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You might have a lot of money hiding in your pocket! The U.S. Mint’s State Quarters program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, produced coins worth just 25 cents, but according to collectors, some rare coins with minting errors are now worth millions or even billions. These special quarters are being found in coin jars, cash registers and everyday transactions, sparking treasure hunts across the country. Although claims of “billions” may be exaggerated, some flawed coins are commanding big bucks at auction. Here’s a look at ten state quarters that could make you rich and how to identify them.
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What Makes These Quarters so Special?
Some state quarters are valuable because of mistakes made during minting, such as double designs or the wrong metal. The program produced more than 34 billion coins, but only a few have rare errors, such as extra leafing or gold coloring from experimental alloys. Coins in excellent condition, graded MS67 or higher by services like PCGS, can sell for thousands or millions. A 1999 Georgia quarter struck on a gold-colored alloy sold for $10,000, for example, but experts say a perfect quarter could be worth much more.
| Rare State Quarter Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Errors | Doubled die, extra leaf, gold alloy |
| Top Value | Up to millions (e.g., 1999 Georgia, 2004 Wisconsin) |
| Mint Years | 1999–2008 |
| Where to Find | Change, coin rolls, collections |
Top quarters to watch
The 1999 Delaware quarter, known as the “Spitting Horse”, has a die crack near the horse’s mouth, making it look like it is spitting. These can be worth $10-$20, but a pristine quarter can be worth thousands. The 2004 Wisconsin quarter has an “extra leaf” error on the corn stalk, with high-leaf versions selling for $6,000 in MS67. The 2005 Minnesota quarter’s double die error, with blurred trees or loons, can reach $6,000 in top size. Also, 1999 Georgia and Pennsylvania quarters on gold-colored alloys are very rare, worth millions in perfect condition.
Where to find these treasures
These quarters can be anywhere, including in your wallet, tip jar or collection of old coins. People have found them in bank rolls, flea markets or family heirlooms. A 1999 Delaware quarter was spotted in a vending machine in 2024, which was later graded at $500. Check places like coin stores or garage sales, where undiscovered coins may be hidden. Since billions of coins were made, your chances of finding one are slim, but the payout can be huge, so keep your eyes open.
How to Identify and Protect Your Coin
Use a magnifying glass to check for errors like doubling, extra leaves or gold coloring. Look for a “P” mint mark for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco (rare proof coins). Don’t clean your coin, as this reduces its value. Store it in a plastic holder and take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its worth. If it’s a rare error, auction houses like Heritage Auctions can help you sell it for top dollar.
Why the hype is growing
The State Quarter program was a hit, with about half the U.S. population collecting them. Now, as rare errors have garnered attention, collectors and ordinary people are seeking out these coins. While no quarter has sold for billions, a 1999 Pennsylvania quarter in MS67 reached $10,200, and experts believe flawless versions could go even higher. Social media and news stories are fueling the excitement, urging everyone to check the dime in exchange for a chance you might find a life-changing coin.