Collecting state quarters means finding the highest quality, best-looking quarters in most cases. But collecting state quarter errors allows you to grab some high-value quarters worth a lot to collectors because of their rareerrors.
Today, let’s take a look at nine of the most valuable state quarter errorsworth money — these errors could indicate when a new quarter is a perfect addition to your collection!
What Are Some of the Most Valuable State Quarter Error Coins?
Over the years, newly mintedU.S. coins have gone into circulation with several errors. These errors, contrary to making the coins worth less to collectors, have only made themrarer and more chaseable.
There are three general types of coin errors you may discover as you build your coin collection:
- Planchet errors.Planchets are the blank coin shapes used to make new coins. Planchet errors can include preparing the wrong coin planchet for a specific coin, clipping coin designs, misaligned planchets, and blank planchets.
- Die errors. These involve mistakes with the dies that impart the images, lettering, or numbers on the surfaces of coins. These can include simple typos, double-die errors (where two images are placed on the same coin surface), and more.
- Strike errors. Strike errors occur when strikes are imparted improperly on coin surfaces, like off-center or misaligned strikes or designs that are struck on the wrong side of a coin planchet.
Though fewer errors are made these days, they do still happen, even with modern coins. Let’s take a look at some of the mostvaluable state quarter error coins.
1. 2005-P Minnesota Quarter with Extra Tree Mint Error
The 2005 Minnesota Quarter was supposed to have a peaceful picture of fishermen sailing on a lake with trees in the background. However, some quarters minted in Philadelphia come with extra trees.
To check for thisstate quarter error, take a magnifying glass to your 2005-P Minnesota Quarter and look to the right of the outline of the state of Minnesota. If there are several small lumps to the right of the smallest tree, you have one of these error quarters!
2. 1965 SMS Washington QuarterBroadstruck
While not a state quarter, this Special Mint Set quarter error is worth a mention. This varietal of the 1965 SMS Washington Quarter has a titular broad striking error. In a nutshell, if you look at the back of your quarter and see lots of space around the coin, it may have this error.
The 1965 Washington Quarter, if it has the broadstruck error, will have a light gray, very reflective surface on both sides. This quarter may even have better eye appeal than the standard version of the 1965 SMS Washington Quarter.
3. 2004-D Wisconsin State QuarterError Coin with Extra High Leaf
The 2004 Wisconsin State quarters minted in Denver may have a slight misprint on their designs. Specifically, these quarters have one extra leaf on the side of the coin with the corncob.
Because this is an aesthetic and interesting error, 2004-D Wisconsin StateQuartererror coins are actually worth more than average, sometimes selling for several hundred dollars online. The extra corn stock leaf can point down or point up; the latter case is called a “high leaf” quarter.
4. 2004-D Wisconsin Mint Mark Quarter with Extra Low Leaf
The Wisconsin state quarter, minted in Denver in 2004, may also have an error with an extra low leaf. In this case, the leaf points down next to the corn stock on the rear side of the coin.
The low-leaf version of thisstate quarter error coin is notable because it does not have the "D" mint mark on that side, marking it as being minted in Denver. However, the “D” should be on the face side of the coin.
5. 2009-D District of Columbia Double DieState Quarter Error
This valuable state quarter for the District of Columbia was minted in 2009 in Denver.
Its primary error is that it has a double die error — specifically, the word "Ellington" will have an extra "Ell." You may notice double die errors in places like the keys of the piano or Duke Ellington's arm.
Regardless, this 2009 state quarter error is veryvaluable because double die errors are very rare, and only a dozen have been officially certified and graded by third-party coin certification companies.
6. 1999-PConnecticut Quarter Feeder Finger Coin Error
This variation of a Philadelphia-minted Connecticut Quarter, first put into circulation in 1999, has a feeder finger error. In a nutshell, feeder fingers usually push planchets for coins into place so that they are struck by dies correctly. If the fingers make a mistake, they can get jammed and get quarters stuck in the fingers or elsewhere throughout the coin vending machines.
