At first glance, the idea of a 1788 quarter seems impossible—after all, the U.S. Mint didn’t even open until 1792. So, what are these coins?
They are part of the 50 State Quarters program, minted between 1999 and 2001, honoring the eight states that entered the Union in 1788:
- Georgia
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- South Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- New York
Although these coins are modern, many are highly collectible—especially in high grades, proofs, silver issues, or with known errors.
1788 Quarters – Circulating Coin Values
These are the regular quarters released into circulation by the Philadelphia (“P”) and Denver (“D”) mints.
| Coin | Mint Date | Mintage | MS65 | MS66+ | MS68 | MS69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (P) | 1999 | 451,188,000 | $5 | $28 | $5,500 | – |
| Georgia (D) | 1999 | 488,744,000 | $5 | $40 | $6,250 | – |
| Connecticut (P) | 1999 | 688,744,000 | $5 | $14 | $850 | $10,500 |
| Connecticut (D) | 1999 | 657,880,000 | $5 | $26 | $1,100 | – |
| Massachusetts (P) | 2000 | 628,600,000 | $5 | $14 | $75 | $7,000 |
| Massachusetts (D) | 2000 | 535,184,000 | $5 | $14 | $300 | $9,000 |
| Maryland (P) | 2000 | 678,200,000 | $5 | $12 | $150 | – |
| Maryland (D) | 2000 | 556,532,000 | $5 | $14 | $275 | – |
| South Carolina (P) | 2000 | 373,400,000 | $5 | $14 | $60 | $8,000 |
| South Carolina (D) | 2000 | 401,424,000 | $5 | $14 | $100 | – |
| New Hampshire (P) | 2000 | 673,040,000 | $5 | $12 | $175 | – |
| New Hampshire (D) | 2000 | 495,976,000 | $5 | $12 | $400 | – |
| Virginia (P) | 2000 | 943,000,000 | $5 | $14 | $125 | – |
| Virginia (D) | 2000 | 651,616,000 | $5 | $16 | $650 | – |
| New York (P) | 2001 | 619,640,000 | $5 | $14 | $40 | $975 |
| New York (D) | 2001 | 655,400,000 | $5 | $18 | $1,350 | – |
💡 Tip for Beginners: Most circulated state quarters are worth face value (25¢), but in Mint State (MS66 and higher) they can be worth hundreds or even thousands.
1788 Quarters – Proof Coins
San Francisco (“S”) minted special proof versions, available in both clad (copper-nickel) and silver (90% silver). Proofs were made for collectors only and never entered circulation.
| Coin | Mint Date | Mintage | PR66+ DCAM | PR68+ DCAM | PR69 DCAM | PR70 DCAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Clad Proof | 1999 | 3,713,359 | $8 | $8 | $8 | $26 |
| Georgia Silver Proof | 1999 | 804,565 | $8 | $10 | $18 | $60 |
| Connecticut Clad Proof | 1999 | 3,713,359 | $8 | $8 | $20 | $27 |
| Connecticut Silver Proof | 1999 | 804,565 | $12 | $12 | $20 | $55 |
| Massachusetts Clad Proof | 2000 | 4,020,172 | $8 | $8 | $19 | $30 |
| Massachusetts Silver Proof | 2000 | 965,421 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $70 |
| Maryland Clad Proof | 2000 | 4,020,172 | $8 | $8 | $21 | $32 |
| Maryland Silver Proof | 2000 | 965,421 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $55 |
| South Carolina Clad Proof | 2000 | 4,020,172 | $8 | $8 | $18 | $35 |
| South Carolina Silver Proof | 2000 | 965,421 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $60 |
| New Hampshire Clad Proof | 2000 | 4,020,172 | $8 | $8 | $19 | $35 |
| New Hampshire Silver Proof | 2000 | 965,421 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $170 |
| Virginia Clad Proof | 2000 | 4,020,172 | $8 | $8 | $19 | $30 |
| Virginia Silver Proof | 2000 | 965,421 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $65 |
| New York Clad Proof | 2001 | 3,094,140 | $8 | $8 | $19 | $35 |
| New York Silver Proof | 2001 | 889,697 | $10 | $14 | $22 | $55 |
💡 Tip for Collectors: Silver proofs are scarcer and usually more valuable than clad proofs, especially in perfect PR70 DCAM grade.
