Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Coins Worth Money List

Are you interested in collecting state quarters? Are you curious about the most valuable state quarter?

Collecting state-specific 25 cent coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby. But, not all state quarters are worth the same; in circulated condition, most are worth their face value.

However, other state quarters, especially those in mint condition, with a low mintage, and minting errors, can be worth anything from a few dollars to hundreds or thousands.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the most valuable state quarters. Knowing which state quarter to collect can be hard, even for a veteran hobbyist. But we created this list to make it easier and fun to collect these interesting coins.

So, let’s get started!

Looking for rare quarters from other years?

• Auto Coin Appraisal Tool: Best Coin Identifier App
• (1965-Present):  Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money List
• (1776-1976 Bicentennial):  Top 20 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Worth Money
• (1932 – 1998): Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money
• Misprint Dimes: Rare Quarter Errors List with Pictures

 

History of the 50 State Quarters Program

The United States Mint launched the 50 State Quarters Program to honor each state and help people learn more about its history and the Mint itself.

From 1999 to 2008, the Mint struck 50 special quarters, each featuring a portrait of our country’s first President, George Washington, on the obverse and a unique design on the reverse of each state’s quarter. The reverse design would commemorate a unique aspect of the state, whether historical, geographical or sentimental.

Each year, the Mint struck five sets of state quarters following the order in which the states joined the Union. In total, an estimated 34.3 billion state quarters were struck and released into circulation, with at least 400 million quarters issued for each state.

Some state quarters are more valuable and sought after than others. This can be attributed to the variation in mintage as the Mint issued more coins for some states than others. Some quarters, such as those from Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama, can take a lot of work to obtain.

On the other hand, those from New Mexico, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Michigan and Arkansas are common and easier to find, as more than half a billion quarters were minted for each state.

Although collecting state quarters is a popular hobby, most quarters struck under the Program are only worth their face value. That said, some collectors have paid thousands of dollars for error coins and rare quarters in gem condition.

Here’s a round-up of the most expensive state quarters:

Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money

1. 1999-S Delaware Silver Proof Quarter

Record Price: $17,250 (PCGS PR70 DCAM, Heritage Auctions 2007)

The 1999-S Delaware Silver Proof Quarter holds the distinction of being the first coin in the historic 50 State Quarters Program. Released on January 1, 1999, this quarter commemorates Delaware, which was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.

The reverse design features Caesar Rodney on horseback, commemorating his legendary 80-mile overnight ride to Philadelphia on July 1, 1776. Despite suffering from cancer and asthma, Rodney made this heroic journey to cast the deciding vote for American independence. This powerful historical moment is captured on a coin that has become one of the most valuable in the entire State Quarter series.

What makes the PR70 Deep Cameo specimens particularly valuable is their extreme rarity in perfect condition. While the San Francisco Mint struck 804,565 silver proof Delaware quarters in 1999, finding one in absolutely flawless PR70 condition is exceptionally difficult. The silver proof quarters were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, giving them both numismatic and intrinsic value.

The price difference between grades is remarkable. While PR69 Deep Cameo examples typically sell for around $22, the jump to PR70 commands astronomical premiums. The record-setting $17,250 sale in 2007 represents a nearly 800-fold increase for just one point on the grading scale. This dramatic price differential illustrates how condition rarity drives value in modern commemorative coinage.

As the inaugural coin of the 50 State Quarters Program, the Delaware quarter holds special significance for collectors, making high-grade examples particularly desirable.

Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

2. 1999-P Pennsylvania Experimental Planchet Quarter

Record Price: $9,800 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auctions 2006)

One of the most fascinating varieties in the State Quarter series is the experimental planchet Pennsylvania quarter. These unusual coins were created when the U.S. Mint was conducting metallurgical tests to develop the alloy for the Sacagawea dollar in 1999.

Rather than using dollar-sized planchets for testing, the Mint found it more convenient to use quarter-size planchets with existing state quarter dies. This practical decision resulted in a small number of experimental quarters being struck for each of the five 1999 states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.

What makes these coins particularly interesting is their unique composition. Analysis using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that these experimental pieces were made predominantly of copper and zinc, with traces of manganese and nickel. This gave the coins their distinctive yellow-green appearance, quite different from the standard copper-nickel clad quarters.

The Pennsylvania example that sold for $9,800 was graded MS67 by PCGS and described as a “lustrous and unblemished yellow-green Superb Gem.” The surfaces show streaky, granular textures that were created during the minting process, with particularly noticeable striations along the rims. These characteristics are typical of experimental planchets and actually add to their appeal among specialized collectors.

