Coins are a fascinating part of history, and some rare ones are highly valuable. One such coin is the 1999 Delaware State Quarter, often known as the “Spitting Horse” variety. This coin isn’t just any quarter—it has a unique minting mistake that makes it worth far more than its face value. Here’s what makes it so special, and why it could be worth as much as $2,000 or more!
What is the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter?
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter was part of a series released to celebrate each of the 50 states in the U.S. However, the “Spitting Horse” variety got its name from an error in the minting process. On some of the coins, there’s a noticeable crack in the die (the stamp used to imprint the design onto the coin). This crack creates the appearance that the horse on the coin is “spitting.” This small mistake led to the coin being much more valuable than other quarters from the same year.
Why is the Spitting Horse Error So Important?
The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter is valuable because of the die crack that creates the spitting effect. Coins with errors like this are often sought after by collectors because they are rare. Even though the error was not noticed right away, over time, people began to realize just how special these quarters were.
How Much is the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter Worth?
The value of a 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter depends on the severity of the die crack and the overall condition of the coin. On average, the coin can fetch between $100 and $2,000. A well-preserved example with a strong, visible “spitting” effect will be worth closer to the higher end of the range.
Here’s an idea of what you can expect for different conditions:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Average condition | $100 – $500 |
| Excellent condition | $500 – $1,500 |
| Mint condition (strong error) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
Where Can You Find a Spitting Horse Quarter?
Since the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter is still in circulation, there’s a chance you could find one in your change. However, these quarters are rare, and many have already been pulled from circulation by collectors. It’s important to carefully examine your quarters, especially if they’re from the 1999 Delaware release, as you may have a hidden treasure in your pocket!
How to Tell If You Have a Spitting Horse Quarter
To identify if you have a Spitting Horse quarter, look closely at the design on the back of the coin, especially around the horse. If you notice a crack or a split near the horse’s mouth, this could be the spitting effect caused by the error. The mistake is subtle, but experienced collectors know exactly where to look.
Conclusion
The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter may just seem like a regular coin at first, but its minting error makes it much more valuable. With its “spitting horse” feature, this coin has become a highly sought-after item for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just starting out, it’s worth taking a close look at your change to see if you might have one of these rare quarters. If you do, you could be holding onto a coin worth up to $2,000!
FAQ’s
What is the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter?
The 1999 Delaware State Quarter is a coin with a minting error that makes it look like the horse on the design is “spitting.” This error is caused by a crack in the die, making the coin valuable to collectors.
How much is a 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter worth?
Depending on the condition and the visibility of the error, the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter can be worth between $100 and $2,000.
How can I tell if I have a Spitting Horse Quarter?
To identify a Spitting Horse Quarter, look closely at the back of the coin around the horse’s mouth. If you see a noticeable crack or split, it could be the rare minting error that gives it its “spitting” appearance.