Check Your Change: The 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
Most 2004 Wisconsin quarters are worth 25 cents, but two unusual Denver Mint varieties can be worth considerably more.
Today’s Check Your Change find is the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with an Extra Leaf High or Extra Leaf Low variety.
What should you look for?
Start with the front of the quarter. It must have:
- The date 2004
- A small D mintmark for Denver
Next, turn the coin over. Wisconsin’s design features a cow, a wheel of cheese and an ear of corn, representing the state’s agricultural heritage. The quarter was the 30th design released in the 50 State Quarters Program. The United States Mint describes the original design here.
Examine the lower-left side of the corn. On an ordinary Wisconsin quarter, this area has no additional curved line. The two recognized varieties show an extra raised feature resembling another corn leaf:
- Extra Leaf High: The additional curved line reaches higher toward the ear of corn.
- Extra Leaf Low: The additional line curves lower, closer to the cheese wheel.
A magnifying glass or phone camera with a macro setting will make the feature easier to inspect.
How did the extra leaves appear?
The varieties were discovered in late 2004, with many early finds reported in Arizona. They are commonly described as die-gouge varieties: damage or alteration to the coinage die produced a raised curved line on every coin struck from that die.
Precisely how the two marks were created remains debated, so it is best to avoid claiming that they were deliberately added. What matters to collectors is that both configurations are recognizable, repeatable varieties—not random scratches on individual coins.
How much could one be worth?
Value depends on the variety, wear, surface quality and authentication.
NGC’s current guide places circulated Extra Leaf High quarters at approximately $50 to $110. Examples with minimal wear and attractive original surfaces can be worth more. See NGC’s Extra Leaf High value guide.
Authenticated Extra Leaf Low quarters also commonly sell above face value. A certified Mint State 65 example has an auction reference near $110, although individual results and dealer offers vary. See this Heritage Auctions record.
Not every line near the corn indicates a valuable variety. Scratches, dents and other circulation damage may resemble an extra leaf. Authentication and condition determine the actual value.
What should you do if you find one?
Do not clean, polish, scrape or rub the quarter. Never try to “improve” the suspected leaf with a tool.
Hold the coin by its edges and take clear photographs of the front, entire reverse and corn area. Place it in a non-PVC coin flip or capsule. If the raised line matches published examples, consider professional authentication before selling it.
Have you found a Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarter—or do you have coins, paper currency or a larger collection? The Patriot Vault may be interested in buying your coin, currency or broader collection. Reply to this post and tell us what you have!