These experimental quarters represent an important chapter in U.S. Mint history, documenting the development process of new coinage. Their rarity and historical significance make them highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

3. 2007-D Montana Quarter Double Denomination Error

Record Price: $9,600 (PCGS MS65, Heritage Auctions 2024)

One of the most dramatic and valuable errors in the State Quarter series is the 2007-D Montana quarter struck on a previously struck dime. This extraordinary double denomination error represents one of the rarest minting mistakes in modern U.S. coinage.

This particular error occurred when a struck Roosevelt dime somehow found its way back into the minting process and was fed through the quarter press. The result is a fascinating numismatic oddity that shows design elements from both denominations on a single coin. Portions of the dime undertype remain visible on both sides, creating a unique overlay effect that collectors find irresistible.

What makes this specific example particularly notable is its exceptional preservation and strike quality. Despite being struck twice with different dies, the coin maintained remarkable detail. The date, Montana’s distinctive cow skull design, and “MONTANA” inscription are well-centered on the planchet. On the obverse, Washington’s portrait and the Denver mintmark remain clear and distinct. The surfaces display satiny luster with just a hint of light champagne coloring, contributing to its MS65 grade.

This coin’s pedigree adds to its significance, having been formerly in the Collection of Fred Weinberg, one of the most respected error coin specialists in numismatics. Weinberg’s expertise in mint errors has made pieces from his collection particularly sought after by advanced collectors.

Double denomination errors are among the most coveted in error coin collecting because they require multiple failures in the minting process to occur. The $9,600 price reflects both the rarity of this error type and the coin’s superior condition.

Check 2007 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

4. 2001-P North Carolina Quarter Struck on Cent Planchet

Record Price: $9,000 (PCGS MS64, Heritage Auctions 2024)

This remarkable error represents one of the most significant wrong planchet varieties in the State Quarter series. The 2001-P North Carolina quarter was mistakenly struck on a cent planchet, creating a dramatic size difference that makes this error immediately recognizable to collectors.

The North Carolina quarter commemorates the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903. The reverse design is based on the famous photograph “First Flight,” showing Orville Wright piloting the Flyer as his brother Wilbur runs alongside on the ground. This 12-second flight covering 120 feet marked the beginning of powered aviation and changed the world forever.

What makes this particular error so valuable is the combination of several factors. First, since the North Carolina quarter was only minted in 2001, it represents a one-year type struck on the wrong planchet, making such errors exceptionally rare. The smaller cent planchet resulted in interesting centering that actually favors the Wright Brothers’ airplane design, with all of Wilbur Wright clearly visible in the struck portion.

The striking characteristics are particularly fascinating. While the peripheral legends are only partial due to the smaller planchet size, with left-side inscriptions like “NORTH” and “UNITED STATES” completely absent, the essential elements remain. The mintmark and most of the date are present, allowing for proper identification. The coin displays rich orange-red coloring typical of cent composition, with deeper gray tones on the high points where the design elements received the most striking pressure.

The standard North Carolina quarter had a massive mintage of over 1.05 billion coins, making regular examples common. However, this wrong planchet error, formerly in the prestigious Fred Weinberg Collection, represents an extraordinary deviation from normal production that commands significant premiums among specialized error collectors.

Check 2001 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

5. 2005-P West Virginia Quarter Struck on Copper Planchet

Record Price: $9,000 (PCGS MS66 Red and Brown, Heritage Auctions 2024)

This remarkable error represents a fascinating piece of minting history where modern quarter dies met vintage cent planchet technology. The 2005-P West Virginia quarter was accidentally struck on a pre-1982 copper cent planchet, creating a unique combination that collectors find irresistible.

The West Virginia quarter features the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, an engineering marvel that transformed transportation in the Mountain State. Completed on October 22, 1977, this 3,030-foot bridge reduced travel time across the gorge from a treacherous 40-minute mountain drive to less than one minute. The bridge design was selected by Governor Joe Manchin from over 1,800 submissions, with students from the Governor’s School for the Arts helping narrow down the finalists.

What makes this particular error so significant is its unusual composition. Since 1982, cent planchets have been made of zinc with copper plating and weigh 2.5 grams. However, this quarter was struck on a pre-1982 copper cent planchet weighing 3.1 grams, representing the heavier, solid copper-alloy composition used before the metal shortage of the early 1980s.

