Are you looking to collect 2001 quarters? Are 2001 quarters worth money? If you want to collect high-value quarters and elevate your collection, our 2001 quarter errors list will help! We’ve discovered some of the most valuable Washington quarters worth collecting.
In 2001, the United States Mint produced millions of quarters as part of the 50 State Quarters Program. That year, the Program commemorated iconic historical and cultural sites in the states of New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Kentucky. From the Statute of Liberty in New York to North Carolina’s First Flight, these Washington Quarters epitomize our country’s vast and varied beauty.
Despite their popularity, 2001 quarters are only worth their face value in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples are plentiful and affordable even in higher grades up to MS67. The population of these quarters is scarcer at grades MS68 to MS70, with some specimen fetching a premium.
So, are 2001 quarters worth collecting? Well, if you use the right strategy, you can build an enviable collection of Washington quarters. One of the best ways to do this is collecting error coins—these coins can be worth hundreds and even thousands if you know what to look for!
Are you ready to discover Washington quarters worth collecting? You will love our list of 2001 quarters! Read on to find out more.
1. 2001-D MS67 Quarter Retained Strike-Through Error
One of the most valuable errors you might come across when collecting 2001 quarters is the retained strike-through. This is an error in which a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet. The stray object can be anything from a piece of cloth, wire, dust, grease or debris.
A retained struck-through error occurs when the object remains briefly stuck on the planchet—such an error is particularly scarce and dramatic, and unsurprisingly can fetch a premium. A strike-through is even more valuable when it impacts on a central design element such as the date or images on the obverse or reverse.
So, how much can you expect from such an error coin? Well, in 2018, a collector paid an impressive $1,020 at a Stack’s Bowers auction for a 2001-D quarter graded MS67 with a strike-through error on the obverse.
2. 2001-P MS65 Quarter Missing Clad Error
Another error that comes up in the 2001 quarter series is the missing clad error where the outer nickel layer is partially split, exposing the copper core beneath. This splitting, also known as delamination, occurs when the clad layers do not fully bond during the planchet-making process, creating a weak bond between the outer layer and the copper core.
The contrast between one side of the coin where the clad layer is missing and the other side where the layer is intact makes for an eye-catching error. Missing clad errors are rarer on quarters than on smaller denominations, making them even more popular among collectors.
In 2015, a 2001-P quarter graded MS65 with a partial missing clad layer error sold for $880 in an eBay auction, proving its value as an excellent addition to your collection.
3. 2001-P MS68 Quarter Folded Overstrike Error
The next error we’ll look at on our list is the folded overstrike error. This is an error in which the planchet is improperly fed into the press and folds under the pressure of the dies, resulting in a mangled, crescent-shaped coin with one side folded over itself.
This is certainly one of the most dramatic errors you might encounter. Unsurprisingly, the folded overstrike is one of the most sought-after errors among collectors– the unique shape and visual irregularities make it truly one-of-a-kind.
In 2019, Heritage Auctions sold a 2001-P quarter graded MS68 with a folded overstrike error for a whopping $1,350. On the coin, you will notice part of Washington’s profile peeping from under the fold, while the torch on the reverse seems mangled and incomplete.
4. 2001-D MS66 Quarter Obverse Die Clash Error
Another error that comes up in the 2001 quarters series is the die clash, which occurs when the dies strike each other without a planchet between. This results in a ghost-like reverse impression on the obverse or vice-versa.
Die clashes typically result from improper die calibration or misalignment, causing the obverse and reverse to clash and an impression on each other. Generally, error coins with clear clash marks will usually fetch more than ones where the error is subtle.
In 2012, a collector at a GreatCollections auction sold a 2001-D MS66 quarter for an impressive $725, making this a great addition to your collection. On this particular coin, the eagle’s wing subtly appears under Washington’s chin, creating an appealing, collectible error coin.
5. 2001-D MS69 Quarter Partial Collar Error
The next one on our list of 2001 quarter errors is the partial collar, which occurs when the planchet is partially struck outside the collar die. This results in a coin with a slightly raised and uneven edge, which appears like a railroad when the coin is viewed from the side.
In most cases, the distortion is more pronounced on one side of the coin. Collectors are drawn to partial collar errors due to the significant yet subtle deformities on the coin.
Consider yourself lucky if you come across a partial collar error coin as it can be worth a premium. For example, in 2016, a collector at a Stack’s Bowers auction, paid an impressive $1180 for a 2001-D quarter graded MS69 with a partial collar error.
6. 2001-P MS67 Quarter Dropped Letter Error
When collecting 2001 quarters you might come across the dropped letter error. This error occurs when a foreign object such as dust particles or debris gets between the cavities on the die and leave a subtle impression of a design element elsewhere on the planchet.
For example, on some Washington quarters, you might notice a faint impression of the letter “R” from “LIBERTY” close to Washington’s neck. When foreign particles enter the coin minting hub, they can interfere with how the die makes an impression on the coin.
So, how much is a dropped letter error worth? Well, you can expect to fetch good money with such an error coin, as collectors are willing to pay a premium for it. For example, in 2014 a collector paid $1070 at a Heritage Auctions event for a 2001-P quarter graded MS67 with a dropped letter error, making this an excellent addition to any collection.
7. 2001-P MS68 Quarter Rim Finning Error
Another error that comes up in the 2001 quarters series is the finning, a type of rim error. This error occurs when the dies exert excessive pressure on the planchet, forcing excessive metal to form between the collar and dies.
Die misalignment and excessive striking pressure can result in the planchet developing a thin, fin-like edge on the obverse rim, giving the coin an elongated and slightly jagged appearance.
8. 2001-D MS66 Quarter Misaligned Die with Tilted Strike
The next one on our list of 2001 quarter errors is the misaligned die with a tilted strike. This is an extremely rare error requiring multiple instances of die misalignment.
If you come across a quarter in which Washington’s profile appears shifted downward and cut off near the rim, you might have a misaligned die with a tilted strike error coin. On the other hand, the reverse shows uneven pressure where the strike on the eagle’s wings is a bit weak while the strike on the torch is noticeably bold.
In 2013, a collector on eBay bought a 2001-D quarter with a misaligned die and a tilted strike error for a memorable $740 on eBay, making this an excellent addition to your collection.
9. 2001-D MS68 Quarter Dual Planchet Strike Error
One of the most dramatic errors you might come across when collecting 2001 quarters is the dual planchet strike.
As the name implies, this is an error in which two planchets overlap during striking, resulting in a distorted coin where parts of the design are missing or struck on the overlapping planchet. A dual planchet strike error occurs due to planchets being misfed into the minting press.
The result of a dual planchet strike error is a dramatic impression due to the missing parts of the coin’s design. For example, you might come across a quarter in which Washington’s profile appears cut off near the forehead, while the eagle’s wings on the reverse are partially missing.
In 2015, a collector paid $1,375 at Heritage Auctions for a 2001-D quarter graded MS68 with a dual planchet strike error, yet another neat addition to your quarters collection.
Summary
Washington quarters are generally only worth their face value but you can transform the value of your collection with unique errors! As our 2001 quarter errors list shows, rare errors, such as strike-throughs, missing clads, and dual planchet strikes, are not only scarce but can also fetch a premium, making them a worthwhile investment for serious collectors. If you’re looking to add value and intrigue to your collection, start searching for these overlooked gems today—your next great find could be waiting!