History of the 1788 Quarter
Coin collecting has long been one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. For the U.S. Mint, it also represents a steady source of revenue—not just from circulation coins, but from special collector issues. While many young collectors begin with coins inherited from parents or grandparents, the Mint has actively worked to spark interest in modern commemoratives.
One of the most successful efforts was the launch of the 50 State Quarters Program, approved by Congress in 1997. The idea was simple but brilliant: honor every U.S. state with its own unique quarter design. Starting in 1999, the Mint released five new designs each year, in the order that states ratified the Constitution or joined the Union.
The first group honored the eight states admitted in 1788:
- Georgia
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- South Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- New York
These coins were struck between July 1999 and January 2001. Each design featured symbols, mottos, or historic images chosen to reflect the heritage and identity of the state. Most designs came from statewide contests, giving local artists and sculptors the chance to leave their mark on U.S. coinage. The winning concepts were then refined and engraved by U.S. Mint staff before being struck into circulation.
The 50 States Quarters were followed by other major programs: the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters (2009), the America the Beautiful National Parks series (2010–2021), and most recently, the American Women Quarters Program (2022–2025).
But for many collectors, the 1788 quarters remain among the most iconic, as they marked the very beginning of the Statehood series and introduced millions of Americans to the excitement of numismatics.
Features of the 1788 Quarter
Understanding the physical features of a coin is essential for collectors. Here are the main terms you’ll encounter when describing the 1788 quarters:
- Obverse → The “heads” side of the coin.
- Reverse → The “tails” side.
- Edge → The thin side of the coin.
- Rim (or Collar) → The raised border around the edge.
- Devices → The images or portraits on the coin.
- Legends/Mottos → The words or inscriptions.
- Field → The flat background surface.
- Reeds → The ridges on the edge (some coins have plain edges instead).
Obverse of the 1788 Quarter
The obverse features the classic portrait of George Washington, facing left.
- United States of America arches above his head.
- Liberty is placed near his Adam’s apple.
- In God We Trust appears behind his neck.
- The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located just below the motto.
- At the bottom, the denomination reads Quarter Dollar.
- On the neckline cutoff, you’ll find the initials JF (John Flanagan) and WC (William Cousins), the designers who refined Washington’s portrait for the State Quarters program.
Reverse of the 1788 Quarter
Each of the eight 1788 state quarters has its own unique design, but all follow the same template:
- The state name appears along the upper rim.
- The year of statehood is shown just below the name.
- At the bottom rim, the national motto E Pluribus Unum is inscribed, with the coin’s mint date directly above it.
- The rest of the reverse features state-specific symbols, mottos, and images, as well as the designer’s initials.
Other Features of the 1788 Quarter
The 1788 quarters were issued in both clad and silver proof versions:
- Clad Coins (circulation strikes):
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Pure copper core with a copper-nickel clad surface
- Weight: 5.67 g
- Silver Proofs (collector issues):
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 g
Both versions share the same dimensions:
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Edge: 119 reeds
1788 Quarter Grading
The 1788 State Quarters (part of the 50 States Program) may be modern coins, but like all U.S. quarters they are graded on the Sheldon Scale—the universal system used by collectors to determine a coin’s condition and market value.
Originally, U.S. quarters were struck in 90% silver until 1964. After 1965, the Mint switched to copper-nickel clad, giving the coins a silver-like appearance while making them more affordable for circulation.
The Sheldon Scale (Simplified for Collectors)
| Grade Number | Description | Details Seen |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (PO-1) | Basal State | Barely identifiable; extremely worn |
| 2 (FR-2) | Fair | Outlines visible, heavy wear |
| 3 (AG-3) | About Good | Slightly more detail, but very worn |
| 4–6 (G) | Good | Major design visible, flat surfaces |
| 7–10 (VG) | Very Good | More details visible, but still worn |
| 12–15 (F) | Fine | Moderate wear, legends readable |
| 20–30 (VF) | Very Fine | Moderate details, light wear on high points |
| 40 (EF/XF) | Extremely Fine | Sharp design, slight high-point wear |
| 50 (AU) | About Uncirculated | Nearly full detail, light friction only |
| 60 (MS-60) | Mint State | No circulation wear, bag marks visible |
| 65 (MS-65) | Gem Mint State | Strong strike, luster, very few marks |
| 70 (MS-70) | Perfect | Flawless coin under magnification |
1788 Quarter Value Guides
1788 Georgia Quarter Value
Georgia was the fourth state to join the Union, ratifying the Constitution on January 2, 1788. Over two centuries later, the U.S. Mint honored Georgia in the 50 State Quarters Program, releasing the coin on July 19, 1999. With a total mintage of 939,932,000 pieces, the Georgia quarter became the very first issue of the series.
