As a professional numismatist, I‘ve witnessed few modern coin series generate as much excitement among collectors as the 50 State Quarters program. Spanning 1999 through 2008, this ambitious initiative from the U.S. Mint commemorated each state with a unique reverse design, releasing five new quarters into circulation each year.
The series was a resounding success, with roughly half of all Americans becoming casual collectors and generating over $3 billion in direct revenue for the U.S. Mint. By some estimates, over 140 million people collected state quarters in some form. It ignited a newfound passion for coin collecting across the nation.
But while the Mint struck a staggering 34.3 billion state quarters in total, some issues are significantly more valuable than others due to their scarcity, quality, and unique features. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll reveal the most coveted state quarters that command top dollar, and share my expert tips for cherrypicking these numismatic treasures.
The State Quarter Boom: Facts & Figures
To grasp just how significant the 50 State Quarters program was, consider these striking statistics:
- The average mintage for a single state‘s quarter design was 690 million coins (including all mints)
- By the end of 2008, there was roughly $815 million worth of state quarters in circulation – more than half of all quarters
- Over 130 million mail-in orders for the Mint‘s state quarter products were processed
- Mintage declined in later years, with the average for 2008 (463m) 28% lower than 1999 (648m)
- Based on a 2005 survey by the Mint, the five most popular state quarter designs were Florida, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Alaska
State quarters transformed America‘s relationship with pocket change and exposed millions to the joys of coin collecting. Two decades later, their legacy endures, with the series remaining one of the most widely collected modern coin types.
What Makes a State Quarter Valuable?
With 69% of state quarters struck at the Denver Mint, 27% at the Philadelphia Mint, and 4% San Francisco proofs, some issues are inherently scarcer. But rarity is just one factor in determining a state quarter‘s value. Other key aspects collectors prize include:
- High grade – Flawless, mint-state examples with no wear, damage, or imperfections fetch the strongest premiums
- Low mintage – Certain states and years had mintages well below average, like the 2008-D issues
- Key dates – In general, quarters from the series‘ first and last years (1999 and 2008) are the most coveted
- Errors/varieties – Mistakes during the minting process can spawn rare and valuable variations like the extra leaf Wisconsin or spitting horse Delaware
- Full bands – Sharp and complete horizontal lines in the detail of the trumpet on the reverse indicate a strong strike, adding value
- Strike/eye appeal – Well-executed, visually attractive coins with crisp details and nice luster are most desirable
Of course, the most valuable state quarters possess a combination of these attributes, like a top population 1999-S Delaware silver proof or rare 1999-P Connecticut specimen striking. But each of these characteristics can substantially boost a coin‘s numismatic value.
The Most Valuable State Quarters
Without further ado, let‘s dive into a breakdown of the most valuable issues in the series, based on mintages, population reports, and recent auction records. Note that values represent high-end prices for top condition examples.
