When the U.S. Mint released the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, no one expected that a small mistake would turn an ordinary Georgia quarter into a high-value collectible. Today, certain error versions of the 1999 Georgia state quarter are selling for as much as $10,000, making them some of the most sought-after coins in modern numismatics.
If you’ve got some spare change lying around, you may want to take a closer look—because that pocket change could be worth a fortune.
The Error That Made This Quarter Valuable
The 1999 Georgia quarter, part of the first set of state quarters issued, typically holds standard face value. However, an experimental planchet error has pushed certain versions of this coin into the spotlight, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
What Is an Experimental Planchet Error?
During the late 1990s, the U.S. Mint was developing a new alloy for the upcoming Sacagawea dollar (released in 2000). To test this material, they struck several quarters using the experimental alloy. Some Georgia quarters were mistakenly minted on these planchets and released into circulation.
Key features of the error include:
- A golden or greenish tint, resembling the Sacagawea dollar.
- A thicker composition than standard quarters.
- No visible copper edge, unlike regular quarters.
- Smoother or incomplete reeding (the ridges along the coin’s edge).
These unique characteristics make the coin instantly recognizable—and extremely valuable.
How Much Is This Georgia Quarter Worth?
The value of a Georgia error quarter depends on its condition and rarity. Here’s a breakdown of what collectors are willing to pay:
- Experimental Planchet Error:
- Up to $10,000 in uncirculated condition.
- Several thousand dollars for well-preserved circulated versions.
- Other Notable Errors:
- Double Die Errors (where images appear duplicated) – valued between $3 and $15.
- Off-Center Strikes (where the design is misaligned) – can sell for up to $150.
These coins have been sold at high-profile numismatic auctions, and demand continues to rise as collectors seek out these rare pieces.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Georgia Quarter
If you suspect you have a valuable 1999 Georgia quarter, follow these steps to verify its authenticity:
- Compare It to a Regular Quarter
- Check the color—does it have a golden hue instead of the usual silver tone?
- Look at the thickness—does it appear slightly bulkier than a normal quarter?
- Examine the Edge
- Regular quarters show a visible copper-colored stripe along the edge.
- If your coin lacks this feature, it could be an experimental planchet error.
- Look for Missing or Faint Edge Reeding
- If the ridges on the side of the quarter appear weak or missing, this could be another sign of the error.
- Seek Professional Authentication
- Coin grading agencies like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) can certify whether your quarter is an authentic error coin.
- A certified, high-grade coin will always fetch a higher price in the collector’s market.
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Where to Sell a Valuable Georgia Quarter
If you’ve confirmed that your quarter is a rare error variety, here are the best places to sell it:
- Online Auction Platforms:
- eBay (www.ebay.com) – Many collectors actively buy and sell rare coins.
- Heritage Auctions (www.ha.com) – A trusted site for rare collectibles.
- Local Coin Shops:
- A professional numismatist can evaluate and offer a fair market price.
- Coin Shows and Expos:
- Attending national coin shows increases your chances of meeting serious buyers.
- Professional Grading Services:
- Submitting your coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication before selling can significantly increase its value.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook Your Change
Most 1999 Georgia quarters are worth only 25 cents, but a rare minting mistake has made certain ones worth thousands of dollars. If you have a quarter from this series, take a moment to check its color, edge, and thickness—you might just be holding a $10,000 treasure in your hands.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
