Why some state quarters are worth over $5,000
The 50 State Quarters program produced billions of coins between 1999 and 2008. Most are common and worth face value unless they show an unusual error or survive in exceptionally high grade.
Collectors pay premiums for rare varieties, major minting errors, or coins graded Mint State (MS) with near-perfect surfaces. When those three factors converge, a single state quarter can sell for well over $5,000.
How to read this list of valuable state quarters
Each entry below names a specific state quarter variety or error that has been documented to reach prices above $5,000 in the market. These values apply only to scarce varieties and/or exceptionally graded specimens, not ordinary circulated examples.
Always verify with a trusted third-party grading service (PCGS or NGC) before assuming a high market value.
5 State Quarters Still in Circulation Worth Over $5,000 Each
1. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” varieties (High and Low)
The Wisconsin quarter has two famous die varieties called Extra Leaf High (ELH) and Extra Leaf Low (ELL). Both show an extra tiny leaf near the ear of corn on the reverse, caused by die damage or a die chip.
Collectors prize these varieties, and top-graded examples (MS67 or higher) have sold for multiple thousands of dollars. The ELL variety is generally considered rarer and commands higher prices.
2. 1999-P Delaware Doubled Die Obverse (reported varieties)
Some early state quarters show strong doubling on the obverse (faces) due to a doubled die. A well-documented doubled die obverse (DDO) on the 1999 Delaware quarter has been reported in the collector community and, when strongly doubled and slabbed in high grade, can trade for significant sums.
Buyers look for clear doubling on lettering and dates. A professional photograph and verification by a third-party grader are essential.
3. 2000-P Massachusetts (strong repunched mint mark or die doubling)
Several Massachusetts state quarters exist with dramatic repunched devices or doubled elements that distinguish them from circulation pieces. Strong repunching or doubling that is visually obvious and authenticated can elevate a coin’s value into the thousands.
Because many varieties are subtle, certification and expert attribution matter for market acceptance.
4. 2005-P Minnesota (notable doubled dies and mint errors)
The Minnesota quarter series produced a handful of striking doubled dies and other errors. When one of these errors is both dramatic and preserved in near-perfect mint state, collectors have paid five-figure prices.
As with other rarities, provenance, verified photographs, and grading are key to reaching these price levels.
5. 2004-P Oklahoma or other documented major errors
Some state quarters, including certain Oklahoma issues and other program coins, are known from the hobby to exist with large die breaks, major die clashes, or off-metal striking errors. Any of these errors, if certified and graded highly, may bring more than $5,000.
Major mint errors are often one-offs or exist in tiny populations, making each certified example valuable to the right buyer.
How to identify a potential $5,000 state quarter
- Look for obvious errors: extra leaves, strong doubling, repunched mint marks, major die cracks, or off-metal strikes.
- Examine strike quality and surface preservation—coins with full luster and no contact marks reach higher grades.
- Compare with reference photos from PCGS, NGC, or specialist variety guides to spot known named varieties.
- Submit suspect coins to a reputable grading service for authentication and attribution.
Practical steps to verify and sell
If you think you have a rare state quarter, take these steps before selling or valuing it:
- Photograph both sides in good light and at high resolution.
- Compare to published images of named varieties and errors from trusted numismatic resources.
- Submit the coin to a third-party grader (PCGS or NGC) with variety attribution if needed.
- Use auction results and recent sales of the exact attributed type and grade to estimate market value.
Named varieties like the Wisconsin Extra Leaf are recorded by collectors and have earned distinct nicknames. That naming and community tracking help establish scarcity and market demand.
Small real-world case study
A hobbyist found a Wisconsin quarter in a pocket change roll and initially thought it was ordinary. After comparing photos online, the collector suspected an Extra Leaf Low variety and submitted the coin to a grading service.
Once certified and slabbed with the correct variety attribution, the coin attracted interest from specialist collectors and sold at auction for a four- to five-figure sum. The seller credited careful documentation and professional grading for achieving full market value.
Final checklist before assuming big value
- Is the variety strongly visible and matched to a named error?
- Has the coin been graded and slabbed by a reputable service?
- Are there recent auction or dealer sales for the same variety and grade?
- Do you have good photos and provenance to show potential buyers?
Finding a state quarter worth over $5,000 is rare but possible. Focus on clear error types, exceptional preservation, and proper authentication to maximize value and avoid costly mistakes.