One of the strongholds of coin collecting is the U.S. State Quarters, which were minted from 1999 through 2008. The vast majority of these coins are only worth their face value, a 25-cent piece, yet a few rare errors and misprints can make a ho-hum state quarter into an invaluable treasure.
Because they are so rare, some of these errors can bring as much as $1,000 at auction, which makes them very appealing to collectors. The following are the top six State Quarter errors with a value of $1,000 or more and information about why they are so highly valued.
1. 1999 Delaware Quarter – Spitting Horse

The most well-known and valuable State Quarter error is the “spitting horse” flaw on the 1999 Delaware Quarter.
The error results from a die crack that gives the impression the horse is spitting due to metal leaking from its mouth. Depending on the grade, flawless coins can bring in between $1,500 and $2,000 or more, and this error is rare.
2. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Extra Leaf

The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter is also famous for its “extra leaf” error on the reverse’s corn stalk design. There are two types of this error:
- Tiny Extra Leaf: A small extra leaf is growing near the bottom of the cornstalk.
- Extra Leaf: This is a more prominent leaf appearing just above the bottom of the cornstalk.
Extra Leaf. In some cases, this variety may be acceptable, and there are several possible values: the coins are worth $1,500 in circulated grades up to $3,000 when they are graded and certified in uncirculated condition.
3. 2004 Michigan Quarter – Extra Tree

The reverse design of the 2004 Michigan Quarter has an error where an extra tree is seen. The Michigan quarter design shows the shape of the state with a shoreline and tree in the background. There is a second tree seen in the design of some coins because of an error that was made during the minting process.
Due to their extreme rarity, these quarters with the extra tree can bring $1,000 to $2,500 or more at auction if they are in good condition.
4. 1999 Connecticut Quarter – Broadstrike

A broadstrike error occurs when a coin is struck outside of its collar, causing it to stretch out and distort. This inaccuracy only occurs on a few state quarters, including the 1999 Connecticut Quarter.
Because they are relatively rare, broadstrikes can significantly increase the price of a highly collected series, such as the State Quarters. Broadstrike Connecticut quarters, in circulated condition, can bring as much as $1,500.
5. 2000 South Carolina Quarter – Missing Mintmark

Around 2000, South Carolina quarters were minted without the usual mintmark, which is the small “S” that indicates the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint.
Mintmarked to be minted in San Francisco, some were accidentally made without this mark. Due to the coin’s relative rarity, it can fetch between $1,000 and $2,000 or more for a single piece depending upon its state.
6. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Double Die Reverse

On the reverse of the 2004 Wisconsin Quarter, the design is doubled. That is called double die reversal error.
This might create the impression that the corn stalk pattern or phrases like “E Pluribus Unum” are doubled. When the coin is struck twice, double die errors occur. Sometimes the second strike is a little off, and this results in the design overlapping.
Error Coin | Error Description | Value Range | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
1999 Delaware Quarter – Spitting Horse | Die crack causes a metal spill from the horse’s mouth, making it appear as though the horse is spitting. | $1,500 to $2,000+ | Rare, distinctive “spitting horse” appearance. |
2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Extra Leaf | Extra leaf visible on the corn stalk design. Two versions: Extra Leaf (Low) and Extra Leaf (High). | $1,500 to $3,000 | Extra leaf(s) on corn stalk, High version is rarer. |
2004 Michigan Quarter – Extra Tree | An additional tree appears on the reverse design due to a minting error. | $1,000 to $2,500+ | Extra tree visible in the design. |
1999 Connecticut Quarter – Broadstrike | Coin struck outside of its collar, causing it to distort and spread out. | $1,500+ | Distorted, misshapen edges. |
2000 South Carolina Quarter – Missing Mintmark | Missing expected “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. | $1,000 to $2,000+ | No mintmark, rare error. |
2004 Wisconsin Quarter – Double Die Reverse | Design appears doubled due to a second strike, causing misalignment and overlapping features. | $1,500+ | Doubling of design, often on inscriptions or corn stalk. |
FAQs
1. What are state quarter errors?
Misprints, multiple strikes, or improper designs are examples of state quarter problems that occur throughout the minting process. The value of a coin to collectors can be greatly increased by these mistakes.
2. How can I identify valuable state quarter errors?
Check for obvious flaws such as uncharacteristic minting errors, missing details, or double die faults. The rarity and value of the error can be verified by speaking with a coin expert or guide.
3. Which state quarter errors are worth $1,000 or more?
The Delaware double die in 1999, the Michigan quarter with missing leaves in 2004, and the die crack in Minnesota in 2005 are notable instances. Condition and rarity affect their worth.