While most of the 50 State Quarters are worth only 25 cents, a handful of minting errors and rare varieties are currently selling for hundreds—and in some cases, thousands—of dollars.
As of December 19, 2025, coin collectors are actively hunting for these “hidden gems” in everyday change. Here are the 7 rarest varieties you should look for right now.
2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” High & Low
This is the most famous error in the State Quarter series. On the reverse side, near the corn stalk, a small extra leaf appears to be growing.
- The Error: There are two types: High Leaf (above the regular leaf) and Low Leaf (touching the cheese wheel).
- Value: In high uncirculated grades (MS67), these have auctioned for as much as $2,500 to $6,000. Even in circulated condition, they can fetch $50–$200.
2. 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse”
The first state quarter ever released also holds one of the first major errors.
- The Error: A die crack runs from the horse’s mouth across the field of the coin, making it look like the horse is spitting.
- Value: While common circulated versions sell for $10–$20, “mint state” (perfect) versions can reach $500+.
2005-P Kansas “In God We Rust”
A classic “grease-filled die” error that has become a cult favorite among collectors.
- The Error: Grease clogged the “T” in the word “TRUST,” leaving the motto reading “IN GOD WE RUST.”
- Value: High-quality examples with a completely missing “T” can sell for $100 to $250.
2005-P Minnesota “Extra Tree” Varieties
There are over 50 known versions of this doubled-die error, making it a “treasure hunt” within a single coin.
- The Error: Look to the right of the state outline. You may see a small “lump” or a clear second tree in the background.
- Value: Minor versions are worth $5–$20, but the “dramatic” versions (clear extra trees) can reach $500 to $1,500.
1999-P Pennsylvania “Rotated Die”
A rare alignment error where the two sides of the coin are not properly lined up.
- The Error: If you flip the coin vertically and George Washington is upright, but the reverse (Independence Hall) is sideways or upside down, you found it.
- Value: Depending on the degree of rotation (90° or 180° is best), these can sell for $500 to $2,000.
2000-P New Hampshire “Striking Error”
Some New Hampshire quarters were struck on the wrong metal blanks or suffered from “brockage” (where one coin is struck on top of another).
- The Error: Look for “ghosting” images or coins that are the wrong size/color.
- Value: Major striking errors on this specific state have reached $1,000 to $3,000 at auction.
2005-D Kansas “Detached Leg” Buffalo
Similar to the famous 1937 Nickel error, this one affects the Kansas bison.
- The Error: The bison’s front leg appears to be detached from its body due to a polished-down die.
- Value: This is a rarer find than the “Rust” error, with high-grade specimens selling for $200 to $800.
Quick Reference: 2025 Price Guide
| State & Year | Error Type | Top Auction Value |
| Wisconsin 2004-D | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | $6,000 |
| Pennsylvania 1999 | MS67 High Grade (No Error) | $10,200 |
| Delaware 1999-P | Spitting Horse | $500+ |
| Minnesota 2005-P | Extra Tree | $1,500 |
| Kansas 2005-P | In God We Rust | $250 |
| Georgia 1999-P | MS68 High Grade (No Error) | $5,500 |
Ways to Identify a Treasure
- Check the “S” Mint Mark: Quarters with an “S” are Proof coins from San Francisco. If you find one in your change, it was likely broken out of a set and can be worth $5–$50 just for its rarity in circulation.
- Look for High Grade: Even without an error, a 1999 Pennsylvania quarter in “flawless” MS67 condition recently sold for $10,200 because it is so hard to find early state quarters without scratches.
- Magnify the Details: Many errors, like the Minnesota “Extra Tree,” are invisible to the naked eye. Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to inspect your change.