The State Quarter series, launched by the U.S. Mint in 1999, has captured the imagination of collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. Among the 50 designs, the 1999 Georgia State Quarter is of particular interest, not only for its symbolic design but also for the potential value of its error coins.
Whether you’re searching for off-center strikes, missing clad layers, or double die errors, these coins hold historical and financial appeal.
Keep an eye out for these treasures in circulation, or consider adding them to your collection to preserve a piece of numismatic history.
1999 Georgia State Quarter
The 1999 Georgia State Quarter was part of the inaugural year of the State Quarters program, which celebrates the state’s history and culture.
The quarter features an outline of the state, a peach (a nod to Georgia’s nickname as “The Peach State”), live oak sprigs (the state tree), and the state motto, “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.”
Over 939 million Georgia quarters were struck across the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) Mints, making them familiar in circulation. However, error coins and high-grade examples can command premiums well above face value.
1999 Georgia State Quarter Error Coins
Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strike errors occur when a coin is not properly aligned during the minting process, resulting in a design that is misaligned and missing portions of the intended imagery.
Collectors have documented off-center strikes ranging from 10% to as much as 85% off-center of the 1999 Georgia quarter.
For the Georgia quarter, off-center strikes are rare and highly collectible. The degree of misalignment determines value:
| Off-Center Percentage | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 5% to 15% | $20 to $50 |
| 40% to 60% (with visible date) | $150 to $300 |
1999 Georgia Quarter Missing Clad Layer Error
The standard Georgia quarter comprises a copper core sandwiched between two layers of copper-nickel alloy.
In some error coins, one of these outer clad layers is missing, exposing the copper core on either the obverse or reverse side. This distinct appearance can significantly increase the coin’s value. Depending on the extent of the missing clad, some examples are worth $200 to $800.
Die Cracks and Die Chips
Die cracks and chips are minor errors resulting from wear or damage to the dies used in minting. For the Georgia quarter, collectors have identified die cracks in areas such as above the ribbon with the word “Wisdom” and die chips within the letters.
While these errors are generally less valuable than significant striking errors, they still interest error enthusiasts.
These errors are less dramatic but still collectible, typically valued at $50–$100 for noticeable cracks.
Experimental Planchet Errors
During the minting of the 1999 Georgia quarters, the U.S. Mint was testing new metal alloys for the upcoming Sacagawea dollar, which debuted in 2000.
Some Georgia quarters were inadvertently struck on these experimental planchets, resulting in coins with a distinct golden or greenish hue, similar to the Sacagawea dollars.
These error coins typically weigh between 5.9 and 6.3 grams, slightly more than the standard 5.67 grams for regular quarters.
They may also appear thicker and lack the characteristic copper stripe on the edge. Such errors are rare and have fetched up to $10,000 at auction.
1999 Georgia Quarter Error Values
| Error | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike Error | $20 to $300 |
| Missing Clad Layer Error | $170 to $800 |
| Die Cracks and Die Chips | $50 to $100 |
| Experimental Planchet Error | Up to $10,000 |
1999 Georgia State Quarter 90% Silver Proof Coin
The proof coins were struck with a mirror-like finish, enhancing their appeal to collectors. These coins were not intended for circulation but were sold in special collector sets.
| Type | Composition | Mint Mark | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | Cupro-Nickel-Clad | S | Frosted elements with mirror-like background |
| Silver Proof | 90% Silver / 10% Copper | S | Frosted elements with mirror-like background |
More State Quarters Worth Money
While the Georgia quarter is notable, several other state quarters also attract collectors due to their errors or rarity.
2004 Wisconsin High/Low Leaf Error Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter is famous for its “High/Low Leaf Error,” which features an extra “leaf” on the corn stalk caused by intentional die modifications.
Depending on the condition, this error is highly collectible and valued between $400 and $1,500+ in Mint State.
1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
The 1999-P Delaware Quarter is known for the “Spitting Horse Error,” where a die crack creates the illusion of a line extending from the horse’s mouth. Depending on its condition and the clarity of the error, this error coin can be worth from $20 to $500.
2005 Minnesota Quarter
Another intriguing error is found in the 2005 Minnesota Quarter, where die doubling results in an additional tree in the design. Known as the “Extra Tree Error,” these quarters are valued at $100 to $600 in Mint State, making them a favorite among collectors.
2007 Idaho Quarter
The 2007 Idaho Quarter features the “Humpback Bison Error,” caused by a die break that gives the falcon on the reverse a distorted appearance. Depending on their quality, these coins are worth $150 to $500 in Mint State.
2015 Snow on the Roof Error Quarter
The 2015 Homestead Quarter is notable for the “Snow on the Roof Error,” where die chips create the appearance of snow on the roof of the depicted building. The value of these error coins is between $100 and $600, with conditions playing a significant role in their worth.
2020-W Quarters
Finally, the 2020-W Quarters, struck at the West Point Mint, stand out for their rarity. With only 2 million of each design minted, these quarters are highly desirable among collectors. Depending on their grade, coins in Mint State condition are worth between $20 and $100.