Time to Check Your Change Jar: The $7,200 Quarter
Have you checked your change jar lately? If you haven’t, it might be time to dig through those coins. Experts are urging those with a penchant for coin collecting to scrutinize their collections. Why? Because a Georgia quarter minted in 1999 could be worth a small fortune—up to $7,200 to be exact.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The Georgia quarter that’s captivating collectors was produced in 1999 as part of the United States Treasury’s state quarters program. What sets this quarter apart from others is a unique production error.
“The allure of this quarter is its particular production error that involved a new gold-tinted alloy,” according to the US Coins Guide.
The U.S. Mint was experimenting with a gold-tinted alloy for a new line of coins, including the Sacagawea “golden” dollar that was introduced a year later, in 2000. A batch of Georgia quarters was produced using this alloy, but the U.S. Treasury decided against using the alloy for regular quarters. These special quarters were nevertheless released into circulation and have since become highly sought after by collectors.
A Quarter That Sold for Thousands
The rarity and desirability of this coin became evident when a gold-tinted Georgia quarter was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions for $7,200 in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic halted normal life.
Unique Features of the Coin
Apart from its distinctive color, the quarter has other unique features that set it apart from regular quarters.
“Most quarters weigh around 5.67 grams, but this unique Georgia quarter weighs between 5.9 and 6.3 grams,” experts note.
Additionally, the coin is thicker than typical quarters and often doesn’t have the ridged edges usually found on quarters.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve discovered one of these rare Georgia quarters from 1999, your next step should be to get it appraised. Approach a certified coin grading company or a reputable dealer for an accurate assessment of the coin’s value.
Final Thoughts
With quarters potentially worth thousands in circulation, it’s a great time to sift through your change jar. If you happen to find a gold-tinted Georgia state quarter, take it to a reputable coin dealer for appraisal immediately. You could be sitting on a small treasure.