While the oldest coins often command the highest values, the modern Washington Quarter series—including the popular 50 State Quarters, America the Beautiful Quarters, and the new American Women Quarters—has produced an astounding number of scarce errors and varieties that can be worth a fortune.
Many of these valuable coins are modern minting mistakes or low-mintage issues that were released directly into circulation, meaning they could be hiding in your pocket change right now! The key to finding a rare quarter worth thousands is knowing exactly what to look for.
💸 The Most Valuable Modern Quarter Errors
The most prized modern quarters are generally those with obvious and distinct minting errors that escaped the U.S. Mint’s quality control.
1. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
This is perhaps the most famous and valuable error from the 50 State Quarters series, causing a nationwide hunt for loose change when it was discovered.
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The Error: Due to a die gouge or metal shard, a small, accidental line of metal appears on the reverse, resembling an extra leaf on the ear of corn.
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The Varieties: There are two main, highly collectible varieties: the “Extra Leaf High” (leaf appears higher on the stalk) and the “Extra Leaf Low” (leaf is lower and more curved).
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Value: Though initial hype saw sale prices in the hundreds, high-grade examples can still sell for $300 to over $1,000, with one MS67 specimen selling for $6,000.
2. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
As the first state quarter issued, the 1999 Delaware quarter already has historical significance, but the error variety is what makes it valuable.
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The Error: A die crack or chip on the die creates a raised line of metal that extends from the mouth of Caesar Rodney’s horse toward the coin’s edge, making it appear as if the horse is “spitting”.
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Value: The value for this visible die crack varies widely based on the size and prominence of the crack, but circulated examples often sell for $5 to $20, and high-grade specimens can fetch much more.
3. 1999 Experimental Planchet Errors
A few quarters from the first state quarter issues (Delaware and Connecticut) were accidentally struck on experimental planchets intended for the new Sacagawea dollar, which was to be released later.
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How to Spot: These quarters will have a golden tint (instead of the normal silver color), be noticeably heavier (around 8.1 grams vs. the standard 5.67g), and have a smooth edge (instead of a reeded edge).
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Value: These transitional error coins are extremely rare, with high-grade examples selling for thousands of dollars, including one 1999-P Connecticut Quarter that sold for $10,500.
🔑 The Low-Mintage “W” Quarters (2019 & 2020)
Beginning in 2019, the U.S. Mint’s West Point facility (mint mark “W”) began striking quarters for circulation for the first time.
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The Rarity: The “W” mint mark is the key. Only 2 million of each “W” quarter design were released into circulation (less than 5% of the total mintage), making them instantly scarce and highly collectible.
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Value: These 2019 and 2020 “W” quarters, such as the 2019-W Lowell Quarter and the 2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter, can be worth hundreds of dollars in Mint State (uncirculated) condition.
🔍 Search Tips for Modern Quarters
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Mint Mark Check: Always check the “D” (Denver) and “P” (Philadelphia) mint marks for errors like the Extra Leaf, Spitting Horse, and Doubled Dies. For the 2019 and 2020 issues, specifically look for the “W” (West Point) mint mark.
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Check the Date: Modern error hunting focuses heavily on specific dates, notably the 1999 and 2004 State Quarters, and the 2019-2020 “W” quarters.
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Condition is King: The estimated high values (e.g., $10,000 for a 1999 error) are nearly always for coins in Mint State (MS) condition—coins that have never been circulated.
This video highlights some of the most valuable Washington Quarters that you can still find in your change. 10 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth MILLIONS – Check Your Change NOW!
