Imagine having a simple 25-cent coin in your bag and then learning that it’s worth a lot of money. That sounds crazy, right? But it’s true! There are some very rare U.S. state quarters that are worth $7,000 or more and look a lot like regular money.
These very rare quarters are still sometimes seen in circulation today. Most people don’t notice them because they don’t know how valuable they could be. Let’s look at five very valuable state quarters that you might not even know you have but could make you a lot of money.
1999 Georgia State Quarter – The Wavy Flag Mystery
Look for: The flag pattern on this coin looks a little wonky or messed up.
Why it’s valuable: This is a known mistake in the minting process, and there aren’t many of these coins left.
It could be worth up to $7,000 if it’s in great shape.
If you want to find the wave, look closely at the flag pattern and quarters from the same year.
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter – The “Extra Leaf” Error
What’s Different: There’s an extra leaf next to the corn stalk that doesn’t belong there. This was an error made during minting.
There are two kinds:
Low Extra Leaf
Extra Leaf High
The value as a collectible ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, based on the version and state.
For coin fans, this is one of the most well-known mistakes with quarters.
2005 Kansas State Quarter – The “In God We Rust” Error
What Happened: Some of these quarters have “In God We Rust” instead of the usual motto because of a mistake in the minting process.
Why it doesn’t happen often: Because this printing mistake was found and fixed quickly, only a few were made available.
Possible Value: Up to $5,000 if in good shape.
Tip: To make the writing on your Kansas quarter easy to read, use a magnifying glass.
1999 Delaware State Quarter – The “Spitting Horse” Error
Strange but true: a small crack in the die makes it look like the horse on the coin is spitting!
What makes it unique: It’s not clear at first glance, which makes it a secret gem for collectors.
Coins that are in good shape are worth more than $5,000 on the market.
Tip: To find the crack, look closely at the horse’s mouth.
2000 South Carolina State Quarter – Off-Center Strike
What to Look for: The image looks a little twisted or off-center because the mint strike wasn’t lined up right.
What Makes It Unique: Off-center mistakes are rare, especially on coins that are used every day.
Value: Anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, based on how badly it is misaligned.
Advice: Lay the coin flat and check to see if the print lines up correctly.
Think You Have One of These Coins?
Put your change in order for a moment. Keep an eye out for odd marks, designs, and misprints. You could be sitting on a lot of money and not even know it!
How to Get a Lot of Rare State Quarters
If you think you have a useful quarter:
Get a professional opinion on it.
Talk to licensed coin sellers or people who know a lot about coins.
Get a grade on it
Services like PCGS and NGC can confirm that your coin is real and give it a grade.
Sell on Platforms You Can Trust
You can sell your coin on eBay, Heritage Auctions, and other sites that handle coin auctions.
FAQs About Rare Quarters
Q: What makes some state quarters worth thousands?
A: Rare mint errors, low mintage numbers, and historical quirks make these coins extremely collectible.
Q: Can I still find these quarters in circulation?
A: Yes, although rare, a few still pop up in pocket change or old coin jars.
Q: How can I spot a rare quarter?
A: Look for minting flaws like double strikes, extra leaves, or off-center designs. Always inspect older state quarters carefully.
Q: Where should I go to verify my coin’s value?
A: Visit reputable coin shops, join online coin forums, or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Final Thoughts
Next time you come across spare change, don’t ignore those quarters. With a sharp eye and a bit of luck, you could discover a rare coin worth more than a month’s salary. Who knows—your next big win might just be jingling in your pocket!