Under the State Quarter Program of the U.S. Mint (1999–2008) coin collecting gained new public appeal through designs focusing on state heritage themes. Some error coins from the U.S. State quarters series have become popular collectibles while a few very rare specimens have reached the astonishing value of $150 million. The following section presents a review of extraordinary minting mistakes with explanations for their distinctive appeal.
Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter (1999)

The 1999 Delaware Quarter, the first in the State Quarters series, features Caesar Rodney on horseback. During production there was an error which led to the development of what collectors term “Spitting Horse” because a die crack formed a line extending from the horse’s mouth in a manner that resembled spit. >
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error | Die crack near the horse’s mouth |
Value | Estimated up to $150 million (high grade) |
Collector Appeal | Unique and recognizable error |
The intriguing mistake with the State Quarter has transformed it into one of the highly desired errors that collectors actively pursue. >
Wisconsin’s “Extra Leaf” Quarter (2004)

The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter integrates three important state symbols of agriculture: cows alongside cheese wheels and corn stalks. The corn stalk received unintended modification through a mint error which produced two leaf variation versions. >
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error Variants | High extra leaf and low extra leaf |
Value | Significant premiums over face value |
Collector Appeal | Highly desirable due to unique design error |
The two versions of the extra leaf flaw attract interested collectors who reward the items with increasingly higher prices dependent on their quality and availability.
Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter (2005)

The 2005 Kansas Quarter gained notoriety because of the “In God We Rust” typo which appeared on its design featuring a bison and state motto. >
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Error | Missing “T” in “TRUST” due to a grease-filled die |
Value | Significant premiums for uncirculated examples |
Collector Appeal | Popular for its humorous and ironic error |
People across the numismatic field have widely recognized this error because of its special defect which makes it an ideal speaking point in coin collection circles.
Other Notable State Quarter Errors
Various other errors found in State Quarters also hold valuable appeal to collectors.
State | Error | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|
Connecticut (1999) | Broad strike (expanded coin size) | Over $1,000 |
New Hampshire (2000) | Die crack through the design | Over $500 |
Minnesota (2005) | Extra tree in the design | Over $1,000 |
Georgia (1999) | Missing mint mark | Over $700 |
The discovery of these mistakes proves that important findings exist throughout regular currency circulation.
Factors Determining Value
The worth of error quarters depends on multiple essential criteria.
- Rarity: The fewer coins with the error, the higher the value.
- Condition: Money that is in immaculate condition receives the highest market value.
- Error Type: Errors that feature distinctive unusual features such as extra elements or letter absences carry greater value.
- Collector Demand: The general interest in both a coin series and its error kind directly influences the market worth.
How to Spot Valuable Error Quarters
Here is the process to identify valuable State Quarters in both your collection and change:
- Inspect the Design: Inspect the coin for atypical design elements together with superfluous features as well as absent information.
- Focus On Key states: Examine Delaware (1999) together with Wisconsin (2004) and Kansas (2005) in particular.
- Use Proper Lighting: Illumination that is adequate enables people to find small mistakes in coins.
- Compare Coins: Compare suspected valuable errors with known documented images.
Selling Valuable Quarters
Proceed with identifying a valuable error coin if you suspect its presence.
- Handle Carefully: Professional coin specialists recommend leaving the coin uncleaned since cleaning methods can hurt its monetary worth.
- Store Properly: Place coins in protective holders as a preventive measure against damage.
- Authenticate: The coin needs professional grading from PCGS or NGC.
- Consult Dealers: The best way to determine accurate valuations and sell coins is through professional associations like dealers and auction houses.
Conclusion
The 1999-P Delaware and the 2004 Wisconsin and 2005 Minnesota quarters constitute three of the rarest U.S. coins because they command nearly $150 million collectively. Luck will smile on you if you discover one of these coins since you might have found incredible value in your possession.
FAQ’s
What is Wisconsin ‘Extra Leaf’ Quarter’s valuable?
An extra leaf on cornstarch design is a unique mint error.
Why are we a mistake in God?
‘T’ disappeared in ‘Trust’ because a Greece died.
What is “Spitting Horse” Error?
A die in the Delaware quarter of 1999 forms a line near the horse’s mouth.
How do I protect valuable quarters?
Store them in protective holders and avoid cleaning.