Now is an excellent time to look through your spare change for valuable quarters. Since 1990, numerous error coins and rare U.S. quarters have slipped into circulation, making them highly sought-after by collectors. These coins often have significant numismatic premiums above their face value—sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars. Let’s explore ten valuable U.S. quarter dollar error coins you might encounter in your change.
1. 1999-P Delaware Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
As the first coin in the popular 50 State Quarters series, this Delaware quarter with the spitting horse error has attracted quite the following among collectors. While not rare, the distinctive appearance and historical significance of being the series’ first issue make this coin worth a significant amount above its face value. Circulated quarters with this error can be worth $15 to $50, and mint state examples fetch up to $150 in the collector market.
The 1999-P “Spitting Horse” Delaware Quarter is a collectible die crack on the obverse (front) of the coin, which creates the illusion that the horse is “spitting.” The die crack typically extends from the horse’s mouth toward the coin’s rim, giving the appearance of a stream of spit.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $15-$50 |
| Uncirculated | $75-$100 |
| M.S. 65+ | $100-$150 |
2. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (High/Low Leaf Error)
The 2004-D High/Low Leaf Error Wisconsin Quarter is one of the series’s most famous and sought-after errors. Two varieties of this error have been identified on the reverse side of the coin, where a corn stalk is depicted: the high-leaf and low-leaf versions. In both cases, an additional leaf appears on the corn stalk, which was not part of the original design.
The high-leaf variety features an extra leaf positioned higher up on the corn stalk, near the middle. In contrast, the low-leaf variety has a leaf that appears lower, closer to the bottom of the stalk. These errors are believed to have resulted from intentional die modifications, and both are collectible due to their uniqueness. Values can range from $50 to over $1,200 if graded and certified.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50-$150 |
| Uncirculated | $300-$500 |
| MS 65+ | $1,200+ |
3. 2005 Minnesota Quarter (Extra Tree Error)
The 2005 “Extra Tree” Minnesota Quarter is a notable and subtle error on the coin’s reverse. The state’s iconic loon is depicted in the landscape among the trees. Due to multiple die clashes, some coins appear to have an extra tree or additional tree-like markings in the design, which were not part of the original image.
The value of the Minnesota Quarter Extra Tree Error depends on the condition of the coin and the prominence of the extra tree. Depending on condition and grading, it can range from $5 to over $300.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $5-$30 |
| Uncirculated | $50-$200 |
| MS 65+ | $300+ |
4. 1999-P Georgia Quarter (Clad Layer Missing)
The 1999-P Missing Clad Layer Georgia Quarter occurs when the outer clad layer of copper-nickel is accidentally left off during production, exposing the copper core beneath. This gives the quarter a distinctive reddish or brownish hue.
Quarters with a missing clad layer are highly collectible and are extremely valuable in the numismatic market. The worth of these coins depends on the extent of the missing clad layer and the coin’s overall condition. Values can range from $250 to over $1,500, depending on how much of the clad layer is missing.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $250-$500 |
| Uncirculated | $750-$1,000 |
| MS 65+ | $1,500+ |
5. 2007 Idaho Quarter (Double Struck)
The 2007 Double Struck Idaho Quarter is an unusual error that occurs due to a die misalignment. This causes various parts of the reverse to show a doubling of specific design elements. In some cases, the date appears doubled. While others appear to be strike-throughs as well as planchet issues. Depending on the severity of the error, these valuable quarters can be worth over $500 at auction.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $25-$50 |
| Uncirculated | $100-$300 |
| MS 65+ | $500+ |
6. 2015 Homestead Quarter (Snow on the Roof Error)
The 2015 “Snow on the Roof” Homestead Quarter error occurs when die cracks and chips create the appearance of snow or frost on the roof of the building depicted on the reverse. The imperfections in the die result in raised areas on the roof.
Other error variations of the 2015 Homestead Quarter include “Popped Corn,” showing Die Chips in the stalks, and the “Leaky Bucket” variety, which shows a die break at the bottom of the bucket.
The “Snow on the Roof” error has become a more widely recognized modern quarter error. Well-preserved examples of this error can make this one of the most valuable quarters in the 50 State Quarters Series. These coins could be worth well over $300 at auction in graded and certified condition.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $10-$50 |
| Uncirculated | $75-$150 |
| MS 65+ | $300+ |
7. 2020-W Weir Farm Quarter (V75 Privy Mark)
The West Point Mint struck the 2020-W V75 Privy Mark Weir Farm Quarter and is particularly notable for the “V75” privy mark. This quarter features the “W” mint mark on the obverse, just below the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST”. The privy mark is located just above the word “LIBERTY” on the left of Washington’s portrait and was added to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The 2020-W Weir Farm Quarters had a lower mintage than those issued from other mints, making them one of the more valuable and desirable issues from the America the Beautiful series.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $30-$50 |
| Uncirculated | $75-$100 |
| MS 65+ | $100+ |
8. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
The 2000-P DDO South Carolina Quarter is characterized by noticeable doubling on the obverse within the letters and numbers. On this error quarter, the doubling is noticeable around the inscriptions of “Liberty” or the date.
Finding a double-die obverse error on a South Carolina quarter in your spare change is a great way to add a valuable quarter to your collection.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50-$100 |
| Uncirculated | $150-$400 |
| MS 65+ | $800+ |
9. 2019-W Lowell Quarter Die Chip Error
The 2019-W Lowell Quarter is part of the special release by the West Point Mint of only 2 million coins. Part of the America the Beautiful series, the Lowell Quarter features a historic mill worker during America’s Industrial Revolution.
Numismatists have discovered various die chip errors; one example was sold at auction for more than $1,500.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $25-$50 |
| Uncirculated | $75-$200 |
| MS 65+ | $300+ |
10. 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter (Die Chip Errors)
This new quarter design has already seen multiple die chip errors, particularly around Washington’s hat. Collectors are quickly snapping these up, anticipating future value increases.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $10-$30 |
| Uncirculated | $50-$150 |
| MS 65+ | $200+ |
These quarters highlight the exciting world of modern coin collecting. With error coins commanding impressive premiums, even circulated coins can be worth far more than face value. Keep a close eye on your pocket change—you might discover one of these valuable quarters waiting to be found.