Design Features
- Obverse: Standard Washington portrait by John Flanagan (modified by William Cousins).
- Reverse: Designed by T. James Ferrell (TJF).
- Shows an outline of the state of Georgia.
- Centered is the state fruit, the peach, symbolizing agriculture.
- Two sprigs of live oak (state tree) flank the design.
- Three banners display the state motto: “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.”
- Designer initials TJF appear beneath the right oak branch.
Georgia Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) Georgia Quarter
- MS65 → $4,200 (2022)
- 1788-D (Denver) Georgia Quarter
- MS68 → $329 (2013)
- 1788-S Clad Proof Georgia Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,150 (2003)
- Today: about $26, with nearly 1,000 graded by PCGS
- 1788-S Silver Proof Georgia Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $6,038 (2007)
- April 2024 value: around $60, with 1,200+ graded
Collector Insight
The Georgia quarter is historically significant as the first release of the Statehood series. While most examples are worth face value, high-grade mint state and PR70 proofs remain valuable.
- Circulating strikes (P & D): worth a few dollars in average mint state; exceptional grades (MS67–MS68) bring strong premiums.
- Proofs (S-mint): clad proofs are affordable; silver proofs in PR70 DCAM were once worth thousands, though today they are far more accessible.
1788 Connecticut Quarter Value
Connecticut became the fifth state to join the Union on January 9, 1788. To honor this historic milestone, the U.S. Mint released the Connecticut quarter on October 12, 1999, as part of the 50 State Quarters Program. With a massive mintage of 1,346,624,000 pieces, it remains one of the most common state quarters in circulation—yet certain examples can be highly valuable to collectors.
Design Features
- Obverse: Standard Washington portrait by John Flanagan (refined by William Cousins).
- Reverse: Designed by T. James Ferrell (TJF).
- Features the legendary Charter Oak, symbol of Connecticut’s independence and resilience.
- A small brick hedge sits to the right of the tree.
- The inscription “The Charter Oak” appears to the left of the trunk.
- Designer initials TJF can be found beneath the brick wall.
Connecticut Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) Connecticut Quarter
- MS67 → $4,362 (2006)
- 1788-D (Denver) Connecticut Quarter
- MS68 → $2,300 (2018)
- 1788-S Clad Proof Connecticut Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,035 (2003)
- Current value: about $27, with 1,100+ graded by PCGS
- 1788-S Silver Proof Connecticut Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,610 (2007)
- April 2024 value: around $55, with 1,000+ known examples
Collector Insight
The Charter Oak design makes the Connecticut quarter one of the most distinctive in the Statehood series. While circulation strikes are common, true collector value comes from:
- High-grade mint state coins (MS67–MS68): Rare and consistently strong at auction.
- Proofs (S-mint): Affordable today, though once sold for four figures in top grade.
- Silver proofs: Offer both intrinsic silver value and numismatic appeal, with PR70 DCAM examples commanding premiums.
1788 Massachusetts Quarter Value
Massachusetts became the sixth state to join the Union on February 6, 1788. More than two centuries later, it was honored in the 50 State Quarters Program. The Mint struck 1,163,784,000 Massachusetts quarters in early 2000, with the first coins entering circulation on January 3, 2000.
Design Features
- Obverse: Standard Washington portrait by John Flanagan (refined by William Cousins).
- Reverse: Designed by Thomas D. Rodgers (TDR).
- Features the iconic Minute Man Statue—a tribute to the citizen-soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
- Behind the statue appears the outline of the state.
- The words “The Bay State” are inscribed to the right of the outline.
- Rodgers’ initials TDR appear under the left corner of the state design.
