In 2000, the United States Mint released the 9th quarter in the popular 50 State Quarters program.
The 2000 New Hampshire state quarter was loved by millions when it was first released because of its beautiful depiction of a famous set of natural rock ledges dubbed “The Old Man of the Mountain.”
Sadly, 3 years later, the New Hampshire quarter unofficially earned the status of memorializing the famed natural edifice, for time caught up with the “Old Man.” In 2003, the beloved rock face collapsed.
New Hampshire Quarter Errors
You may be wondering if there are any special New Hampshire state quarter errors worth mentioning.
According to some coin website forums (My Coin Collecting and Collectors Corner), there are people who have come across New Hampshire state quarters appearing without a mint mark in their change.
The only indication as to the value of these coins right now comes from perusing several different coin dealers’ offerings, which currently list the 2000 no-mint mark New Hampshire quarter for between $5 and $40.
Prices are based on wear. While this coin does not seem very valuable right now, it certainly does make for an interesting find that may someday be recognized as a rare and expensive error coin.
Here’s a list of typical mint errors that you are likely to find on New Hampshire quarters.
What About The Old Man Of The Mountain?
The Old Man of the Mountain is thought to have existed for thousands of years, but it was first noted in 1805.
The Old Man of the Mountain was formed by 5 granite ledges that were perched off the side of a mountain in Franconia Notch State Park. When seen at certain angles, the 5 ledges formed a perfect profile of a face with a distinct chin, nose, and forehead.
The profile itself measured 40 feet high by 25 feet wide, but the Old Man rose high above the ground. In fact, the Old Man of the Mountain steadfastly looked out over the Granite State from a height of around of 1,200 feet.
The Old Man was a tourist attraction that drew thousands to the site, and it was a famous symbol for the state of New Hampshire.
By all accounts, in May 2003, the Old Man simply suffered one storm too many before the 5 famous ledges fell off the side of the mountain. It was a sad day in New Hampshire when the news broke that the Old Man no longer existed, but for in the minds and hearts of the many who loved the natural sculpture.
There are efforts underway to build a memorial to the Old Man of the Mountain.
New Hampshire Quarter Values
If you find any New Hampshire state quarters in your change, then they will be circulated. Circulated New Hampshire state quarters are worth only face value.
But, if you do happen to find uncirculated New Hampshire state quarters, such as the gleaming coins often found in mint-fresh rolls that many banks have, the coin will be worth somewhere between 30 and 50 cents.
Copper-nickel proof versions of the New Hampshire state quarter are worth around $3 to $5, and silver proof versions are usually priced between $5 and $7.
How Was the Design Selected For The New Hampshire Quarter?
New Hampshire’s governor, Jeanne Shaheen, established a Commemorative Quarter Committee.
The committee’s job was to facilitate a design competition open to all the state’s residents.
A website designated to informing people about the design process was launched.
Upon the selection of a final design, the concept was sent to and approved by the Secretary of Treasury.
The coin was engraved by William C. Cousins.
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
