3 Rare State Quarters Worth Almost $150 Million, Still in Circulation

The State Quarter Program, running from 1999 to 2008, not only celebrated the unique aspects of each U.S. state but also introduced some of the most interesting and valuable coins in modern American numismatics. While most of these quarters are worth just their face value, a select few with rare minting errors have become incredibly valuable, fetching prices in the millions for the luckiest of collectors.

.1. The Delaware “Spitting Horse” Error: A Minting Mishap Worth Millions.
.Unveiling a Fortunate Flaw.
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter was the first issued in the State Quarter Program and is notable for its depiction of Caesar Rodney on horseback. A peculiar minting error—nicknamed the “Spitting Horse”—occurred when a die flaw resulted in a line extending from the horse’s mouth, mimicking the appearance of spitting. This quirky error has catapulted the value of these quarters to as much as 150 million dollars in pristine condition, making it a centerpiece in rare coin collections.

.2. The Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarters: Variations of Value.
.A Corny Error with Pricey Leaves.
In 2004, the Wisconsin State Quarter, which features a cow, a cheese wheel, and a corn stalk, became famous not for its design but for an error known as the “Extra Leaf.” There are two variations of this error: the “High Extra Leaf” and the “Low Extra Leaf,” each depicting an additional leaf on the corn stalk at different positions. These variations are highly prized by collectors, with well-preserved specimens commanding thousands of dollars.

.3. The Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter: Humorous Error Attracts Collectors.
.A Greasy Mistake Leads to Collector Gold.
The 2005 Kansas State Quarter is beloved not only for its depiction of the state’s iconic landscape but also for a humorous minting error. Due to a grease-filled die, the letter “T” in “Trust” was omitted, resulting in the inscription “In God We Rust.” While not as financially valuable as some other errors, the amusing nature of this mistake makes it a favorite among collectors, with top-condition coins fetching hundreds to thousands of dollars.

.4. Identifying Valuable Quarters: Tips for Treasure Hunters.
.Expert Advice on Spotting Rare Quarters.
To uncover potentially valuable state quarters, collectors should focus on a few key aspects:

• .Minting Errors:. Look for coins with unusual features such as missing letters, extra elements, or misplaced details.
• .Uncirculated Condition:. Coins in mint condition are more desirable and valuable.
• .Low Mintage Figures:. Coins that were produced in limited quantities tend to be more valuable due to their rarity.

.5. FAQs: Understanding State Quarter Collecting.
.Answers to Common Collector Questions.
In this section, common questions about collecting state quarters and their values are addressed, helping both novice and experienced collectors better understand what makes these coins special and potentially valuable.