Massachusetts Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) Massachusetts Quarter
- MS69 → $3,760 (2017)
- 1788-D (Denver) Massachusetts Quarter
- MS68 → $400 (2018)
- 1788-S Clad Proof Massachusetts Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Auction record: $300 (2013)
- Currently: modest value due to large availability
- 1788-S Silver Proof Massachusetts Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,006 (2005)
- April 2024 value: about $70, with over 700 certified examples at PCGS
Collector Insight
The Massachusetts quarter is beloved for its Revolutionary War imagery and remains one of the most symbolic issues in the Statehood series.
- Circulation strikes (P & D): Most are common, but high grades like MS69 (P) or MS68 (D) are rare and bring strong premiums.
- Proofs (S-mint): Clad proofs are widely available at affordable prices, while silver proofs in PR70 DCAM were once extremely valuable but have since stabilized.
- Investment appeal: With its patriotic design and limited high-grade survivors, this coin remains a solid addition for both novice and advanced collectors.
1788 Maryland Quarter Value
Maryland became the seventh state to join the Union on April 28, 1788. To celebrate, the U.S. Mint honored the state in the 50 State Quarters Program, releasing the first Maryland quarters on March 13, 2000. With a total mintage of 1,234,732,000 pieces, the Maryland quarter is common in circulation but carries significant value in high grades and proof finishes.
Design Features
- Obverse: Washington portrait by John Flanagan, modified by William Cousins.
- Reverse: Designed by Thomas D. Rodgers (TDR).
- Features the Maryland State House Dome, a historic and architectural landmark.
- The dome is flanked by two sprigs of White Oak, the official state tree.
- The motto “The Old Line State” appears across the design, referencing Maryland’s Revolutionary War nickname.
- Rodgers’ initials TDR can be found beneath the right oak cluster.
Maryland Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) Maryland Quarter
- MS65 → $1,495 (2005)
- 1788-D (Denver) Maryland Quarter
- MS68 → $250 (2011, eBay)
- 1788-S Clad Proof Maryland Quarter (PR69 DCAM)
- Auction record: $207 (2005)
- Current value: modest due to high supply
- 1788-S Silver Proof Maryland Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $322 (2007)
- April 2024 value: about $55, with 800+ certified by PCGS
Collector Insight
The Maryland quarter, with its elegant State House Dome design, is a favorite among history lovers and state pride collectors.
- Circulating strikes (P & D): Widely available, but mint state survivors above MS66 can bring strong premiums.
- Proofs (S-mint): Affordable today, yet earlier auction records show they once commanded several hundred dollars.
- Silver Proofs: Offer both bullion value and numismatic appeal, though prices have stabilized due to the number certified.
For collectors, the Maryland quarter is both symbolically rich and budget-friendly, with select high-grade examples still carrying significant market value.
1788 South Carolina Quarter Value
South Carolina became the eighth state to join the Union on May 23, 1788, and was celebrated in the 50 State Quarters Program. The U.S. Mint struck 1,308,784,000 South Carolina quarters, with the first release on May 22, 2000. While most pieces are common in circulation, high-grade mint state and proof versions have proven highly desirable among collectors.
Design Features
- Obverse: Standard Washington portrait by John Flanagan, refined by William Cousins.
- Reverse: Designed by Thomas D. Rodgers (TDR).
- Displays South Carolina’s state symbols:
- State bird: the Carolina Wren
- State flower: Yellow Jessamine
- State tree: Cabbage Palmetto
- An outline of the state is shown with a star marking its capital, Columbia.
- The inscription “The Palmetto State” is placed inside the outline.
- Designer initials TDR are engraved beneath the right-hand tree.
- Displays South Carolina’s state symbols:
South Carolina Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) South Carolina Quarter
- MS69 → $3,525 (auction record)
- 1788-D (Denver) South Carolina Quarter
- MS63 → $2,990 (2003)
- 1788-S Clad Proof South Carolina Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $262 (2008)
- April 2024 value: about $35
- 1788-S Silver Proof South Carolina Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,035 (2003)
- Current value (April 2024): about $60, with 700+ certified by PCGS
Collector Insight
The South Carolina quarter is beloved for featuring all three state symbols in one design. Though most pieces remain affordable, collector interest focuses on:
- High-grade circulation strikes (MS68–MS69): Rare and capable of reaching thousands.
- Proofs (S-mint): Affordable entry points for collectors, though once sold at higher premiums.
