5 State Quarters Still in Circulation Worth Over $5,000 Each

When you think of quarters, you probably think of a simple coin worth just 25 cents. But did you know that certain state quarters can be worth thousands of dollars? Some of these quarters, issued as part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, have become highly valuable due to rare errors or unique features. If you happen to have one of these special quarters in your collection or even in your pocket change, you could be holding onto a small fortune. Let’s dive into five state quarters that are still in circulation and can fetch over $5,000 each.

1. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf)

The Wisconsin state quarter is one of the most famous coins with a valuable error. The quarter, which was issued in 2004, features an image of a cow and an ear of corn. Some of these coins were accidentally struck with an extra leaf on the ear of corn, which makes them highly collectible. This error has been known to sell for more than $5,000, with some in perfect condition reaching even higher prices. The extra leaf is located on the left side of the corn stalk on the reverse side of the coin. If you find one, it could be a jackpot!

2. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (High-Relief)

The 1999 Delaware state quarter features the first design of the 50 State Quarters Program. While most of these coins are worth their face value, a few were mistakenly struck with a high-relief version, giving them extra depth and detail. These quarters can fetch upwards of $5,000, depending on their condition. The high-relief versions are rare, making them highly sought after by collectors. If you happen to find one of these quarters, you may want to have it professionally graded to confirm its value.

3. 2004 Michigan State Quarter (Spitting Horse)

In 2004, the Michigan state quarter featured a design with a horse and a rider. Some of these quarters were struck with a unique error called the “spitting horse.” This error occurs when excess metal is left on the coin, making it appear as if the horse is “spitting.” The spitting horse quarter is considered a rare error, and collectors are willing to pay more than $5,000 for one in good condition. If you come across a Michigan quarter with this error, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.

4. 2004 Minnesota State Quarter (In God We Rust)

The Minnesota state quarter, released in 2004, was struck with an error that caused the inscription “In God We Trust” to become partially or completely unreadable. This error, known as “In God We Rust,” occurred due to wear on the die, and it only affects certain quarters. These error coins are very rare and can be worth over $5,000, depending on their condition. If you have a 2004 Minnesota quarter with a partially faded or missing “In God We Trust,” you could have a valuable coin on your hands.

5. 2009 District of Columbia State Quarter (Double Die Obverse)

The 2009 District of Columbia quarter features a design honoring the city of Washington, D.C. Some of these quarters were struck with a double die obverse error, which results in a doubled image on the front of the coin. This error is very noticeable, especially on the lettering, where you can see the word “E Pluribus Unum” and the date “2009” doubled. These double die obverse quarters are rare and highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching more than $5,000 depending on their condition.

Conclusion: Could You Be Sitting on a Goldmine?

While these state quarters are still in circulation, finding one of these rare and valuable coins can be a stroke of luck. If you’re a coin collector or simply someone who likes to keep an eye on your pocket change, it’s worth checking for these unique errors. Whether it’s the “extra leaf” on the Wisconsin quarter or the “spitting horse” on the Michigan quarter, these coins can be worth a lot more than their face value.

Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, and professional grading is recommended for authentication and accurate valuation.

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