Exploring the Wisconsin Quarter: History, Design, and Value
Published on September 04, 2024
A state quarter probably now occupies one of your cup holder purses, or maybe it has even made its way to your piggy bank. The U.S. Mint issued 34.3 billion during the ten-year release of the quarters, and one of them is a Wisconsin Quarter.
First let’s discover how the state quarters were made. Conducted from the 1990s to 2008, the program opened the competition for states to be able to send in their designs for their own quarters, where in 33 states, the governor made a final choice for the design, while in 17, it was left to the citizens.
Three places were chosen to mint the coins: Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, after the design was decided. Except for certain older ones, you can determine the mint location of each quarter by looking at the little letter located to the right of President George Washington's head.
Collectors value of a quarter may vary depending on where it was struck. This is particularly true for certain states, such as Wisconsin.
In case you are not aware, the Wisconsin quarter is designed with a cow, an ear of corn, a wheel of cheese, and the state motto, "Forward." Let's examine the history, grade, and worth of Wisconsin quarters with this blog.
Historical Background of the Wisconsin Quarter
A state quarter probably now occupies one of your cup holder purses, or maybe it has even made its way to your piggy bank. The U.S. Mint issued 34.3 billion during the ten-year release of the quarters, and one of them is a Wisconsin Quarter.
First let’s discover how the state quarters were made. Conducted from the 1990s to 2008, the program opened the competition for states to be able to send in their designs for their own quarters, where in 33 states, the governor made a final choice for the design, while in 17, it was left to the citizens.
Three places were chosen to mint the coins: Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, after the design was decided. Except for certain older ones, you can determine the mint location of each quarter by looking at the little letter located to the right of President George Washington's head.
Collectors value of a quarter may vary depending on where it was struck. This is particularly true for certain states, such as Wisconsin.
In case you are not aware, the Wisconsin quarter is designed with a cow, an ear of corn, a wheel of cheese, and the state motto, "Forward." Let's examine the history, grade, and worth of Wisconsin quarters with this blog.
Historical Background of the Wisconsin Quarter
Wisconsin was recognized in 2004 for becoming the twenty-ninth state to ratify the US Constitution in 1848. The coin's reverse shows a wheel of cheese on the right side, partially obscured by an ear of corn, and a cow on the left. The bottom of the coin is flanked by a banner bearing the words FORWARD.
Rose Marty, a citizen of Wisconsin who had a farm in Monticello, was the source of inspiration for this design. Alfred F. Maletsky, a sculptor and engraver at the Mint, used the illustration for coins. His final piece of art before retiring on December 31, 2003, was this piece. On October 25, 2004, the mint formally made the coin available to the general public.
Design and Symbolism of the Wisconsin Quarter
Obverse Description:
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter's obverse has a modified version of the Washington Quarter design. The year and the phrase "Liberty" were printed on the obverse of the Washington Quarter, which was in circulation from 1932 until 1998. When the State Quarters, Territory Quarters, and National Park Quarters were introduced, this design underwent a little alteration. The obverse wording of the revised design now reads "United States of America – Liberty – In God We Trust – Quarter Dollar," however, Washington is still depicted as looking left.
Reverse Description:
This coin, which was produced on October 25, 2004, is the fourth to be released in 2004 and the thirty-first in the 50 State Quarters Program. Wisconsin, which became a member of the Union on May 29, 1848, has the forward motif on its coin. It emphasizes an agricultural motif with an ear of corn, a round of cheese, and a cow's head. At the time this legislation was signed, President William J. Clinton was in officeDuring President Clinton's tenure, Philip N. Diehl of Texas and Jay W. Johnson from Wisconsin took on the roles of U.S. Mint Director, showcasing their expertise and leadership. David J. Ryder was Mint Director after Clinton's administration.
Collecting the Wisconsin Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter was released on October 25, 2004, and it is the thirty-first coin in the 50 State Quarters Program. The "Forward" theme on this coin points out the agricultural past of Wisconsin. On the reverse, there is a cow, cheese, and corn, with the state motto "Forward" underneath, while on the obverse there is a bust of President George Washington. Alfred Maletsky designed the coin, which was struck in Denver and Philadelphia.
Most of the quarters minted in 2004 in Wisconsin are Face Value-25 cents, but a few might be worth more when considering the type and condition of the quarter.
Mint State: This is the value for a quarter in Mint State, ranging from $1 to $15.
Silver Proof: The value of 90% silver to 10% copper content quarters goes as high as $55, depending on the quality. Quarters with the "S" mint stamp have silver content, while those bearing the mint mark of "P" or "D" do not.
Errors: Because they are so few in circulation, mistake quarters, such as an extra leaf on the corn ear, would be worth a lot of money. Some quarters from the Denver D-mint, for example, sport an extra leaf on the left of the corn ear.
Errors and Varieties of the Wisconsin Quarter
A little variation in the design of a few Wisconsin quarters from 2004 depicts one additional leaf on the depicted maize husk.
2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Extra Leaf Low Business Strike
This is one of the most popular and interesting varieties of errors among the Statehood Quarter series: the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with an extra "low leaf"—a misrouted die variety, as it shows one extra leaf at the left side of the corn's ear. There are two varieties of this flaw: "down leaf" and "up leaf". In the case of a "down leaf," the small leaf shifts outward by the side, and in the case of an "up leaf," a line is attached to the first leaf so that there is the appearance of two leaves.
Some speculate that the worker at the mint may have created the additional leaf to a die using a hand punch prior to actual use on the coin dies. Still, other theories are that metal shavings found their way into the die and created a gouge during the production of those coins.
The 2004-D Wisconsin with the extra leaf can be valued at hundreds of dollars and in 2020, one such variety sold at an auction for a whopping $6,000, which was a record.
Fun Facts About the Wisconsin Quarter
2004 Wisconsin quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters Program, not only has a lot of symbolism but also various interesting facts.
Agricultural Symbols: A cow, a big round of cheese, and an ear of corn are part of the quarter. These images came to represent Wisconsin's heritage.
Extra Leaf Error: Some parts of the batch had an extra "leaf" on the corn. When the coins are flipped, it has the appearance of a "Low Leaf" or "High Leaf," making the coin look like it has a more valuable state quarter type.
Designer: Alfred Maletsky designed the Wisconsin quarter, and he has also designed some other states.
Mintage: Over 453 million Wisconsin quarters were minted, and it is the error varieties that have caused quite a bit of stir in collectors.
Conspiracy Theories: Compared to previous points for and against, some theories have been floated around about the "extra leaf" error. The U.S. Mint has confirmed it is a die mistake.
Education: Part of a greater effort to teach in regard to the state's history.
All these features make the Wisconsin Quarter a unique and sought-after collectible.
Conclusion
More than a simple coin, the Wisconsin quarter is an interesting collectible that speaks to state pride and farming, not to mention some mystery surrounding it. No matter what your interest may be—historical significance, unique design, or value attributed to mint errors—the Wisconsin Quarter has something for every collector.
It's really that which gives this quarter a special place among the 50 State Quarters Program with its rich symbolism and an intriguing error known as the "extra leaf". So, if you happen to have one, don't pass by—at least take another look, for it might just turn out to be really valuable for your collection!
