The U.S. State Quarters Program launched between 1999 and 2008, produced some of the most popular coins in U.S. history. While billions of quarters were minted, some have become rarer and more valuable due to limited production, errors, or unique variations.
If you’re a coin collector or just curious about the change in your pocket, here are the ten rarest state quarters circulating today.
10 Rarest State Quarters in Circulation
1. 2008-D Oklahoma Quarter
This quarter tops the list due to its low mintage of 194.6 million. Released during the economic downturn 2008, the Oklahoma quarter‘s scarcity has made it particularly challenging to find in circulation. Worn coins are worth their face value, but uncirculated examples can fetch around $1.25.
2. 2004-P Iowa Quarter
The 2004 Iowa quarter, with a mintage of 213.8 million, is among the scarcest in circulation. Known for its design featuring a one-room schoolhouse, uncirculated versions can be valued at over $1, making them a must-find for collectors.
3. 2002-P Ohio Quarter
This quarter’s mintage of 414.8 million is minted in Philadelphia. Although more abundant than others on this list, its value increases significantly when in mint condition, with some coins selling for over $3,500 at auction.
4. 1999-P Delaware Quarter
Released as the first state quarter, the 1999 Delaware quarter had over 774 million minted, but an error variety called the “Spitting Horse” makes this one of the most sought-after. Coins with this error, where a line appears to come from the horse’s mouth, can be worth $5 to $30, depending on the condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
This famous error coin features an extra leaf on the corn stalk depicted on the reverse. Both wide and low-leaf varieties exist, with uncirculated versions selling for over $100. These coins were minted in Denver, and their rarity makes them a favorite among error coin collectors.
6. 2005-P Minnesota “Doubled Die” Quarter
This quarter contains a notable error: an extra tree appears due to a doubled die. Various types of this error are in circulation, and the more dramatic versions can be worth up to $50, while more subtle examples fetch around $5.
7. 2008-D Alaska Quarter
Another rare coin from 2008, this quarter, has a mintage of 251.8 million. It features a grizzly bear with a salmon, and some error varieties, such as missing details, have made certain pieces valuable, with some worth up to $80.
8. 2002-D Indiana Quarter
With a lower mintage of 327 million, the 2002 Indiana Quarter features an Indy race car and the state motto “Crossroads of America.” This coin can sell in mint condition for over $1, with exceptional pieces fetching up to $3,700 at auction.
9. 2000-P South Carolina Quarter
This quarter from 2000, with a design featuring the state bird and tree, has a high mintage of 742 million, but certain varieties, particularly those in mint condition, have sold for as much as $3,525 in recent auctions.
10. 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter
The 2000 New Hampshire quarter featuring the “Old Man of the Mountain” is known for an error where the state name is missing from the reverse side. Coins with this error are highly collectible, sometimes selling for hundreds of dollars.
| Quarter | Mintage (Millions) | Typical Value (Uncirculated) |
| 2008-D Oklahoma | 194.6 | $1.25+ |
| 2004-P Iowa | 213.8 | $1.10+ |
| 2002-P Ohio | 414.8 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 1999-P Delaware | 774.8 | $30 (error coin) |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
| 2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die | N/A | $50 (error coin) |
| 2008-D Alaska | 251.8 | $80+ |
| 2002-D Indiana | 327 | $3,700 (auction) |
| 2000-P South Carolina | 742 | $3,525 (auction) |
| 2000-P New Hampshire | N/A | $100+ (error coin) |
Conclusion
This rare state quarter might be worth more than its face value if you find it in your change or coin rolls. If they are flawed or were only made in small numbers, some of these coins can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Keep an eye out, because one of these gems might be out and about.
