Think that spare change in your pocket isn’t worth much? Think again. Among everyday coins, some quarters are hiding in plain sight—and they could be worth thousands. One in particular has gained notoriety in recent years for its value and collectability: the 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter.
This rare error coin has sold for as much as $10,000, and yes—it could still be in circulation today.
The $10,000 Coin: 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf Error
- Mint Year: 2004
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- State Design: Wisconsin
- Error: Extra leaf on the ear of corn
- Versions: “Extra Leaf Low” and “Extra Leaf High”
What Makes It Valuable?
The Wisconsin quarter features a cow, a wheel of cheese, and a stalk of corn. On a small number of coins struck in Denver, there’s an additional leaf on the corn—believed to be the result of either intentional tampering or a die gouge.
Two varieties exist:
- Extra Leaf Low: The added leaf is lower, near the cheese.
- Extra Leaf High: The added leaf points upward, closer to the corn’s husk.
Current Value in 2025
- Circulated condition: $250–$1,000
- Uncirculated condition (MS-65+): $2,000–$10,000+
Some examples have sold for over $6,000, and pristine ones can still fetch up to $10,000 at major auctions like Heritage or PCGS.
How to Spot One
- Flip the coin to the reverse (tails) side.
- Look closely at the corn stalk—just above the wheel of cheese.
- Check for an extra leaf either:
- Low: Curving downward toward the cheese.
- High: Angled upward along the left side of the corn husk.
- Use a magnifying glass for better detail.
Other Valuable Quarters to Look For in Circulation
While the Wisconsin Extra Leaf is the star, here are a few other quarters that can fetch big bucks:
| Quarter | Year | Mint | Value (Up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-S Washington (overstruck on Canadian coin) | 1970 | S | $35,000 |
| 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse | 1999 | P | $100–$500 |
| 2005 Minnesota Doubled Die | 2005 | P | $50–$300 |
| 2001-P Vermont Snow on Roof | 2001 | P | $100–$1,000 |
Where to Sell It
- eBay or Etsy – Start bidding wars among collectors.
- Heritage Auctions – Professional, high-value coin auctions.
- PCGS / NGC grading services – Get it authenticated and valued.
- Local coin shops or shows – Quick and direct selling options.
Final Tip
Always check your change. State quarters are common in circulation, and millions of the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter were made—but only a tiny percentage have the extra leaf error. That’s what makes them so valuable.