You might want to double-check your change—this quarter could be worth $10,000
By
Veronica E.
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It’s not every day that a simple quarter could be worth thousands of dollars, but that’s exactly the case with a rare version of the 1999 Georgia state quarter.
Thanks to an unusual minting error, a handful of these coins ended up being made with the wrong material—and collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny for them.
If you’ve got a coin jar gathering dust, now might be a good time to take a closer look.
That plain-looking quarter could turn out to be a small windfall!

The rare Georgia quarter that has collectors buzzing
In 1999, the US Mint began rolling out the State Quarters Program, featuring custom designs for each of the 50 states.
Georgia’s coin showed off the state’s peach, live oak branches, and the motto “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.”
But that’s not what makes this coin stand out.
What makes some of these Georgia quarters so valuable is what’s underneath the design.
A limited number were mistakenly struck on special gold-colored planchets (coin blanks) that were being tested for the Sacagawea dollar, which debuted the following year.
These experimental materials were never meant for public use, but a few slipped into circulation—and now collectors are eager to find them.
Also read: Are pennies on the way out? What the end of the one-cent coin could mean for you
What makes these quarters worth thousands?
Because these experimental coins were never officially released, they’re extremely rare.
And in the world of coin collecting, rarity is everything.
One Georgia quarter struck on the gold-tinted planchet sold for $7,200 in 2022.
Others have reportedly fetched up to $10,000, depending on their condition.
Also read: This secret coin in your pocket that could be worth over $150,000–are you among the lucky ones?
How to tell if your Georgia quarter is special
Wondering if you’ve got one of these high-value coins? Here are a few things to check:
If your coin checks these boxes, don’t spend it! Bring it to a reputable coin dealer or submit it to a grading service for professional evaluation.
Authenticating the coin could boost its value and help you connect with serious buyers.

Also read: Discover the surprising coin detail that could turn your loose change into millions overnight!
What to do if you find one
If you confirm that you have one of these rare Georgia quarters, you have a few options.
You can sell it online through platforms like eBay, or go through a coin dealer or auction house.
Just be sure to include clear photos and as much detail as possible in any listing.
Even if it’s not a jackpot, it’s still a fun discovery
Whether you strike it rich or not, looking through your old coins can be a fun, educational hobby—and you never know what else you might uncover.
Many rare coins have slipped into circulation over the years, and even small mistakes can mean big value to the right collector!
Read next: Thrift store finds: What’s the secret behind this anonymous donor’s rare gold coin worth thousands?
Have you ever found a coin worth more than its face value? Share your story—we’d love to hear it!
Thanks to an unusual minting error, a handful of these coins ended up being made with the wrong material—and collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny for them.
If you’ve got a coin jar gathering dust, now might be a good time to take a closer look.
That plain-looking quarter could turn out to be a small windfall!

You never know what hidden value might be sitting in your spare change—check your coins closely! Image Source: Pexels / VOLKAN SORKUN.
The rare Georgia quarter that has collectors buzzing
In 1999, the US Mint began rolling out the State Quarters Program, featuring custom designs for each of the 50 states.
Georgia’s coin showed off the state’s peach, live oak branches, and the motto “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.”
But that’s not what makes this coin stand out.
What makes some of these Georgia quarters so valuable is what’s underneath the design.
A limited number were mistakenly struck on special gold-colored planchets (coin blanks) that were being tested for the Sacagawea dollar, which debuted the following year.
These experimental materials were never meant for public use, but a few slipped into circulation—and now collectors are eager to find them.
Also read: Are pennies on the way out? What the end of the one-cent coin could mean for you
What makes these quarters worth thousands?
Because these experimental coins were never officially released, they’re extremely rare.
And in the world of coin collecting, rarity is everything.
One Georgia quarter struck on the gold-tinted planchet sold for $7,200 in 2022.
Others have reportedly fetched up to $10,000, depending on their condition.
Also read: This secret coin in your pocket that could be worth over $150,000–are you among the lucky ones?
How to tell if your Georgia quarter is special
Wondering if you’ve got one of these high-value coins? Here are a few things to check:
- Weight: These error coins are heavier than standard quarters, typically weighing between 5.9 and 6.3 grams (a regular quarter weighs 5.67 grams).
- Color: The coin may have a golden or greenish tint—distinct from the usual silver color.
- Edge: There’s no copper-colored stripe around the edge, and the ridges (called reeding) might be less noticeable.
- Rim and thickness: These coins may feel thicker, with a more pronounced rim.
If your coin checks these boxes, don’t spend it! Bring it to a reputable coin dealer or submit it to a grading service for professional evaluation.
Authenticating the coin could boost its value and help you connect with serious buyers.

This 1999 Georgia state quarter might look like any other, but rare error versions could be worth up to $10,000. Image Source: mikebyers.com.
Also read: Discover the surprising coin detail that could turn your loose change into millions overnight!
What to do if you find one
If you confirm that you have one of these rare Georgia quarters, you have a few options.
You can sell it online through platforms like eBay, or go through a coin dealer or auction house.
Just be sure to include clear photos and as much detail as possible in any listing.
Even if it’s not a jackpot, it’s still a fun discovery
Whether you strike it rich or not, looking through your old coins can be a fun, educational hobby—and you never know what else you might uncover.
Many rare coins have slipped into circulation over the years, and even small mistakes can mean big value to the right collector!
Read next: Thrift store finds: What’s the secret behind this anonymous donor’s rare gold coin worth thousands?
Key Takeaways
- Some 1999 Georgia state quarters are worth up to $10,000 because they were mistakenly struck on experimental gold-tinted planchets meant for the Sacagawea dollar.
- These valuable error coins are heavier (5.9–6.3 grams), may look thicker, and often have a golden or greenish color, unlike standard quarters.
- Other signs include the absence of the usual copper stripe on the coin’s edge, less edge reeding, and a thicker rim than normal.
- If you suspect you have one of these rare quarters, don’t spend it—get it checked by a coin dealer or grader, and you can even sell it online, such as on eBay.
Have you ever found a coin worth more than its face value? Share your story—we’d love to hear it!