Coin Collecting State Quarters

As one of the most successful coin programs in US history, the United States Mint’s series of state quarters stirred a nation into a renewed interest in coins. Millions of people started checking their change to see if they could find the quarter featuring their own state. Some started collecting as children and continued their hobby into adulthood. The series was more than a numismatic phenomenon; it was a cultural touchstone that helped move the country forward into a new century.

While collecting these quarters was an affordable and easy goal, it also served as a great way to learn about each state’s history, geography, culture and politics. In fact, the coin collecting industry itself was reborn through this popular initiative, spawning a new generation of enthusiasts and industry professionals.

The popularity of the State Quarters program led to a variety of coin collecting tools, including special 50 state quarter maps and folders. These cardboard holders feature a color coded or topographical map of the US with slots for each state, along with additional educational information such as the state capital, state flag, or state flower. Most of these maps include spaces for the territories released in 2009.

With the end of the State Quarters program in 2008 and the release of the final quarter for Hawaii, many collectors wonder if any of their old quarters are worth anything. In the short run, most of these quarters are still trading at or near face value. However, a few high-end valuables can be found among the common circulating coins, and some Proof State Quarters can command quite a bit of money.