The Kansas State Quarter, released in 2005, is a part of the popular 50 State Quarters Program that captivated collectors and everyday Americans alike. While the face value of each quarter is $0.25, some Kansas quarters are worth much more due to their condition, rarity, or unique errors. In this article, we will delve into the historical context of these coins, assess their potential value, and explore what makes some Kansas quarters especially valuable.
Historical Context
The Kansas State Quarter was introduced in 2005 as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. This program aimed to honor each state by featuring a unique design on the reverse side of the quarters. The Kansas quarter was the 34th coin released in the series, commemorating Kansas as the 34th state to join the Union on January 29, 1861. For collectors, the Kansas quarter is significant as it represents not just a piece of currency, but a slice of American history and culture.
2005 Kansas Quarter Value Chart
Understanding the value of a Kansas quarter involves examining its condition. Below is a value chart that showcases the estimated value of Kansas quarters based on their condition:
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| MS66 | $30 – $50 |
2005 Kansas Quarter Obverse and Reverse Design
The Kansas State Quarter features two distinct designs. On the obverse side, the coin displays the traditional portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan. The reverse side, designed by Norman E. Nemeth, showcases a buffalo and sunflowers, symbolizing the state’s rich natural heritage. The reeded edge of the quarter contains 119 reeds, a standard feature in the design of U.S. quarters.
2005 Kansas Quarter Composition and Physical Features
The Kansas State Quarter is composed of a clad combination of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. It weighs 5.67 grams and has a diameter of 24.26 mm, consistent with other quarters in the series. This composition gives the coin its distinctive appearance and durability.
Rare Issues and Error Coins
Certain Kansas quarters are particularly valuable due to minting errors. Known errors include the “Humpback Buffalo” error, where the buffalo design appears doubled, and the “Extra Leaf” error that adds an additional leaf to the design. These error coins can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes ranging from $50 to $300, depending on their condition and rarity.
Special Releases and Proof Coins
In addition to the standard circulation coins, the U.S. Mint released special proof versions of the Kansas quarter. These coins were struck with higher quality and are often sought after by collectors. Proof coins generally have a higher value, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for standard proof and significantly higher for silver proof versions, depending on the market.
How to Identify a Valuable 2005 Kansas Quarter
To determine if a Kansas quarter is valuable, closely examine the coin for any unique features or errors. Pay attention to the condition of the coin, as uncirculated and well-preserved quarters are generally worth more. Additionally, consult reputable coin valuation resources to get an accurate appraisal of your coin’s worth.
Other Valuable State Quarters
1999 Delaware State Quarter
The Delaware State Quarter was the first coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program, featuring Caesar Rodney on horseback. Early die state examples, especially those in MS66 or higher, can be valued at $100 or more.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| MS66 | $100+ |
1999 Connecticut State Quarter
The Connecticut Quarter, featuring the Charter Oak, is another sought-after coin. Known for its beautiful design, high-grade examples can be particularly valuable, with prices reaching $50 to $100 in top conditions.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| MS66 | $50 – $100 |
2000 South Carolina State Quarter
The South Carolina State Quarter features the state outline, a palmetto tree, and the Carolina Wren. Error coins and high-grade examples can be highly valuable, with MS66 or higher coins fetching prices that significantly exceed face value.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| MS66 | $100+ |
2008 Hawaii State Quarter
The Hawaii State Quarter, the last coin in the series, features King Kamehameha I and the state outline. Its significance and lower mintage make it desirable among collectors, with high-grade specimens reaching $50 to $100.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| MS66 | $50 – $100 |
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter
The Wisconsin State Quarter, with its design featuring a cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn, is famous for its error variety known as the “Extra Leaf” error. Coins with this error are highly collectible and can fetch prices from $50 to several hundred dollars.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Fine | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $15.00 – $50.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $50.00 – $100.00 |
| MS66 | $300+ |