Additional Coverage:
- 9 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)
Your Loose Change Could Be Hiding a Small Fortune!
Remember those state quarters the U.S. Mint started cranking out back in ’99?
They were a huge hit, and you might think that means your spare change jar is just overflowing with potential cash. Well, most of them are still, you know, just quarters.
But hold the phone! Some rare exceptions and quirky misprints could actually be worth way more than face value.
So, before you use that pile of quarters for laundry, take a peek! We’ve got the lowdown on nine state quarters that could seriously boost your wallet.
(Note: Estimated market values are based on recent eBay sales.)
1. The 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter (Estimated Value: $150)
Ever seen a cow with a bonus leaf? Neither have we, but apparently, some Wisconsin quarters minted in Denver got a little something extra.
The reverse side, featuring a cow, cheese, and a corn stalk, sometimes has a minting error that makes it look like the corn stalk has an additional leaf. These come in “high” and “low” variations, depending on where that leafy bonus pops up.
While most fetch a tidy sum over a hundred bucks, a truly pristine one once sold for a whopping $2,530!
2. The 2005-D California “Missing Clad Reverse” Quarter (Estimated Value: $595)
Now this is a wild one! If your California quarter looks like it’s got a split personality – nickel on one side, coppery on the other – you might be looking at a “missing clad” error.
This means the outer nickel layer is, well, missing! Collectors go gaga for these, with some California examples listed for nearly $600.
3. The 2001-D New York “Missing Spike” Quarter (Estimated Value: $299)
Did Lady Liberty get a haircut? On some New York quarters minted in Denver, she appears to be missing a spike from her iconic crown! A moderately graded version of this rare find recently hit the market for almost $300.
4. The 2005-P Kansas “Humpback Bison” Quarter (Estimated Value: $165)
Kansas quarters from 2005 have a couple of fun errors to look for. One features a bison in a field, but a minting anomaly makes it look like our horned friend has an extra hump on its back. Talk about a unique profile!
5. The 2005-P Kansas “Rust” Error Quarter (Estimated Value: $125)
This one’s a laugh! A grease error on some 2005 Kansas quarters means the front of the coin reads “In God We Rust” instead of “Trust.” A truly comical misprint that’s regularly listed for over a hundred bucks in decent shape!
6. The 2005-P Minnesota “Double Die” Quarter (Estimated Value: $145)
Head to the land of 10,000 lakes, and you might find a Minnesota quarter with a bonus spruce tree! This “double die” error on quarters minted in Philadelphia makes it look like there’s an extra tree on the lakeshore scene. While early finds reportedly sold for big bucks, a good condition coin today could still snag you around $145, with excellent ones reaching up to $275.
7. The 2009-P District of Columbia “Double Die” Quarter (Estimated Value: $75)
Even after all 50 states got their turn, the U.S. Mint kept going with D.C. and the territories.
Most of these aren’t worth much, but a subtle “double die” error on the reverse of some D.C. quarters could earn you $75 or more. Keep those eyes peeled – this one’s a bit of a sneaky error!
8. The 2007-P Wyoming “Double Die” Quarter (Estimated Value: $100)
Saddle up! Some Wyoming quarters minted in Philadelphia feature a cowboy on horseback, and a minor “double die” error can be spotted under the horse’s mane and tail. These rare beauties could be worth up to $100, with one excellent specimen reportedly selling for over $400!
9. The 2006-P Colorado “Extra Mountain” Quarter (Estimated Value: $195)
The Rocky Mountains on your Colorado quarter might have an extra peak! A rare error on some Philadelphia-minted coins makes it look like there’s an additional summit among the iconic range. The value on these varies, so condition is key!
The Bottom Line
While most of those state quarters are still just a quarter, a sharp eye for minting errors could turn your spare change into serious cash. If you spot something odd – an extra mountain, a rusty message, or a missing spike – it’s definitely worth getting that coin graded to find out its true value!
Happy hunting!
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- 9 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)