The striking results are visually stunning. Despite the smaller planchet size, the date and mintmark remain bold and complete, while most of the bridge design and all of Washington’s portrait are clearly present. The coin displays distinctive peach-red peripheries surrounding lilac, gunmetal-blue, and sea-green centers—coloring that reflects the copper composition rather than the standard copper-nickel clad appearance.

The West Virginia quarter had the highest mintage of all 2005 quarters, with over 700 million pieces struck, making regular examples extremely common. However, this wrong planchet error, formerly in the prestigious Fred Weinberg Collection, represents an extraordinary deviation that commands significant premiums among specialized error collectors.

Check 2005 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

6. 2002-D Tennessee Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet

Record Price: $6,600 (PCGS MS65, Heritage Auctions 2024)

This exceptional error represents one of the rarest wrong planchet varieties in the entire State Quarter series. The 2002-D Tennessee quarter was mistakenly struck on a Roosevelt dime planchet, creating a dramatically smaller coin that captures the essence of Tennessee’s musical heritage in miniature form.

The Tennessee quarter celebrates the state’s extraordinary contributions to American music through three distinctive instruments representing each region. The fiddle symbolizes the Appalachian folk music of East Tennessee, where mountain musicians preserved centuries-old traditions in isolated hollows. The guitar represents Central Tennessee and Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music where legends like the Grand Ole Opry shaped American culture. The trumpet stands for West Tennessee and Memphis, the birthplace of blues and the launching pad for icons like B.B. King and Elvis Presley.

The design was created by Shawn Stookey, an elementary school teacher from New Johnsonville, Tennessee, who submitted his concept among nearly 1,000 entries received by the Tennessee Coin Commission. Governor Don Sundquist selected this musical theme from five finalist designs, recognizing that no other single element better captured Tennessee’s identity than its musical legacy.

What makes this particular error so remarkable is both its rarity and striking characteristics. Only about 15 state quarters struck on dime planchets are known for the entire 50-state series, making this among the scarcest error types in modern numismatics. The smaller dime planchet resulted in interesting centering that favors the reverse design, with the musical instruments clearly visible while peripheral legends like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are completely absent. The Denver mintmark remains complete and bold, allowing for proper attribution.

The coin displays distinctive golden toning across unblemished surfaces, with the compressed design creating an almost medallion-like appearance. Tennessee became the 16th state to join the Union on June 1, 1796, and this error coin from the Fred Weinberg Collection represents a fascinating convergence of musical history and minting mishap that commands significant premiums among advanced collectors.

Check 2002 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

7. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Extra Leaf Low

Record Price: $6,000 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auctions 2020)

This legendary variety represents the only major discovery in the entire 50 State Quarters Program, transforming an ordinary agricultural design into numismatic gold. Robert Ford made his historic discovery in late December 2004, finding a mysterious extra leaf protruding from the bottom left of the corn stalk—a feature never part of the original design.

The Wisconsin quarter celebrates America’s Dairyland with a cow, cheese wheel, and corn stalk beneath the state motto “Forward.” According to the Cherrypickers’ Guide, this artifact resulted when someone deliberately impressed a tool with a rounded edge into the working die, creating what appears to be a perfectly natural corn leaf.

The discovery sparked a nationwide treasure hunt. Within days, collectors were driving hundreds of miles and emptying bank rolls searching for these varieties. Some fortunate hunters reportedly found hundreds of specimens in bank-wrapped rolls, particularly in the Tucson and San Antonio areas, while most searches came up empty.

The rarity statistics reveal this coin’s true significance. With only four examples graded MS67 and none finer, this represents condition rarity at its most extreme. The Extra Leaf Low variety is considered more common than its High Leaf counterpart, yet finding one in pristine MS67 condition is exceptionally difficult.

What makes this variety particularly fascinating is that it was clearly intentional—someone at the Denver Mint deliberately created this “error,” positioning the extra leaf exactly where one would expect a corn leaf to appear.

Check 2004 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

8. 2002-P Tennessee Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet

Record Price: $6,000 (PCGS MS64, Heritage Auctions 2024)

This extraordinary error represents one of the scarcest wrong planchet varieties in State Quarter history. The 2002-P Tennessee quarter was struck for only a few months, making any error on this short-lived Philadelphia issue exceptionally rare. When a Roosevelt dime planchet found its way between Tennessee quarter dies, it created a numismatic treasure that perfectly captures America’s musical heritage in miniature.

