State Quarters are beautifully designed coins representing each one of our fifty states, but that is about all they serve a good purpose for. Many people have put together sets of these coins and have invested money into them, but these coins have proved to be a bad investment overall.
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The U.S Mint started producing State Quarters in 1999 and minted them through 2008. Every single state was represented with a quarter that depicted an image somehow related to that area. These coins sparked a huge interest in coin collecting and helped contribute greatly to the numismatic hobby. Million of people have enjoyed collecting these coins (minted in Denver and Philadelphia) and placing them into coin folders. A lot of people invested or spent money on these coins at coin shows, online, at coin shops, and from mail order companies.
Advantages of the State Quarter series:
- The thrill of the hunt trying to find these coins.
- Many hours of fun placing the coins into the holders with family and friends or just by yourself.
- A great collection of artwork related to our fifty states.
- A series of coins that has gotten millions of people interested in collecting rare coins.
Disadvantages:
- A lot of money was invested or spent on BU (Brilliant Uncirculated rolls), mint sets, proof sets, and sets already placed into coin holders that will never be recovered.
- These coins will not go up in value for a long time(most likely decades in my opinion).
- A very large number of these quarters were minted, so in my opinion they will not up in value a great deal.
The State Quarter program is one of the best things to have happened to the business that I enjoy the most: collecting; however, the sets that people purchased many years ago have gone down in value significantly. Sets that at one time traded for over $300 are now trading at around $100. For example, a coin set that contained five coins struck in 90% silver graded as Proof-70 Deep Came(coins that are made in perfect condition) sold in one of our auctions for $160 in 2006 and a set of the same coins sold again for $110 5 years later.
Quick facts:
- State Quarters were struck in a regular clad composition for circulation and also in 90% silver for special collector sets.
- The clad state quarters are worth only face value except for ones still in BU rolls and mint sets(it can be hard to find a coin buyer for the BU rolls).
- Clad and silver coins in Mint-issued proof sets and mint sets are worth minimal amounts except for the 1999 silver proof set which trades for approximately $100.
- Coin dealers generally want to purchase only the proof sets, mint sets, and better date BU rolls.
- Coin dealers usually have no interest in buying sets made from folders by the general public, single coins in uncirculated condition, and single proof coins(except for the silver proofs).
The above are just a couple examples of why State Quarters are not a good investment; however, you should still enjoy the thrills of collecting coins. I had a State Quarter book and it has turned into a career in rare coins. I encourage you to go online or to your local coin shop and purchase a coin folder. This series has offered a great escape for many people.
Matt Draiss is a numismatic intern with Heritage Auctions. He is also a numismatic speaker and writer.
If you have old coins or currency that you would like evaluated at no charge, please contact Heritage today.
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By Matt Draiss
Good article , the fundamental questions now has there been any studies of the impact of the resurgent of coin collecting and conversely the dienchantment of those who try to sell and get a life lesson that is filled with disappointment and cynicism.This may be a logical progression of your article
Unless you’re a very serious collector, the coins become secondary. It’s the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of putting together a COMPLETE SET of almost anything. Yes, I have a complete set of silver proofs, but I collect many things. It’s the collecting that counts; maybe more than what is actually collected.
I have a Rhode Island 2001 state collection coin; however it has S stamped on it instead of P or D? Is this a silver quarter? Can you tell me about it?
Hey Kim,
State Quarters were produced at three different mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). The San Francisco mint only produced proof coins. The mint mark is located on the obverse side of the coin to the right of George Washington’s ponytail and below the motto “In God We Trust”. Proof coins were made for collectors and involved being stamped slowly and more than once with different dies. After being struck they were kept separate by different means to be sold to collectors.
It was minted at the San Francisco mint. It was part of a proof set that someone spent.
Hi Kim, thank you for contacting us. That is certainly peculiar. Our experts would be more than happy to take a look at the coin. We offer FREE auction evaluations on our website. You can simply visit: https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=kk-fb-cs-freeeval-070714 to submit pictures and a brief description of your item and one of our experts will contact you with further information via email. If you do have any questions please feel free to contact our Client Services department at 1-866-835-3243. Thank you!
I have 2 1997- p dble ears pennies, 2- 1994 dble date p pennies. Also haves 2008 dble date p and Liberty nickel. What is estimate value?
Fran, We offer FREE auction evaluations at https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=KK-hablog-cs-freeeval-021814. You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
Thank you
I HAVE COMPLETE SET OF 2005 SPECIAL QUARTERS TO HONOR STATES OF THE UNION IN THE SLOT ENVELOPES , WHAT IS THERE VALUE?
Robert,
We offer FREE auction evaluations at https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=KK-hablog-cs-freeeval-021814. You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
Thank you
I have a complete set of D & P quarters, what are they worth in tube uncirculated.
Dear Mr. Peoples,
To see how much your item is worth, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=KK-hablog-cs-freeeval-021814 for a FREE auction evaluation. You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
Thank you
I have $750.00 face value states quarters in uncirculated rolls. What are they worth??? Looking to sell.
Dear Mr. Bazo,
To see how much your item is worth, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=KK-hablog-cs-freeeval-021814 for a FREE auction evaluation. You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
Thank you
Thank you,sir. I am a disabled ironworker,I am in need of a little money,it is the end of the month. Lol. I have a 2004 Silver proof set,Michigan,Florida,Texas,Iowa,Wisconsin. Could you please tell me what it is worth? Thank you again,and God Bless you and yours. ➕
Dear Mr. Bryan,
Please contact us at bid@ha.com with any photos you may have of the 2004 silver proof set. One of our experts will contact you with what it is worth and the best options available.
Thank you
I just found out it is worth the spot price of silver. Thanks again.
I have uncirculated rolls for every state Philadelphia mint and Denver is it worth taking to a collector or keeping them?
Hello Renee,
Can you email us detailed color images of both sides of your coin to bid@ha.com? We would be happy to review the images and see if we can give you an idea as to the coins value.
Thank you for contacting Heritage Auctions.
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