- Silver proofs: Popular for combining bullion value with numismatic demand, yet prices have settled due to increased availability.
For collectors building a complete State Quarters set, the South Carolina issue is a must-have—rich in symbolism and history, with plenty of opportunity for premium finds in top condition.
1788 New Hampshire Quarter Value
New Hampshire became the ninth state to join the Union on June 21, 1788, and was later honored in the 50 State Quarters Program. The Mint struck 1,169,016,000 New Hampshire quarters, with the first release on August 7, 2000. While common in circulation, certain high-grade and proof examples have achieved remarkable auction prices.
Design Features
- Obverse: Washington portrait by John Flanagan, refined by William Cousins.
- Reverse: Designed by William Cousins (WC).
- Features the famous Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation that was a state symbol until its collapse in 2003.
- Nine stars appear to the left, symbolizing New Hampshire as the ninth state admitted to the Union.
- Inscriptions include:
- “The Old Man of the Mountain” inside the mountain outline.
- “Live Free or Die”, the state motto, to the left of the formation.
- Designer’s initials WC appear beneath the mountain.
New Hampshire Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) New Hampshire Quarter
- MS64 → $2,128 (2004)
- 1788-D (Denver) New Hampshire Quarter
- MS68 → $633 (2007)
- 1788-S Clad Proof New Hampshire Quarter (PR69 DCAM)
- Record: $881 (2013)
- 1788-S Silver Proof New Hampshire Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- eBay sale: $650 (2021)
- PCGS estimate (April 2024): about $170
Collector Insight
The New Hampshire quarter has strong symbolic value, featuring the state’s most iconic landmark and motto. For collectors, the most notable aspects are:
- Circulation strikes (P & D): Common overall, but high-grade survivors like MS68 are rare and bring strong premiums.
- Clad proofs: Affordable and widely available, though top PR69–PR70 examples are still desirable.
- Silver proofs: Offer both silver content and collector appeal, though their prices have leveled off in recent years.
The Old Man of the Mountain design makes this issue a sentimental favorite among collectors, especially since the real formation no longer exists.
1788 Virginia Quarter Value
Virginia became the tenth state to join the Union on June 25, 1788, and was honored in the 50 State Quarters Program. The Mint struck an impressive 1,594,616,000 Virginia quarters, with the first release on October 16, 2000. While the majority remain common, certain high-grade circulation and proof specimens have fetched strong prices at auction.
Design Features
- Obverse: Standard Washington portrait by John Flanagan, modified by William Cousins.
- Reverse: Designed by Edgar Z. Steever (EZS).
- Depicts the three ships that carried settlers to Jamestown in 1607: the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
- Inscriptions include:
- “Jamestown 1607–2007” in the upper right.
- “Quadricentennial” beneath the waterline of the ships.
- Designer’s initials EZS appear at the lower right corner of the waterline.
Virginia Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) Virginia Quarter
- MS68 → $400 (eBay, 2022)
- 1788-D (Denver) Virginia Quarter
- AU55 → $1,610 (2004)
- 1788-S Clad Proof Virginia Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $195 (2010, eBay)
- April 2024 value: about $30, with ~750 graded by PCGS
- 1788-S Silver Proof Virginia Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $978 (2007)
- April 2024 value: about $65, with 700+ graded by PCGS
Collector Insight
The Virginia quarter is a favorite among collectors for its historic Jamestown theme. While most are easy to find, the real value lies in:
- High-grade circulation coins: MS68s are scarce, and even AU examples can surprise at auction.
- Clad proofs: Affordable today, though once sold for higher premiums.
- Silver proofs: Offer bullion content and collectible value, with PR70 DCAMs remaining the most desirable.
For collectors building a full set of State Quarters, Virginia’s issue stands out as a tribute to America’s colonial beginnings, blending history, artistry, and strong auction potential in high grades.
1788 New York Quarter Value
New York became the 11th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on July 26, 1788, and was honored in the 50 State Quarters Program. The U.S. Mint struck 1,275,040,000 New York quarters, with the first release on January 2, 2001. While common in circulation, the New York quarter holds strong value in high grades and proof formats.
Design Features
- Obverse: Classic Washington portrait by John Flanagan, refined by William Cousins.
- Reverse: Designed by Alfred Maletsky (AM).
