7 Rarest and Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money

Collecting state quarters has become a favorite pastime for many enthusiasts. Between 1999 and 2009, the U.S. Mint released a unique series of quarters representing each state. While most are easy to find, a few stand out due to their rarity and increasing value. This guide highlights 24 of the rarest and most valuable state quarters you might be lucky enough to spot in your spare change. These coins have fetched notable prices at auction and are highly sought after by collectors.

Some state quarters are worth far more than their face value. The scarcity of certain mintings, especially in top grades, has led to surprising price tags. So if you’ve been wondering which ones are rarest and whether they’re worth anything, this resource breaks down the highest-valued examples known to date.

Rarest and Most Valuable State Quarters

1999 P Connecticut Quarter

• Estimated Value: $1,150
• Grading: MS68

The Connecticut state quarter from the Philadelphia Mint in 1999 has proven to be a standout among collectors. Although most examples are worth between $0.85 and $3.30 in uncirculated condition, one pristine MS68 example fetched over $1,100. This coin was the fifth release in the State Quarter program and the final one issued before the turn of the century.

Released on October 12, 1999, the coin pays tribute to Connecticut’s historic past, specifically the Charter Oak Tree. This tree is a powerful state symbol and was believed to have hidden the original Connecticut Constitution, cementing its place in American folklore.

2002 P Tennessee Quarter

• Estimated Value: $270.25
• Grading: MS69

The 2002-P Tennessee state quarter is another valuable find. While most coins from this issue are worth less than $3 in mint condition, one graded MS69 was auctioned for more than $270 in 2016.

The obverse features a detailed portrait of George Washington, with inscriptions such as “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” “Liberty,” and “In God We Trust.” The Philadelphia Mint mark can be seen beneath the ribbon tied around Washington’s ponytail. This quarter celebrates Tennessee’s rich musical heritage, showcasing instruments like a fiddle, trumpet, and guitar on its reverse.

1999 D Delaware Quarter

• Estimated Value: $223.25
• Grading: MS68

The very first release in the 50 State Quarters program, the 1999-D Delaware quarter, holds a special place in the series. While common in everyday circulation, pristine examples are increasingly rare. Most are worth around $0.85 to $3.30 in uncirculated grade, but high-grade MS68 examples have brought in over $220 at auction.

Struck at the Denver Mint, this quarter commemorates Delaware as the first state to join the Union. The reverse features Caesar Rodney on horseback, symbolizing his historic ride for independence. MS66 examples are somewhat common, but MS67 and higher are challenging to locate, especially in original rolls or bags.

1999 P New Jersey Quarter

• Estimated Value: $646.25
• Grading: MS69

New Jersey’s entry into the State Quarter series came third in the sequence and turned out to be a valuable issue. The 1999-P version, in exceptional condition, once sold for more than $640. Regular uncirculated examples typically fetch between $0.85 and $3.30.

The reverse design highlights General George Washington leading his troops across the Delaware River—a famous Revolutionary War moment. The coin honors New Jersey’s ratification of the Constitution as the third U.S. state. The obverse remains consistent with the classic George Washington image used throughout the series.

1999 D Connecticut Quarter

• Estimated Value: $646.25
• Grading: MS69

Struck at the Denver Mint, the 1999-D Connecticut quarter also ranks among the more valuable coins from the series. While standard uncirculated examples are worth a few dollars at most, one flawless MS69 specimen brought in over $640.

The coin’s reverse features the iconic Charter Oak Tree, a key historical reference tied to the state’s early colonial period. Like its Philadelphia counterpart, this version marks the fifth release in the 50 States series and symbolizes both natural beauty and revolutionary heritage.

2000 D Maryland Quarter

• Estimated Value: $126
• Grading: MS69

The Maryland quarter, released in 2000, was the second design of that year and the seventh overall in the series. The Denver Mint version in MS69 condition once reached $126 at auction, significantly above its standard market value of around $0.67 to $2.28.

This quarter’s reverse features the Maryland State House dome surrounded by white oak branches, the state tree. It’s a tribute to Maryland’s colonial leadership and legislative legacy. Though not as scarce as earlier issues, high-grade versions are still sought after.

2001 P Rhode Island Quarter

• Estimated Value: $86
• Grading: MS68

Issued on May 21, 2001, the Rhode Island state quarter highlights the state’s nautical identity. Most examples in average mint condition are worth between $0.67 and $1.43, but those graded MS68 or higher are increasingly rare. One such coin sold for $86.

The coin’s reverse shows a sailboat navigating Narragansett Bay, with the Pell Bridge in the background. Known for strong strike quality, many of these coins are well-preserved, yet top-grade specimens remain elusive. MS69 examples are extremely hard to come by and command a premium.

Final Thoughts on Collecting Rare State Quarters

As you can see, not all state quarters are created equal. While most remain close to face value, those in pristine condition—particularly with high mint state grades—can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Key factors affecting value include mint mark, rarity in high grades, and historical or design appeal. If you’re sifting through your spare change or rolls of quarters, keep an eye out for these rare issues. You might just discover a small treasure hiding in plain sight.