Top 7 Most Valuable Modern Quarters – Modern quarters, minted from the late 20th century to the present, are often dismissed as pocket change. However, some of these coins have become highly valuable due to their rarity, unique designs, minting errors, or limited releases.
While most modern quarters are worth only their face value, certain specimens can fetch hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars at auction.
We’ll explore the top seven most valuable modern quarters and uncover what makes them so desirable to collectors.
Table of Contents
1. 1999 Georgia State Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: A mule error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies don’t match. In this case, the Georgia state quarter was struck with the reverse design of a Sacagawea dollar. Only a handful of these errors exist.
- Value & Rarity: $50,000+ (AU-55 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: This error highlights the complexities of modern minting processes and is a favorite among error collectors.
Also Read: 9 Must-Have Rare Canadian Coins for Collectors
2. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Quarter Mule
- Why It’s Valuable: Another famous mule error pairs the obverse of a Sacagawea dollar with the reverse of a Washington state quarter. Fewer than 20 examples are known to exist.
- Value & Rarity: $100,000+ (MS-66 grade in 2022).
- Interesting Fact: This coin is one of the rarest and most valuable modern U.S. coins, coveted by collectors worldwide.
3. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: A die error created an “extra leaf” on the ear of corn on some 2004 Wisconsin state quarters. Two variations exist: High Leaf and Low Leaf, both highly sought after.
- Value & Rarity: $200 (circulated) to $1,500+ (MS-65 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: The Extra Leaf varieties are considered some of the most famous modern coin errors, making them a must-have for enthusiasts.
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4. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: A dramatic die-cracking error caused part of the design to appear distorted or incomplete. This unique flaw makes the coin stand out among collectors.
- Value & Rarity: $100 (circulated) to $800+ (MS-65 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: Die cracks are relatively common, but the extent of the flaw on this quarter makes it particularly unusual and valuable.
5. 2009 District of Columbia Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: A doubled die error created noticeable doubling on the inscriptions and design elements of the coin. Only a small number of these errors were produced.
- Value & Rarity: $200 (circulated) to $1,000+ (MS-65 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: Doubled die errors are among the most popular types of mint mistakes, and this quarter is a standout example from the State Quarter series.
6. 2019-W Lowell National Historical Park Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: Part of the “W” mint mark quarters issued by the West Point Mint, this coin was released in limited quantities as part of the America the Beautiful series. High-grade examples are particularly scarce.
- Value & Rarity: $10 (uncirculated) to $300+ (graded MS-70 in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: The addition of the “W” mint mark was a special promotion to encourage coin collecting, making these quarters highly collectible.
Also Read: Guide to the 9 Most Valuable One Dollar Coins Worth Money
7. 2020-W Basketball Hall of Fame Curved Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: The first curved coin produced by the U.S. Mint, this quarter commemorates the Basketball Hall of Fame. Its innovative design and limited mintage make it highly desirable.
- Value & Rarity: $20 (uncirculated) to $500+ (graded PF-70 in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: This coin marked a technological milestone for the U.S. Mint, showcasing its ability to produce non-traditional coin shapes.
You never know where a rare modern quarter might turn up. Perhaps you’ve inherited a jar of old coins, stumbled upon a curious piece at a flea market, or even found something intriguing in your spare change. The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and every coin has potential—if you know what to look for.