The Tennessee quarter celebrates the state’s legendary contributions to American music with three iconic instruments. The fiddle represents East Tennessee’s Appalachian folk traditions, the guitar symbolizes Central Tennessee’s country music capital Nashville, and the trumpet honors West Tennessee’s blues legacy from Memphis. This musical trilogy, designed by elementary school teacher Shawn Stookey, tells the complete story of American popular music.

What makes this error particularly dramatic is its striking appearance. The smaller dime planchet creates an off-center effect toward 4 o’clock relative to the reverse, making the coin appear almost medallion-like. While the musical instruments remain virtually intact and clearly visible, the date and mintmark are completely off the planchet. The PCGS certification identifies this as a Philadelphia strike, presumably determined from other coins found in the same bag or roll when discovered.

This specimen from the prestigious Fred Weinberg Collection represents the finest balance of preservation and visual impact. Only about 15 state quarters struck on dime planchets are known for the entire 50-state series, making this among the most coveted modern error types.

Check 2002 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

9. 2003-P Arkansas Quarter Struck on a Struck Dime

Record Price: $5,640 (NGC MS64, Heritage Auctions 2024)

This exceptional double denomination error represents one of the rarest varieties in State Quarter history. Only five state quarters struck on dime double-denominations are known for the entire 50-state series, making this Arkansas specimen among the most coveted modern errors in existence.

The Arkansas quarter celebrates “The Natural State” through a design born from over 9,320 submissions in a statewide competition. Dortha Scott of Mount Ida created the winning concept featuring a prominent diamond representing Crater of Diamonds State Park—America’s only public diamond mine where visitors can search for gems and keep their finds. Rice stalks honor Arkansas’s status as the nation’s leading rice producer, while a mallard duck in flight above trees and water symbolizes the state’s abundant natural resources and legendary waterfowl hunting.

This extraordinary error occurred when an already struck Roosevelt dime was fed back into the quarter press, creating a fascinating overlay effect. The underlying Roosevelt dime’s design remains visible beneath the Arkansas elements, with portions of FDR’s profile, lettering, and other dime features creating ghostly impressions. Pre-strike aluminum residue from feeder finger contact adds distinctive silver toning and struck-through areas, enhancing the coin’s dramatic appearance.

Although the date is off the planchet, the clear mintmark and Arkansas design elements provide definitive 2003-P identification. The coin displays satiny luster with bright reflectivity and multicolor toning on the Arkansas side, contrasting beautifully with the light golden obverse coloring.

From the prestigious Fred Weinberg Collection, this ultra-rare double denomination error represents the pinnacle of State Quarter collecting.

Check 2003 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

10. 2000-P Massachusetts Quarter

Record Price: $3,760 (NGC MS69, Heritage Auctions 2017)

This remarkable specimen represents the pinnacle of modern State Quarter collecting, achieving legendary status as the first quarter of the new millennium. The 2000-P Massachusetts quarter holds the distinction of being the sixth coin in the 50 State Quarters Program, released on January 3, 2000, marking America’s entry into the 21st century with revolutionary symbolism.

The design features “The Minuteman” soldier standing vigilantly against the outline of Massachusetts, created by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Thomas D. Rodgers. This iconic image commemorates the citizen-soldiers who could assemble and fight “at a minute’s notice” during the American Revolution. The famous statue that inspired this design stands at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, where the “shot heard ’round the world” began America’s fight for independence.

What makes this coin’s origin story particularly charming is that Massachusetts was the only state to hold a contest exclusively for elementary school students. Over 100 entries were submitted by public, private, and parochial schools across the Bay State, with Governor Paul Cellucci selecting the winning Minuteman design created by two young students whose creativity would grace millions of quarters.

The population statistics reveal this coin’s true rarity. With a PCGS population of only 2/0—meaning just two examples have achieved MS69 grade with none grading higher—this represents condition rarity at its most extreme. From the prestigious Mile High Collection, this MS69 specimen demonstrates that even modern quarters can achieve significant premiums when preserved in absolutely perfect condition.

Check 2000 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List

 

 

Summary

Although state quarters are generally only worth their face value, collecting some coins in the Statehood Quarter Program can pay off in a big way. It’s best to pay attention to coins in mint state as these are worth much more and will provide a better return on investment. In particular, focus your efforts on obtaining state quarters from Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alabama.