9 Most Expensive Error Quarters Worth $300 Million Still in Circulation
Most people handle coins every day without giving them much attention. You toss them into a jar, pay for coffee, or leave them lying in your car. But what if one of those quarters was actually worth thousands or even millions of dollars?
Believe it or not, some rare error quarters — coins with small mistakes made during the minting process — are still out there, mixed into everyday circulation. In fact, nine of the most expensive known error quarters are together valued at around $300 million! And there’s always a chance you could find one if you know what to look for.
Let’s take a closer look at these amazing coins and how you might spot one.
What Makes an Error Quarter So Valuable?
Not all old or worn quarters are valuable. It’s specific kinds of mistakes during minting that make these coins worth big money. Here are a few factors that increase their value:
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Double Dies: When a coin’s design is accidentally stamped twice at slightly different angles.
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Off-Center Strikes: Coins that weren’t aligned properly and show missing parts of the design.
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Wrong Metal: Coins struck on a blank meant for a different denomination.
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Clipped Planchets: Coins with missing pieces due to errors when the metal was cut.
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Historical Importance: Errors from important years or events are even more desirable.
Collectors are willing to pay huge sums for coins with rare and interesting errors, especially if they are still in good condition.
9 Most Expensive Error Quarters You Should Watch For
Here’s a list of the nine most expensive error quarters that experts say could still turn up in pocket change:
1. 1965 Silver Quarter Error
In 1965, quarters were supposed to be made of a copper-nickel blend. But a few were mistakenly made with silver from leftover 1964 blanks. These silver 1965 quarters can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
2. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter Struck on 1941 Canadian Quarter
One incredible mistake happened when a 1970-S quarter was accidentally struck on an old 1941 Canadian quarter. This rare error has been valued at over $35,000.
3. 2000-P South Carolina Off-Center Quarter
A significant number of South Carolina quarters were struck badly off-center. Depending on how extreme the error is, these coins can sell for $2,000 to $5,000.
4. 1999-P Connecticut Broadstrike Quarter
In 1999, some Connecticut quarters were made without the protective rim that usually frames coins. This broadstrike error can bring in $1,000 or more.
5. 2005-P Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter
A famous error where part of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto is missing. These coins can be worth up to $1,000 if in good condition.
6. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters
Some Wisconsin state quarters were accidentally made with an extra leaf on the corn design. There are two types — “extra leaf high” and “extra leaf low.” They can sell for between $300 and $5,000.
7. 1983-P Washington Quarter Double Die Reverse
This error shows doubling in the lettering on the back of the coin. A clean example can sell for up to $15,000.
8. 1995-P Washington Quarter Double Die Obverse
Some 1995 quarters show slight doubling on the front side. Collectors are willing to pay between $500 and $3,000 depending on the coin’s condition.
9. State Quarters Struck on Wrong Planchets
Several examples exist where state quarters were struck on smaller nickel or penny blanks. These odd-sized coins can be worth between $1,000 and $10,000.
How to Spot an Expensive Error Quarter
Finding one of these coins requires a sharp eye, but anyone can do it. Here’s what to watch for:
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Check the Date and Mint Mark: Focus on quarters from years listed above.
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Look at the Design Closely: Use a magnifying glass to spot double images, missing letters, or odd shapes.
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Feel the Edge: A missing or odd-looking edge can be a clue to certain mint errors.
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Weigh the Coin: A silver quarter or wrong-planchet error will weigh differently than a standard quarter.
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Compare: Hold a suspicious coin next to a normal quarter to spot differences more easily.
If you think you have something special, don’t clean the coin! Cleaning can destroy value. Instead, get it checked by a professional coin appraiser.
Five FAQs About 9 Most Expensive Error Quarters Worth $300 Million
1. Can I really find valuable error quarters in circulation?
Yes! While rare, valuable error quarters do turn up in everyday change, especially from old collections or coin rolls.
2. How do I know if a quarter is silver?
Look at the edge — a silver coin will have a solid silver edge without the copper stripe found on modern coins. Also, silver coins sound different when tapped.
3. Where should I sell a valuable quarter?
You can sell it through professional coin auctions, certified coin dealers, or trusted online marketplaces.
4. What tools do I need to search for error quarters?
A simple magnifying glass, a digital scale, and a little patience are all you really need.
5. Are error quarters from newer years valuable?
Yes, some modern state and national park quarters with errors can be valuable, especially if they have obvious mistakes or unusual strikes.
Conclusion
It’s amazing to think that spare change lying around your home could be hiding a fortune. The nine most expensive error quarters are not only valuable because of their rarity but because they represent fascinating pieces of minting history.
If you start looking closely at the coins you handle every day, who knows — you might just stumble upon one of these hidden treasures worth thousands or even millions of dollars. A few minutes of extra attention could truly change your life.