- Features the Statue of Liberty in front of the state outline.
- The design includes 11 stars, symbolizing New York as the 11th state.
- Shows the Erie Canal and the Hudson River, representing commerce and history.
- The motto “Gateway to Freedom” is inscribed at the upper right.
- Designer initials AM appear under the left corner of the state outline.
New York Quarter Auction Highlights
- 1788-P (Philadelphia) New York Quarter
- MS69 → $2,585 (2017)
- 1788-D (Denver) New York Quarter
- MS68 → $1,699 (eBay, 2023)
- 1788-S Clad Proof New York Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $359 (2007)
- Today: significantly more affordable
- 1788-S Silver Proof New York Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Record: $1,380 (2007)
- April 2024 value: about $55, with nearly 950 certified examples at PCGS
Collector Insight
The New York quarter is a standout in the Statehood series, combining patriotism, symbolism, and state pride.
- Circulating strikes (P & D): Easy to find, but MS68–MS69 coins remain rare and bring strong premiums.
- Clad proofs: Affordable today, though PR70 DCAMs once fetched several hundred dollars.
- Silver proofs: Popular with both bullion investors and numismatists, though their values have stabilized with higher certification numbers.
For collectors, the New York quarter captures the essence of America as the Gateway to Freedom, making it both historically meaningful and rewarding in high-grade condition.
Rare 1788 Quarter Errors List
1788-P Quarter Experimental Planchet (Sacagawea Dollar Test)
In 1999 the U.S. Mint tested alloys for the Sacagawea dollar. By mistake, some Georgia and Connecticut quarters were struck on these golden test planchets.
Composition: 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, 4% nickel, copper core.
Auction Records:
- Georgia MS67 → $7,200
- Connecticut MS66 → $5,100
👉 Extremely rare and highly collectible, valued for their golden look, low numbers, and link to the Sacagawea dollar launch.
1788-P Quarter Off-Center with Clips
Occasionally, planchets were struck on leftover metal with missing sections, creating straight or curved clips. Combined with an off-center strike, these errors stand out visually and are sought after.
Auction Records:
- Georgia MS62 → $325
- Virginia MS66 → $960
- New York MS64 → $65
👉 Attractive mint errors, with value depending on clip size, off-center percentage, and overall grade.
1788-P Quarter Multi-Strike Error
When a planchet shifts between strikes, it creates double, triple, or even quadruple images. These dramatic errors are rare and eye-catching.
Auction Records:
- Georgia (Quadruple) MS63 → $780
- Connecticut (Double) MS65 → $975
- New Hampshire (Double) MS66 → $525
- Virginia (Double) MS64 → $700
- New York (Triple) MS65 → $690
👉 Multi-strike errors are among the most collectible, with value depending on the number of strikes and coin grade.
1788-P Georgia Quarter Late Stage Brockage
A brockage error happens when a struck coin sticks to the die, blocking the next blank. The covered side shows a blank or blurred surface, while the other side looks normal.
Auction Record:
- Georgia MS63 → $170
👉 Less dramatic than multi-strikes but still collectible, especially in high grades.
1788 Connecticut Quarter Mirrored Obverse Brockage
A mirrored brockage occurs when a die cap blocks the obverse, leaving the coin with a reversed, cupped design pressed from the reverse. These dramatic errors are highly collectible.
Auction Record:
- Connecticut “Double-Tail” → $3,000 (eBay)
👉 Visually striking brockages can bring big premiums, even without certification.
1788 Quarter Hub Doubling Error (DDO & DDR)
Hub doubling happens when a die shifts between strikes, leaving a double image on every coin it makes.
- DDO (Obverse): Washington shows a doubled ear. → under $15 (MS65)
- DDR (Reverse): New York quarter with Lady Liberty’s “7 fingers”. → about $50 (MS65)
👉 Common, but fun varieties to cherry-pick from dealer stock or circulation.
1788-P Quarter Struck on Wrong Planchet
Sometimes a quarter is struck on a blank from another denomination, creating dramatic mint errors.
Auction Records:
- Maryland on Nickel planchet (MS65) → $1,120
- Maryland on Dime planchet (MS64) → $6,300
- New York on Dime planchet, blank obverse (MS64) → $5,700
👉 Wrong planchet errors are highly collectible because of their rarity and visual appeal.
