Introduction: Don’t Ignore Your Pocket Change!
Most people think state quarters are only worth 25 cents…
But a few rare mint errors and special varieties have sold for $76,000 to $87,000 at auction. 
If you’re a collector — or just someone with a jar of coins at home — this guide will show you exactly what to look for, step-by-step.
TOP 5 RARE STATE QUARTERS WORTH UP TO $87,000
2007 Montana “Bison Skull” Quarter – Worth Up To $87,000
This is the most valuable state quarter ever discovered.
Why It’s Valuable
Rare “double die” and off-center strike errors can make this coin extremely valuable.
What to Look For
Doubling on the bison skull
Distorted or “shadowed” lettering on MONTANA
Thick, blurry words
Off-center strike (10–60%)
Value Range (2025)
- Minor doubling: $150–$500
- Major doubling: $2,000–$15,000
- Rare full double die: $87,000+
2012 Puerto Rico “El Yunque” Quarter – Worth Up To $84,000
A common design… with some VERY uncommon errors.
Look For These Errors
Doubled trees and branches
Parrot wing doubling
Strike-through grease error
Missing details on the frogs or leaves
Value (2025)
- Circulated minor error: $200–$600
- Uncirculated: $3,000–$9,000
- Major doubled die: Up to $84,000
2004 Florida “Shuttle & Ship” Quarter – Worth Up To $81,000
Ships, space shuttles… and a very profitable mint mistake.
Look For:
Doubling on the shuttle, the ship, and the ocean waves
Missing ship masts
“Ghost” images around the design
Thick, blurry date digits
Value (2025)
- Light doubling: $75–$300
- Strong doubling: $1,000–$7,000
- Full double die: Up to $81,000
2019 Idaho “Frank Church River of No Return” Quarter – Worth $79,000
One of the most beautiful modern quarters — and one of the rarest error coins.
Check for These Errors
Missing river detail
Doubling on trees or mountain edges
Die chips around the river
Off-center strike
Value (2025)
- Small error: $200–$900
- Strong doubling: $8,000–$15,000
- Major error (uncirculated): Up to $79,000
1999 Pennsylvania State Quarter – Worth Up To $76,000
Many collectors overlook this state issue… but major errors exist.
Look For:
Missing “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Weak strike on Liberty
Doubling on PA outline
Missing mint mark
Value (2025)
- Weak strike: $150–$500
- No-mint-mark error: $10,000–$20,000
- Major mint mistake: Up to $76,000
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your State Quarters
Step 1 — Get Good Lighting
Use a LED flashlight or phone flashlight.
Step 2 — Use a Magnifying Glass
Recommended: 10x coin loupe.
Step 3 — Look at the Date First
Focus on 1999–2019 state issues.
Step 4 — Check for Doubling
Look for “shadowed,” thick, or distorted letters.
Step 5 — Examine Edges
Off-center strikes = BIG money.
Step 6 — Compare With Online Images
Error coins often have known patterns.
Why These Quarters Are Worth So Much
Low mint error survival
Collectors pay premiums for rare mistakes
Uncirculated quarters increase value 10–50x
Doubling errors are extremely desirable
Quick Tip for New Collectors
Keep every state quarter from 1999–2019 until you check it carefully.
You might be holding an $87,000 treasure without knowing it.
FAQ: Common Questions
Are state quarters still worth collecting?
Yes — 200+ valuable varieties exist.
Do circulated ones still have value?
Yes! Many valuable ones were found in pocket change.
Where can I sell rare quarters?
eBay, Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, local coin shops.
Final Thoughts
State quarters are one of the most affordable and exciting areas of modern coin collecting.
With values reaching $87,000, it’s worth checking every coin you touch!
