If you have a 1999 Georgia state quarter in your pocket, you might want to take a second look. What seems like an ordinary piece of currency could potentially be worth thousands of dollars to collectors. This particular quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters Program, has gained attention for its rare production errors, making it highly sought after. Here’s what you need to know about these valuable coins and how to spot one.
The 1999 Georgia State Quarter: An Overview
This Article Includes
Released on July 19, 1999, the Georgia state quarter was the fourth coin in the 50 State Quarters Program. This program was designed to celebrate each of the 50 states, and each quarter in the series featured unique imagery representing the state’s history and culture.
The obverse side of the coin showcases the familiar portrait of George Washington, created by John Flanagan. This image has been used on U.S. quarters since 1932.
On the reverse side, the Georgia quarter features the state’s iconic peach in the center of the state outline, surrounded by branches of a live oak, Georgia’s state tree. The state motto, “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation,” is also inscribed around the design.
While the Georgia state quarter itself is relatively common, some are worth far more than their face value, due to a rare error in their production.
Fun fact: The change is part of the American Women Quarters Program, celebrating women’s accomplishments.
The right facing design was submitted in 1931 by Laura Gardin Fraser. It was used in 1999 on the George Washington Commemorative Gold $5 coin.
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Why Some 1999 Georgia Quarters Are Worth Up to $10,000
The key to the high value of these Georgia quarters lies in a production error involving experimental metals. The U.S. Mint, at the time, was testing a new metal alloy intended for the Sacagawea dollar coin. This alloy had a distinct golden or greenish tint and was ultimately used for the Sacagawea dollar in 2000. However, some of the 1999 Georgia quarters were mistakenly struck using this same experimental metal.
These quarters were not intended to be released in this alloy, but they still made it into circulation. As a result, they are now rare and highly coveted by collectors. Some of these error coins have been known to sell for as much as $10,000.
How to Identify a Valuable 1999 Georgia Quarter
If you think you might have one of these rare Georgia quarters, here are the key characteristics to look for:
1. Weight and Thickness
A typical Georgia quarter weighs 5.67 grams, but the experimental error coins strike differently. The valuable quarters usually weigh between 5.9 and 6.3 grams. These quarters also tend to be slightly thicker than the standard issue.
2. Color
Instead of the typical copper-nickel appearance, these experimental coins have a distinctive golden or greenish tint, which is similar to the color of the Sacagawea dollar coins that came out in 2000.
3. Edge Features
Normally, U.S. quarters have a copper stripe on their edge, which is absent in these error coins. If your quarter lacks this copper stripe, it’s a sign that it could be a rare one. Additionally, the edge might be thicker than usual, or it may lack part or all of the “tongue” edge, which is the raised portion that typically runs around the coin’s rim.
Why These Error Coins Are So Valuable
The scarcity of these coins is a major factor driving their value. Because these coins were struck using the wrong alloy, only a small number of them exist, and they are now in high demand. Collectors are always on the lookout for unique or rare errors, and this type of minting mistake has made the 1999 Georgia state quarter an intriguing find for those in the numismatic community.
Conclusion
If you happen to have a 1999 Georgia state quarter that matches the characteristics described, you may be in possession of a valuable piece of American currency. While most Georgia quarters are worth just 25 cents, these rare error coins could fetch thousands of dollars due to their unique metal composition and production mistakes. Always remember to check the weight, color, and edge features of your coins, as they could be hiding significant value.