1788-P Quarter Double Denomination Error
A double denomination error happens when a finished coin is struck again with quarter dies, leaving two designs on one coin.
Auction Records:
- Penny over Virginia Quarter (MS66) → $15,600
- Penny over New Hampshire Quarter (MS65) → $9,400 (2016)
👉 These dramatic errors are among the most valuable Statehood quarter varieties.
1788-P Quarter Reverse Clad Layer Missing
A clad layer error happens when the outer nickel layer peels or fails to bond, exposing the copper core. This gives the coin a two-tone look or visible cracks.
Auction Records:
- New Hampshire MS63 → $500
- New York (no reverse clad) → $575
- Maryland → $250
- Connecticut → $430
👉 Eye-catching and relatively scarce, these lamination errors bring solid premiums depending on grade and visibility.
1788-P Maryland Quarter 45% Off-Center Error
An off-center error happens when the planchet shifts before striking, leaving part of the coin blank. The percentage shows how far off it is.
Auction Record:
- Maryland 45% Off-Center (MS67) → $255
👉 Off-center errors are popular because they’re instantly visible, with value increasing as the misalignment grows—especially if the date remains clear.
1788-P Connecticut Quarter Triple Struck Bonded Pair
A bonded pair happens when two planchets fuse and are struck together, often multiple times, creating a deformed “jigsaw” error.
Auction Record:
- Connecticut Triple Struck Bonded Pair (MS66) → $3,120
👉 Rare and dramatic, bonded pairs are prized because no two are alike and they showcase minting errors at their most extreme.
1788-P Quarter Struck on a Feeder Finger
Sometimes dies strike a feeder finger instead of a blank planchet, leaving part or all of the coin struck on the metal bar. These are rare and dramatic errors.
Auction Records:
- Maryland (intact) → $15,600
- New York fragment MS65 → $4,800
- Connecticut fragment MS65 → $920
👉 Feeder finger strikes are trophy errors, highly valued for their rarity and unique appearance.
1788-D Georgia Quarter Rotated Reverse
A rotated reverse error occurs when the reverse die is misaligned from the normal 180° position, causing the design to appear sideways when flipped.
Auction Record:
- Georgia (135° rotation, AU58) → $200
👉 Rotation errors are easy to spot and collectible, with value depending on the degree of rotation and coin grade.
1788 South Carolina Quarter Obverse & Reverse Strike-Through
A strike-through error happens when a foreign object (like fabric or debris) gets between the die and the planchet, leaving a textured impression or blocked design. This piece was struck-thru on both sides.
Auction Record:
- South Carolina → $130+
👉 While often affordable, double-sided strike-throughs are scarcer and more appealing to error collectors.
Where to Sell Your Quarter Coin?
Now that you know the value of your quarter, the next step is deciding where to sell it. There are several trusted options—both online and in person—that can help you get the best price depending on your coin’s rarity and condition.
To see the full list of recommended places, along with their advantages and disadvantages, check our complete guide on where to sell your quarter coins.
FAQ About the 1788 Quarter
1. Why is the 1788 Quarter called that if the U.S. Mint didn’t exist until 1792?
The name comes from the 50 State Quarters Program, which honored the year each state joined the Union. Eight states entered in 1788, so their designs carry that date even though the coins were struck between 1999 and 2001.
2. Which states are represented by the 1788 Quarters?
The states are Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York. Each coin features a unique reverse design reflecting that state’s history and culture.
3. What are the most valuable 1788 Quarters for collectors?
High-grade mint state coins (MS67 and above), especially from states with lower surviving populations in pristine condition—like Connecticut or Georgia—can reach thousands of dollars. Silver proofs in PR70 DCAM also bring strong premiums, with some selling for over $150.
4. How can I tell if I have a silver proof 1788 Quarter?
Silver proofs carry the “S” mint mark from San Francisco, and they weigh more than clad coins (6.25 grams vs. 5.67 grams). They also have a brighter, mirror-like finish and were sold only in collector sets.
5. Do error 1788 Quarters exist, and are they valuable?
Yes. Off-center strikes, double die errors, and coins struck on the wrong planchet have been documented. These error coins can sell for hundreds or even thousands, depending on rarity and grade.
