How to Spot a Rare 2004 Quarter That Could Be Worth $2,350

There’s a rare coin in circulation that could fetch you $2,350, so you should check your pockets in case you’re walking around with a mini fortune without realizing it.

There’s a rare coin in circulation that could fetch you $2,350, so check your pockets in case you’re walking around with a mini fortune without realizing it. One of the things that contribute to the value of a coin in numismatic circles is if has errors that were made in the design or minting process, and a quarter-dollar specimen that was released in 2004 is one of those with a flaw in its design. Once you learn about it, you will easily be able to spot one if you come across it, which could net you thousands of times the value of the mere 25 cents at face value.

Below it’s explained how to identify two 2004 quarter-dollars that are worth more than $2,500.

2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Dollar with Extra Leaf High

The coin called the 2004-D 25C Wisconsin Extra Leaf High is the one worth more than $2,000 and seeing as they are relatively recent mints, your chances of coming across one are better than than if you were searching for the much older coins that tend to be more valuable.

The Extra Leaf High coin in question is actually just a regular strike, meaning it was minted in the normal way, went into general circulation, and has no special finishes or characteristics. However, there was a design error in the series of 25-cent coins minted in Wisconsin in 2004. The main image on the obverse is a cow with an ear of corn and cheese, three things that the agricultural state is known for. The images appear under the legend “Forward,” the motto adopted by the state in 1851, representing progress, growth, and optimism.

What should coin collectors be looking out for?

However, the key mistake lies in the leaves of the corn, which lie open alongside the ear. Normally, the cob features two open leaves, but the valuable version has three, and this is what to look out for when hunting for collectors’ items. The extra leaf, which appears close to the top of the stalk, is what gave the coin its name: the “Extra Left High.” The “D” and the “C” in the “2004-D 25C” part of the name refer to the Denver Mint and the cents denomination.

Record amount of $2,000+ realized at auction in 2006

Numismatic specialists Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) report that in 2006, a 2004-D 25C Wisconsin Extra Leaf High was auctioned for $2,530, which was a record high amount. Seeing as this was around two decades ago, it’s not farfetched to believe that collectors would be prepared to bid even higher prices now to add one of these rare specimens to their collection.

If you’re into numismatics, which refers to the study or collection of coins, banknotes, or medals, then you need to check all 25-cent pieces minted in Wisconsin in 2004 and look for the extra open leaf at the top of the cob of corn.

The Extra Leaf Low version of the Wisconsin 2004 quarter dollar

Coin errors are more frequent than you may think and they happen for a variety of reasons, such as double strikes, off-center strikes, or cropped, missing, or incorrect designs or text. Mistakes can make coins more valuable if they are dramatic, rare, and obvious.

Record amount of $6,000 realized at auction in 2020

Some of the 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Dollars had a slightly different mistake, namely an extra leaf but towards the base of the corn stalk rather than the top, giving it the description “Extra Leaf Low.” The auction record amount for the sale of a low version was $6,000 in 202, which is significantly more than the high version.

If you come across an item that you believe is of value in the collectibles world, it’s advised that you consult a reputable dealer, auction house, or other registered professional to ascertain its true value and avoid being scammed or robbed.