3 Rare State Quarters Worth $150 Million — A Collector’s Dream
The State Quarter Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, introduced some of the most unique and collectible modern U.S. coins. While the majority of state quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents, a few have become treasures thanks to rare minting errors. Incredibly, some of these error coins have been valued at up to $150 million, making them among the most valuable modern coins ever minted in the U.S. Let’s explore some of the most prized state quarter errors and understand why they’re worth so much.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Estimated at $36 Million, Along with Other Invaluable Coins
Delaware
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter, the very first release of the program, is one of the most sought-after due to a notable minting flaw known as the “Spitting Horse.” This quarter depicts Caesar Rodney on horseback, commemorating his historic 1776 journey to cast the deciding vote for American independence.
Due to a minting defect, some coins appear to show a line extending from the horse’s mouth, creating the illusion that the horse is spitting. This unusual error has made the “Spitting Horse” Quarter a highly coveted piece among collectors. Pristine examples have been valued at as much as $150 million.
Wisconsin
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter, featuring a design with a cow, cheese wheel, and corn stalk, is famous for its “Extra Leaf” mint error.
This mistake resulted in an additional leaf appearing on the corn stalk, with two distinct variations:
| Variation | Description | Estimated Value |
| High Extra Leaf | The extra leaf appears higher up on the stalk | Thousands of dollars |
| Low Extra Leaf | The extra leaf appears lower on the stalk | Thousands of dollars |
These variations have made Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters highly desirable, with collectors willing to pay significant amounts for well-preserved examples.
Kansas
One of the most amusing state quarter errors comes from the 2005 Kansas State Quarter. Due to a grease-filled die, part of the “T” in “Trust” was obscured, causing the coin to read “In God We Rust” instead of the intended “In God We Trust.”
Though not as rare as the errors found on the Delaware or Wisconsin quarters, this humorous mistake has made the Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter a collector favorite. Coins with this error can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars when in excellent condition.
How to Identify Valuable Quarters ?
If you’re curious about whether you have a rare state quarter, here are some tips to help you spot valuable ones:
- Minting errors: Look for missing letters, extra details, or misplaced markings.
- Uncirculated condition: Coins in flawless shape are always more valuable.
- Low mintage numbers: The rarer the coin, the higher its potential value.
The world of rare state quarters is full of surprises. Whether it’s a spitting horse, an extra leaf, or a missing letter, small minting errors can transform an ordinary coin into a collector’s dream. If you come across one of these rare quarters, hold onto it—it might just be worth a fortune.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Estimated at $36 Million, Along with Other Invaluable Coins
FAQs
What is the Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter?
It’s a 1999 Delaware quarter with a minting error that makes the horse appear to be spitting.
Why is the Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter valuable?
A minting error added an extra leaf to the corn stalk, making it a rare and sought-after find.
How did the Kansas quarter get the ‘In God We Rust’ error?
A grease-filled die obscured part of the letter “T” in “Trust,” creating the humorous mistake.
How can I check if my state quarter is valuable?
Look for minting errors, unique details, and coins in uncirculated condition.
Are all error quarters worth millions?
Not all, but rare and well-preserved ones can be worth thousands or even more.
Muskan Rani has more than 5 years of experience as a journalist.