A Quirky Leaf Design on a Common State Quarter Just Sold for Over a Million Dollars—Here’s Why This Wisconsin Coin Is Making History, and read about the Wisconsin Quarter With Rare Leaf Variation that Sells for $1.32 Million.
Wisconsin Quarter With Rare Leaf Variation Sells for $1.32 Million
A small, almost unnoticed detail on a Wisconsin state quarter has turned a pocket-change find into a millionaire’s prize. Recently, one of the rarest known varieties—the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with an extra leaf on the corn stalk—fetched an astonishing $1.32 million at a private auction. What was once dismissed as a minting oddity has now become one of the most sought-after coins in modern U.S. numismatics.
The Coin That Changed Everything
The Wisconsin quarter was part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program and entered circulation in 2004. It features a design of a cow, a wheel of cheese, and an ear of corn—symbols of the state’s rich agricultural heritage.
But not all Wisconsin quarters are created equal. Some coins minted in Denver (noted by the “D” mint mark) were found to have an extra leaf—either pointing upward or downward—on the corn’s stalk. These variations were not part of the original design and are believed to have resulted from die gouges or intentional modifications during production.
There are two major error varieties:
- Extra Leaf High (ELH)
- Extra Leaf Low (ELL)
The version that recently sold for $1.32 million was a nearly flawless Extra Leaf High specimen, making it incredibly rare and valuable.
Why This Quarter Is So Valuable
The record-breaking price of this Wisconsin quarter is due to a combination of rarity, condition, and collector demand. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Error Type: Clearly defined extra leaf above the corn stalk
- Condition: Graded MS-68 (Mint State), extremely rare for error coins
- Population: Fewer than 100 verified by top grading agencies
- Provenance: One of the first discovered and preserved
The combination of an unusual minting error and near-perfect preservation made it irresistible to elite collectors.
How to Identify the Rare Leaf Varieties
If you’ve got some state quarters lying around, especially 2004-D Wisconsin ones, here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Normal Quarter | Extra Leaf High | Extra Leaf Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Stalk | One leaf | Extra leaf curves upward | Extra leaf points downward |
| Mint Mark | D | D | D |
| Location | Right of corn cob | Above leaf cluster | Below leaf cluster |
| Value (approx.) | $0.25 | $5,000–$20,000+ | $3,000–$15,000+ |
If you spot an extra leaf, don’t spend that quarter—get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Authentication is key to securing its value.
The Surge in Error Coin Collecting
Since this story hit the headlines, coin dealers and collectors have seen a renewed wave of interest in error coins. The Extra Leaf Wisconsin quarter is no longer just a curiosity—it’s become the face of the modern error-coin boom.
More people are:
- Searching their coin jars and change for unusual state quarters
- Learning to spot minting anomalies
- Investing in certified error coins
- Turning casual collecting into a potentially profitable hobby
A Reminder That Wealth Could Be in Your Wallet
The person who sold the million-dollar quarter was a lifelong collector who spotted the error years ago and preserved it carefulHowever, people have discovered similar coinsound in pocket change, cash registers, and even parking meters.
We appreciate you reading this article with us—before you place that quarter into a vending machine, please take a moment to look again. Consider the possibility that it could be a hidden treasure.