Your Guide to Collecting Valuable Modern Quarters (2000-Present)

As a longtime collector and coin expert, I‘m often asked whether any quarters from recent years are worth collecting. The answer is a resounding yes! While quarters from the 50 State, America the Beautiful, and other modern series may not have the long history of series like Standing Liberty or Barber quarters, there are numerous issues that are highly coveted by collectors. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore the most valuable modern quarters and share tips for building a great collection.

50 State Quarters (1999-2008)

Spanning 1999 through 2008, the 50 State Quarters Program saw the release of 5 new reverse designs each year featuring distinctive imagery for each state. Coins were released in order of when each state ratified the Constitution or joined the Union. With over 34 billion quarters produced, it‘s arguably the most successful numismatic program in U.S. Mint history.

Key dates and varieties from the series include:

Date & Mint	Variety/Error	Mintage	Approx. Value
2004-D WI	Extra Low Leaf	Unknown	$200 – $500
2004-D WI	Extra High Leaf	Unknown	$150 – $400
2000-P NH	Specimen Finish	40-50	$3,000 – $5,000
2005-P MN	Double Die Obv.	Unknown	$150 – $300
2005-D KS	Spitting Bison	Unknown	$25 – $100

The 2004-D Wisconsin quarters with an extra leaf on the ear of corn are among the most famous modern varieties. Caused by a die gouge, they come in low and high leaf positions with the low leaf being slightly more valuable. The 2000-P New Hampshire specimen quarters display mirror-like surfaces from being struck with specially prepared dies.

Clad proof sets were issued each year alongside the 90% silver proofs. Certain top-pop (finest known) proof sets trade for significant premiums. For example, a 2006-S silver quarter set graded PCGS PR70DCAM sold for $2,760 in 2019. Modern proof sets remain an important part of the market.

The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Low Leaf quarter is a key variety in the series. Image: PCGS CoinFacts

America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021)

Launched in 2010, the America the Beautiful Quarters Program featured 56 coins highlighting a national park or historic site in each state/territory. Five new designs were released per year in the order federally designated. The program concluded in 2021 and saw over 11 billion quarters enter commerce.

While the jury is still out on the long-term favorites from this 12-year series, some key dates have already emerged:

Date & Mint	Issue	Mintage	Approx. Value
2012-S	El Yunque	49,517	$200 – $300
2014-S	Shenandoah	53,548	$150 – $250
2020-W	Am. Samoa	1.9M	$150 – $250

The 2012-S El Yunque and 2014-S Shenandoah clad proofs have the lowest mintages of the series. Only a few thousand of each were sold individually outside of sets, leading to prices over $200 for top-graded examples. The 2020-W American Samoa has the lowest circulation mintage and saw premiums spike in early 2021.

If you‘re collecting these quarters from pocket change, pay attention to the edges. The Philadelphia and Denver issues will have a copper stripe from the copper-nickel clad layers, while the San Francisco and West Point issues are 90% silver and have plain edges.

Tips for Collecting Valuable Modern Quarters

Now that you know which modern quarters to look for, here are some tips for building a great collection:

1. Use a pricing guide. The Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman) lists mintages and values for all business strike and proof issues. PCGS CoinFacts offers detailed info on major varieties. These resources are invaluable.

2. Learn to grade or use a grading service. Uncirculated examples are worth multiples of worn coins. Consider having key coins graded by NGC or PCGS, the leading third-party grading services. Their plastic slabs offer protection and ease of trading.

3. Decide on a collecting strategy. You might build a set of circulation strikes from pocket change, pursue a registry set of top-graded examples, or focus on varieties/errors. Decide on a goal to give your collecting purpose and direction.

4. Consider future potential. The 50 State and America the Beautiful programs both had a defined beginning and end, giving them a completeness that collectors value. Low-mintage issues in high grades seem poised for further appreciation. It‘s never too early to start a collection!

5. Protect your collection. Use proper holders, albums, or display cases to keep your coins safe from damage and the environment. Avoid PVC holders and store silver coins with anti-tarnish strips. Take pride in your collection and it will reward you.

Upcoming Quarters to Watch

The U.S. Mint shows no signs of slowing its quarter output. Here are some upcoming programs to watch for potentially valuable issues:

• American Women Quarters (2022-2025): This 4-year program will feature 5 different reverse designs per year celebrating the accomplishments of notable women in U.S. history. With the popularity of the State and ATB programs, expectations are high for this series.

• Semiquincentennial Quarters (2026): To mark the nation‘s 250th anniversary, a new series of quarters will be issued in 2026 with designs to be determined. If the Bicentennial quarter series from 1975-1976 is any indication, the collecting potential is immense.

As you can see, there‘s no shortage of opportunities when collecting modern U.S. quarters. By understanding which issues are most desirable and following some simple guidelines, you can assemble a great collection that will provide years of enjoyment. Whether you‘re starting with the 50 State Quarters, exploring America the Beautiful, or eagerly awaiting the new American Women series, happy hunting!

References and Further Reading

1. A Guide Book of United States Coins (2023 ed.). Yeoman, R.S. & Bowers, Q.D.
2. PCGS CoinFacts. Professional Coin Grading Service.
3. State Quarter Mintages. The US50.
4. The 50 State Quarters Program: 10 Years Later. Gilkes, P. COINage Magazine. Sept. 2008.
5. Silver Proof Set Prices Soar. Gibbs, W. Coin World. April 2021.