If you work with coins every day—like in vending, banking, retail, or just going through change—there are two quarters you must keep an eye out for: a 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter and a 1965 Washington Quarter. While they may look like ordinary pocket change, these coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Here’s how one vending machine operator nearly struck gold, and how you can identify the same rare finds.
🧀 1. The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter – The $200 Corn Leaf
While checking through her coin stash, a vending machine operator flagged a 2004 Wisconsin quarter based on a tip from my page. What makes this quarter so valuable?
🌽 The Secret: The Extra Corn Leaf Error
On the back of the Wisconsin state quarter is an image of a cow, a wheel of cheese, and a corn stalk. But some versions of the coin include a mysterious extra leaf on the corn—one that shouldn’t be there.
There are two known variants:
- High Leaf (left side of the corn stalk)
💵 Worth: $200+ - Low Leaf (right side of the corn stalk)
💵 Worth: $50–$100
📈 Sold Listings Prove the Value
Collectors have paid over $200 for high-grade “high leaf” versions, and $50–$100 for the “low leaf” type—even in circulated condition.
🔎 Pro Tip: Always examine the corn stalk under magnification. That tiny leaf could make a huge difference.
🪙 2. The 1965 Silver Error Quarter – Worth Up to $8,000+
The second coin this vending operator spotted was a 1965 Washington quarter—and this one has the potential to be worth much more than the 2004 Wisconsin quarter.
Here’s why:
🧪 The Silver Content Test
- Quarters minted in 1964 and earlier are composed of 90% silver.
- Beginning in 1965, quarters were changed to a copper-nickel clad composition—no silver at all.
But here’s the kicker: A few 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on 1964 silver planchets.
💸 What They’ve Sold For
- One silver 1965 quarter sold for $8,000+
- Another example fetched over $7,000
🔍 How to Tell If You Have a Silver 1965 Quarter
- Check the Rim:
A regular clad quarter will show a copper-colored core on the edge.
A silver quarter will have a solid silver edge. - Weigh It:
- Regular clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams
- Silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams
🎯 Use a digital scale that reads to two decimal places. Even a slight weight difference can signal a valuable error.
💼 Why It Matters for Vending Operators, Cash Handlers, and Collectors
If you handle coins on a daily basis, whether through a vending route, coin-operated machines, or retail registers, you’re sitting on a unique opportunity. These valuable quarters still show up in circulation—and most people miss them.
Just imagine pulling a $7,000 quarter from a reject tray or change box.
🛡️ Final Tips for Coin Hunting
- Use proper lighting and magnification to examine details like mint errors and die varieties.
- Invest in a digital pocket scale—especially when searching for silver planchet errors.
- Double-check State Quarters, especially those from 2004 (Wisconsin) and 2005 (Minnesota).
- Don’t clean your coins! Cleaning can dramatically reduce their value.
📣 Share Your Finds
If you come across one of these rare coins, snap clear photos and have it evaluated by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Who knows—your next quarter might be worth more than your last paycheck.
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