Coin collecting experienced renewed public interest under the U.S. State Quarter Program (1999–2008) with designs centered on state heritage-themed coins. Error coins among the U.S. State quarters series have gained popularity as collectibles while some extremely rare ones have achieved the whopping value of $150 million. The next section is a review of unique minting errors and reasons why they are so appealing.
How to Spot Valuable Error Quarters
This is how one identifies useful State Quarters both in your pocket and change:
- Examine the Design: Check the coin for unusual design characteristics along with redundant details as well as missing details.
- Pay Special Attention to Key states: Take a look at Delaware (1999) as well as Wisconsin (2004) and Kansas (2005) specifically.
- Utilize Suitable Lighting: Illumination that is sufficient allows individuals to spot small errors in coins.
- Compare Coins: Compare suspected valuable errors to known documented images.
Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter (1999)
The 1999 Delaware Quarter, the first one in the State Quarters series, has Caesar Rodney riding a horse. There was an error during production that resulted in the creation of what collectors call “Spitting Horse” because a die crack created a line coming from the horse’s mouth in a way that was reminiscent of spit.

Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error | Die crack near the horse’s mouth |
Value | Estimated up to $150 million (high grade) |
Collector Appeal | Unique and recognizable error |
The fascinating error with the State Quarter has made it one of the very sought-after errors that collectors eagerly seek out.
Wisconsin’s “Extra Leaf” Quarter (2004)
The Wisconsin Quarter of 2004 combines three significant state symbols of farming: cows in addition to cheese wheels and corn stalks. The corn stalk underwent unintended alteration by a mint error which created two leaf variation versions.

Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error Variants | High extra leaf and low extra leaf |
Value | Significant premiums over face value |
Collector Appeal | Highly desirable due to unique design error |
The two varieties of the extra leaf error draw interested collectors who reward the items with progressively higher prices based on their quality and availability.
Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter (2005)
The 2005 Kansas Quarter became famous due to the “In God We Rust” spelling mistake that graced its layout with a bison and state motto.

Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error | Missing “T” in “TRUST” due to a grease-filled die |
Value | Significant premiums for uncirculated examples |
Collector Appeal | Popular for its humorous and ironic error |
Individuals throughout the numismatic world have universally been aware of this error due to its unique defect that renders it a perfect conversational topic amongst coin collecting enthusiasts.
Other Notable State Quarter Errors
Other errors discovered in State Quarters also possess significant appeal to collectors.
State | Error | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|
Connecticut (1999) | Broad strike (expanded coin size) | Over $1,000 |
New Hampshire (2000) | Die crack through the design | Over $500 |
Minnesota (2005) | Extra tree in the design | Over $1,000 |
Georgia (1999) | Missing mint mark | Over $700 |
The identification of these errors demonstrates that significant discoveries are present within normal currency circulation.
Factors Determining Value
The value of error quarters relies on several critical factors.
- Rarity: The more coins with the error, the less they’re worth.
- Condition: Money in mint condition gets the most market value.
- Error Type: Errors with unique unusual characteristics like additional elements or missing letters hold higher value.
- Collector Demand: The overall demand for both a coin series and its error type directly determines the market worth.
Selling Valuable Quarters
Go ahead and identify a valuable error coin if you suspect its existence.
- Handle Carefully: Professional coin experts advise against cleaning the coin as cleaning processes may damage its monetary value.
- Store Properly: Store coins in protective holders as a preventive measure against damage.
- Authenticate: The coin requires professional grading by PCGS or NGC.
- Consult Dealers: Professional organizations such as dealers and auction houses are the best to use in establishing precise valuations and selling coins.
Conclusion
The 1999-P Delaware and the 2004 Wisconsin and 2005 Minnesota quarters represent three of the most uncommon U.S. coins since they are worth close to $150 million in total. Fortune will smile upon you if you happen to find one of these coins since you could have found valuable treasures in your hands.
FAQ’s
Why are we an error in God?
‘T’ vanished in ‘Trust’ because a Greece passed away.
What is “Spitting Horse” Error?
A die in the 1999 Delaware quarter creates a line close to the horse’s mouth.
What is Wisconsin ‘Extra Leaf’ Quarter’s worth?
An additional leaf on cornstarch design is a rare mint error.