk design appear doubled. Double die errors occur when the coin is struck twice, and in some cases, the second strike is slightly misaligned, causing the design to overlap.
Also See: Why These 2 Rare Dimes Are Called the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Coins!
| Error Coin | Error Description | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Delaware Quarter – Spitting Horse | Die crack causes a metal spill from the horse’s mouth, making it appear as though the horse is spitting. | $1,500 to $2,000+ | Rare, distinctive “spitting horse” appearance. |
| 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Extra Leaf | Extra leaf visible on the corn stalk design. Two versions: Extra Leaf (Low) and Extra Leaf (High). | $1,500 to $3,000 | Extra leaf(s) on corn stalk, High version is rarer. |
| 2004 Michigan Quarter – Extra Tree | An additional tree appears on the reverse design due to a minting error. | $1,000 to $2,500+ | Extra tree visible in the design. |
| 1999 Connecticut Quarter – Broadstrike | Coin struck outside of its collar, causing it to distort and spread out. | $1,500+ | Distorted, misshapen edges. |
| 2000 South Carolina Quarter – Missing Mintmark | Missing expected “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. | $1,000 to $2,000+ | No mintmark, rare error. |
| 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Double Die Reverse | Design appears doubled due to a second strike, causing misalignment and overlapping features. | $1,500+ | Doubling of design, often on inscriptions or corn stalk. |
How much is a 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” worth?
A well-preserved 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” quarter can be worth $1,500 to $2,000 or more.
What causes the “Extra Leaf” error on Wisconsin quarters?
The “Extra Leaf” error happens when an additional leaf is visible in the corn stalk design due to a minting mistake.
What is a broadstrike error?
A broadstrike error occurs when a coin is struck outside its collar, causing it to spread out and become misshapen.
Where can I sell a valuable State Quarter error?
Valuable State Quarter errors can be sold at coin auctions, through dealers, or on online auction sites like eBay.
How can I tell if my quarter has a valuable error?
Look for clear design flaws such as doubled letters, missing elements, or extra features like leaves or trees. Consult a grading service if you’re unsure.
