Closely examine your bank quarters. You may find a 1999 Connecticut quarter that is worth an impressive $10,500. Coins from this year aren’t really antiques; rather, they are modern collectibles that can be sold at auction for thousands of dollars. Here is a guide to the identification of the coin and the reasons why its price is so high.
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The history behind the 1999 Connecticut quarter
The 1999 Connecticut quarter has been a special coin in the history of America. It became the fifth released coin under the 50 State Quarters program dedicated to celebrating each state’s unique heritage. The coin was meant to commemorate Connecticut, which was the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution in January 1788.
The most distinguishing aspect of the Connecticut quarter is the reverse, which shows a very intricate design of Charter Oak. That tree bore witness to an important event in Connecticut’s colonial history. In 1687, residents put the state charter inside the hollow of this oak tree to prevent the British authorities from retrieving it. Until it fell in 1856 as a result of a storm, it was a living symbol of independence.
This design was so iconic that it led Charles Brownell to paint the famous canvas of the Charter Oak, which also found its way into the 1935 Connecticut Tercentennial commemorative half dollar. The 1999 quarter features that image so prominently on the reverse, where it stretches across nearly all of the coin in its branches.
On the obverse side, the coin bears the familiar portrait of George Washington, surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and QUARTER DOLLAR.
Identifying the $10,500 Connecticut quarter
Not all 1999 Connecticut quarters are worth thousands, but a select few stand out due to their rarity and pristine condition. To find one that could earn you up to $10,500, you’ll need to check for these characteristics:
- Mintmark: Look for a “P” mintmark, which indicates the coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. In 1999, over 688 million Connecticut quarters were produced there.
- Condition: The value of the coin skyrockets depending on its grade. Grading reflects the coin’s physical condition, ranging from circulated to mint state.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), here’s the potential value of a 1999-P Connecticut quarter based on its grade:
- MS-63: Up to $4
- MS-64: Up to $5
- MS-65: Up to $5
- MS-66: Up to $12
- MS-67: Up to $32
- MS-68: Up to $850
- MS-69: Up to $10,500
The highest value of $10,500 is for a quarter graded at MS-69, which denotes near-perfect condition, as if it just came off the minting press.
Factors that influence value
Auction Market: This is a recognition authority that determines how much collectible coins like the 1999 Connecticut quarter cost. Costs vary with the conditions of the coins and their supply and demand. Those with scratches, signs of wear, or tarnish will simply bring in less money than mint, uncirculated specimens, which are worth paying a premium to have in one’s collection.
If it happens that you have a 1999 Connecticut quarter that you think may be valuable, get it graded, but before putting precious dollars into grading services, talk to a reputable coin dealer or collector for advice.
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Final thoughts
This quarter from Connecticut in 1999 is a treasure just under one’s nose. Its history combined with its possible high auction prices will make an interesting addition to any collection. Next time you go through spare change, you might benefit if you’re lucky enough to spot such a coin, possibly worth thousands of dollars.
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