In a surprising turn of events, a rare 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” quarter was discovered in a laundry room tray and sold for an incredible $39,000 at an auction. This amazing discovery has caught the attention of coin collectors and enthusiasts around the world. It highlights just how valuable error coins can be and the excitement they bring to the numismatic world.
What Is the “In God We Rust” Error?
The 2005 Kansas State Quarter was part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which celebrated each state’s history and contribution to the United States. The Kansas quarter was designed to honor the state’s entry into the Union in 1861. However, a minting error caused some of the coins to display “In God We Rust” instead of the correct phrase, “In God We Trust.”
The error happened because a grease-filled die blocked part of the “T” in “Trust” during the minting process. As a result, the letter was missing, and the phrase appeared as “In God We Rust.” Such errors are rare, and this particular mistake has made the coin highly valuable to collectors.
Finding the Coin in a Laundry Room
This particular “In God We Rust” quarter was discovered by a homeowner while cleaning out a laundry room tray. At first, the coin seemed ordinary, but the unusual inscription caught the owner’s eye. After a quick check, they realized this coin might be something special. To confirm its value, the homeowner reached out to a numismatic expert who verified that the coin was indeed rare and authentic.
How Much Did It Sell For?
Once the coin was authenticated, it was sent to an auction house that specializes in rare and valuable coins. The auction attracted many collectors who were eager to own a piece of history. In the end, the bidding reached an astounding $39,000, showing just how much collectors are willing to pay for this rare error coin.
The Value of the 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter
If you’re lucky enough to find a 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” quarter, you might be wondering how much it could be worth. The value of these coins depends on their condition. Here’s an estimate of how much you can expect:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good) | $5 – $100 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $100 – $500 |
| High Grade (MS-65 or above) | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Exceptional Specimens | $10,000 – $39,000 |
Note: The value of the coin can change depending on market demand and the specific details of the coin.
How to Identify a Real “In God We Rust” Quarter
If you think you have a 2005 Kansas quarter with the same error, here’s how to tell if it’s genuine:
- Obscured “T” in “Trust”: The letter “T” in the word “Trust” will either be faint or completely missing.
- Mint Mark “P”: The letter “P” on the coin means it was minted in Philadelphia.
- Grease-Filled Die Marks: You may see small imperfections around the inscription area where the error occurred.
If you believe you have one of these rare coins, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional coin grading service to confirm its authenticity.
Why Do Error Coins Matter?
The sale of the 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” quarter for $39,000 shows how valuable error coins can be. Not only do these coins help to enrich the field of numismatics (the study of coins and currency), but they also remind us to stay on the lookout for rare treasures in everyday life. Items that seem ordinary, like a pocket change, can sometimes be worth far more than we expect.
FAQs
What is the “In God We Rust” coin?
A coin with a minting error where “In God We Trust” reads as “In God We Rust.”
How much can a “In God We Rust” quarter be worth?
It can be worth anywhere from $5 to $39,000 depending on its condition.
Why does the “In God We Rust” error happen?
The error happens when a grease-filled die prevents the letter “T” from appearing clearly.
Where was the “In God We Rust” quarter found?
It was found in a laundry room tray by a homeowner.
How can I tell if my coin is a “In God We Rust”?
Look for a faint or missing “T” in “Trust” and a mint mark “P.”