The casual observer would dismiss some Kansas State quarters of 2005 as being worth from one thousand dollars onward. But ever so often, a coin will be afflicted with a minting error that increases its value. This coin comes from the U.S. Mint’s 50-State Quarters Program, and certain errors thus would give it collector value. Follow through if you’re a coin collector or someone who wishes to know about rare finds and learn how to identify these interesting Kansas quarter errors that might lead to uncovering their hidden treasure.
What Are Kansas State Quarter Errors?
Error coins occur when something does not proceed as planned during the minting process, creating unique imperfections differing from the prescribed design. Such slips of the hand could enhance the worth of these coins, especially when errors are rare or blatantly obvious. The famous 2005 Kansas State Quarter, decorated by the buffalo and sunflower design, is an error coin marked by several major errors that have attracted collectors from all around the world.
Let’s now take a look at some of the most coveted Kansas quarter errors and how to distinguish them.
The Most Valuable Kansas Quarter Errors
“Error in God We Rust”
Indeed, this is one of the most famous errors in the Kansas quarter error coin series. The die has grease or junk in it, and as a result, the “T” in “Trust” is either slightly struck or completely missing. Hence the national motto becomes “In God We Rust”, an extremely funny and collectible error.
Value Range: 5to5to100 depending on the condition of the coin.
How to Spot It: Closely observe the phrase “In God We Trust” on the coin’s obverse. If the “T” is faint or missing, this error has been found.
Humpback Bison Error: A die break or chip is noted just above the buffalo’s back. It gives the appearance of an extra ‘hump’ and is a strikingly visible and unique flaw that adds character to the coin.
Value Range: 5to5to25.
How to Spot It: Check the buffalo’s back on the reverse of the coin. If an extra bump above the hump is seen, that error has been found.
Spitting Bison Error. This small error occurs with a die crack near the buffalo’s mouth, causing the illusion that the buffalo is “spitting”. This is a small but intriguing error that gives the coin fame.
Value Range: 5to5to25.
How to Spot It: Look carefully at the mouth of the buffalo for a small line or crack resembling one that resembles spitting.
Die Cap Error: It is among the rarest and most valuable among Kansas quarter errors; a die cap is caused by retaining a coin in its die during the whole punching process, thus repeating the strikes on the coin and making a very abnormal shape in the coin to “cap” shape.
Value Range: Up to $1,220 (based on auction results).
How to Spot It: Look for a coin that has a very unusual dome or cap-like shape; these coins are highly distorted and easy to identify.
How to Identify and Collect Kansas Quarter Errors
Finding an error quarter from Kansas is a long and painstaking process, which requires an eye for detail. Below are tips to aid in the identification and assessment of these concealed treasures.
- Careful Look At Your Change
At all times, check your pocket coins or rolls of quarters gotten from the bank. Many error coins worth lots of money are found through normal transactions. - Use a Magnifying Glass
With and through a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe, you will see small parts, die cracks, and faint lettering. - Focus on Important Design Attributes
It is important to pay special attention to buffalo design and, indeed, to say, “In God We Trust.” This is where most Kansas errors are concentrated on a particular die. - Keep Coins Mint
Value in error coins usually depends heavily on how conditionally they were kept. It should be kept in protective holders to prevent wear and tear. - Call Professional Graders
High-value errors should be submitted to professional grading services such as PCGS, or NGC, at a hefty fee. A certified grade raises significantly the resale value of the coin.
Where to Sell Kansas Quarter Errors
I found some awesome ways to do business with people if you ever discovered a Kansas quarter error. You can sell such error quarters to coin collectors on the following websites, for example:
- Coin Auctions: If you have a high-priced error coin, consider going professional for an auction house like Heritage Auctions.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay or Etsy can encompass a wide range of audiences who are interested in coins.
- Coin Dealer: In the small town, a nearby selling shop will most likely buy an error coin, but the rate may be lower than what you might have at the auction place.
Concluding Thoughts
The Kansas quarter of the year 2005 is pocket shrapnel but can be an actual gold mine for collectors. Knowing how to find these rare errors could pay off dearly with coins worth potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars. Therefore, when you next find a Kansas quarter, look a little closer—you might just find the hidden treasure!