This state quarter error is veryrare, which only increases their value. The 1999-P Connecticut Quarter is one example: If you find one of these quarters, you could have a coin potentially worth several thousand dollars.
7. 2002-P Indiana Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
In 2002, the Philadelphia Mint made Indiana quarters but accidentally struck them on dime planchets. Since the planchets were smaller than intended for the quarters, the coins were cut into too-small sizes, resulting in misshapen coinage.
These state quarter error coins are funcollectiblesbut little else. They're also very rare. You can tell that you have one of these coins if the image is fairly well-centered, and it looks like the borders were cut off.
8. 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar/Georgia Quarter Hybrid
TheSusan B Anthony dollar in Georgia Quarter, minted in Philadelphia in 1999, is a so-called double denomination coin. This coin was struck on a Georgia Quarter even though it was supposed to be struck on a dollar coin. Therefore, you can find details from the original dollar and Georgia quarter designs imprinted on the coin’s surface.
These coins are identifiable via the word “Georgia” somewhere on the surface, as well as the mixed designs resulting in incomprehensible or illegible wording. In any case, these coins are often worth thousands of dollars when sold at auctions.
9. 2000-P Maryland Quarter/Dime Hybrid
Some Maryland quarters were mistakenly struck on claddimeplanchets in 2000 at the Philadelphia Mint. On the obverse side, you’ll notice George Washington’s side profile almost reaching the coin’s edges.
These coins are fairly rare, as the Philadelphia Mint is known for its quality assurance practices. If you do find one of these coins, note that it could be worth many thousands of dollars if sold at auction.
Rare Quarters With U.S. Mint Errors for Sale
State quarter errors are favorites for collectors for their numerous varieties and stellar art. Now you know some of the most important quarters with U.S. Mint errors to chase as you build up your collection.
Bullion Shark might be able to help you find the right quarter for your collection sooner rather than later. Our diverse, affordable selection of collectible coins is ready and waiting for you to check out.
Sources:
Superior Manufacturing Reduces Errors | U.S. Mint
Double-Denominations: Two Coins in One | Coin Week
Coin Production | U.S. Mint
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FAQ
How to authenticate and evaluate state quarter errors? Are there specific services or experts recommended for appraisingstate quarter errors?
Authenticating and evaluating state quarter errors typically involves consulting with numismatic experts or submitting the coins to reputable coin grading services. Services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are widely recognized in the field for their expertise in grading and authenticating coins, including error coins. These organizations assess the authenticity, condition, and rarity of coins, which directly influences their market value. For collectors seeking to authenticate and appraise error quarters, reaching out to these services and following their submission guidelines is a practical step. Additionally, engaging with local coin dealers or attending numismatic shows can offer opportunities for informal appraisals and advice from seasoned collectors.
What impact do state quarter error coins have on the overall perception and value of the U.S. Mint's coinage, and how does the Mint address these errors when they are discovered?
The occurrence of error coins, while reflecting lapses in the minting process, paradoxically enhances the U.S. Mint's reputation among collectors for producing collectible items with unique characteristics. While the Mint strives for perfection in coin production, the rarity of error coins adds a layer of intrigue and desirability among numismatists. In response to the discovery of errors, the U.S. Mint has implemented stringent quality control measures and continuously seeks to improve its manufacturing processes to minimize such occurrences. However, the historical presence of error coins serves as a testament to the evolving nature of coin production technology and practices.
Besides the state quarter errors mentioned, are there other less-known but potentially valuable state quarter errors collectors should be on the lookout for?
In addition to the state quarter errors highlighted in the article, there are certainly other less-known error coins that can be of interest to collectors. These might include variations in color, unusual textures, or partial strikes that didn't make it to mainstream recognition but could still hold value to niche collectors. Exploring coin collecting forums, participating in online communities, and reading specialized publications can uncover these hidden gems. Collectors are often encouraged to keep a keen eye on their change and newly acquired quarters for any anomalies that could signify a rare and potentially valuable error coin, expanding the scope of their collection beyond the more famous errors.