| State / Year / Mint | Mintage | Variety/Description | Grade | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware 1999-S | 804,565 | 90% Silver Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $17,250 |
| Pennsylvania 1999-P | 349,000,000 | Experimental Planchet | PCGS MS67 | $9,775 |
| Georgia 1999-S | 804,565 | 90% Silver Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $6,037 |
| Wisconsin 2004-D | 226,800,000 | Extra Leaf Low | PCGS MS67 | $6,000 |
| Delaware 1999-P | 373,400,000 | Struck on Experimental Planchet | PCGS MS66 | $4,887 |
| Connecticut 1999-P | 688,744,000 | – | PCGS MS67 | $4,362 |
| Missouri 2003-P | 225,000,000 | – | PCGS MS68 | $4,312 |
| North Dakota 2006-D | 359,000,000 | – | PCGS MS68 | $3,760 |
| Indiana 2002-D | 327,200,000 | – | NGC MS69 | $3,760 |
| Massachusetts 2000-P | 628,600,000 | – | NGC MS69 | $3,760 |
| South Carolina 2000-P | 742,576,000 | – | NGC MS69 PL | $3,525 |
| Ohio 2002-D | 414,832,000 | – | NGC MS69 | $3,525 |
| Texas 2004-P | 278,800,000 | – | NGC MS69 | $3,055 |
| South Carolina 2000-D | 566,208,000 | Struck 9 Times | PCGS MS63 | $2,990 |
| New York 2001-P | 655,400,000 | – | PCGS MS69 | $2,585 |
| Kentucky 2001-P | 353,000,000 | – | PCGS MS69 | $2,585 |
| New Mexico 2008-D | 244,400,000 | Missing Edge Lettering | PCGS MS62 | $2,500 |
| New Jersey 1999-S | 804,565 | 90% Silver Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $2,530 |
| Wisconsin 2004-D | 226,800,000 | Extra Leaf High | PCGS MS66 | $2,530 |
| Nebraska 2006-P | 318,000,000 | – | PCGS MS68 | $2,350 |
| Alaska 2008-D | 254,000,000 | – | NGC MS69 | $2,350 |
| Connecticut 1999-D | 657,880,000 | – | PCGS MS68 | $2,300 |
| Illinois 2003-S | 3,408,516 | 90% Silver Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $2,185 |
| New Hampshire 2000-P | 673,040,000 | – | PCGS MS64 | $2,182 |
| Wyoming 2007-P | 243,600,000 | – | PCGS MS68 | $2,115 |
Sources: PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Census, Heritage Auctions, USA Coin Book
As you can see, the most valuable regular-issue state quarters are concentrated in the series‘ earlier years when the excitement was high and mintages slightly lower. Later S-mints struck for collectors in 90% silver represent the cream of the crop and are highly coveted registry set staples.
How to Spot a Valuable State Quarter
While you‘d be incredibly lucky to stumble upon a five-figure rarity in loose change, there are still many valuable state quarters hiding in circulation. As you comb through pocket change, bank rolls, and dealer stock, here are some expert tips on what to look for:
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Mint mark – Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints struck quarters for circulation. San Francisco (S) made proofs. Generally, P-mints are scarcer after 2001.
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Condition – Quarters that are blast white, pristine, and have sharp details are your best bet. Avoid cleaned, corroded, or damaged coins.
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Varieties – Learn the diagnostics for the series‘ major doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, and other notable varieties as listed in Cherrypickers‘ Guide to Rare Die Varieties. Look for dramatic doubling or misplaced leaf veins on coins like the 2004-D Wisconsin.
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Errors – Keep an eye out for obvious mint mistakes like off-center strikes, clips, wrong planchets, double strikes, and other oddities. Many escaped the Mint‘s quality control.
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Full bands – The strongest strikes will show five or six distinct, complete horizontal lines in the trumpet on the reverse. Quarters with "Full Bands" or "Full Steps" are more valuable.
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Low-mintage keys – Refer to lists of the scarcer state quarters by year and mint to help focus your hunt. There are even low-mintage P-mints like the 2009 Puerto Rico.
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Die breaks – Late die state coins with dramatic cracks and gouges (known as "cuds") through the design are scarce and desirable.
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Silver proofs – If you find an S-mint marked quarter that has an unusual sheen, double check to see if it‘s silver. These 90% coins are worth big bucks.
If you come across a specimen that checks some of these boxes, don‘t be afraid to pull it aside for closer study under magnification. While most finds won‘t be mega-rarities, patient searching can still yield valuable additions.
Building a Valuable State Quarter Collection
For many numismatists, the state quarters present an ideal mix of completability, affordability, and challenge. Depending on your goals and budget, there are numerous ways to approach collecting this diverse series:
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Assemble a complete 50-state set – Gathering one example of each design from both the Denver and Philadelphia mints is an achievable starter goal. Fitting them in a themed map album makes for an attractive display.
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Upgrade to high grade – Focus on finding the nicest possible examples of each issue and consider getting them professionally certified. Registry set collectors often battle for finest-known specimens.
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Collect by type – Expand your set with the different finishes and compositions the Mint used, like 90% silver, satin finish, and clad proofs. A set with all types is challenging and impressive.
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Go for special varieties – Dive deep into the series by learning the major doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, and other varieties. Hunting these down and attributing them is an engaging specialty.
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Error collecting – State quarters are known for some dramatic mint errors like multiple strikes, clips, wrong metals, and brockages. An error collection will stand out.
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Explore signature sets – Build narratives around the series by selecting quarters that represent events, themes, people, and places that are meaningful to you. Maybe a set of state parks or landmarks you‘ve visited, for instance.
As your state quarter holdings grow, take steps to protect them by using safe storage materials like non-PVC flips, tubes, or albums. Keep a detailed inventory, and consider getting the most valuable examples professionally graded and encapsulated by NGC or PCGS.
The State Quarter Market Outlook
With the 50 State Quarters program now over 20 years behind us, the collector market for these coins has matured considerably. Prices for high-grade examples and condition rarities have steadily risen, while seemingly scarce issues like the 2008 Oklahoma have stagnated.
The series‘ peak in popularity may have passed, but there remains an active and passionate collecting base for state quarters. Error and variety collectors have flocked to the series, as new discoveries continue to emerge. Registry set collecting has also driven competition for the top-graded examples.
Moving forward, I expect the values of the keys to the series mentioned above to hold steady or gradually appreciate, as quality pieces get absorbed by collectors. The rarest errors and varieties will likely see the strongest gains if past patterns hold.
As a whole, the state quarter market looks mature but healthy, supported by the nostalgia of millions of Americans who caught the collecting bug in 1999. For numismatists who appreciate modern coinage, it offers both accessible entry points and challenging rarities to pursue. Whether you‘re hunting for a single treasure or building a complete set, the state quarters still have much to offer.
State Quarter FAQs
Let‘s wrap up with answers to some common questions collectors have about the series:
What are the 5 most valuable state quarters?
The 1999-S Delaware silver proof, 1999-P Pennsylvania experimental planchet, 1999-S Georgia silver proof, 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf low, and 1999-P Delaware on experimental planchet are among the most valuable regular issues.
Are there any rare state quarters?
Yes, certain issues had significantly lower mintages like the 2008-D quarters. There are also rare varieties like the 2004-D Wisconsin with extra leaf and 1999 Delaware spitting horse.
How much are proof state quarters worth?
Clad proof sets from 1999 onward usually sell for $4 to $10 depending on condition. 90% silver proofs are much more valuable, with the 1999-S set going for over $500.
What is the lowest minted state quarter?
The 2008-D Oklahoma quarter had a mintage of just 194,600,000 – the lowest for a single Mint facility of the series. However, some S-mints were much lower.
Where can I sell valuable state quarters?
If you‘ve found a rarity and had it certified, your best bet is selling through a major auction house like Heritage, Stack‘s Bowers, or GreatCollections. For less valuable coins, try reputable dealers or forums like CoinNet.
Final Thoughts
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting your numismatic journey, the 50 State Quarters series offers a wealth of opportunities. By learning to cherrypick the most valuable issues, you can build a collection that‘s both personally meaningful and financially rewarding.
Of course, finding that prized 1999-S Delaware silver proof in circulation is a tall order. But with patience and persistence, assembling a high-grade set or discovering a rare variety is well within reach. And along the way, you‘ll learn about the rich history, geography, and culture celebrated in these miniature works of art.
The state quarters will always hold a special place in numismatic history for the way they transformed America‘s relationship with coins. I hope this guide has given you valuable knowledge to aid your collecting journey – but don‘t forget that the real treasure is the satisfaction of the hunt and the joy of building a meaningful collection.
So grab a loupe, break out the Whitman folder, and get searching. And if you do stumble upon that once-in-a-lifetime rarity, drop me a line. I‘d love to hear your story. Until then, happy hunting!
