You might think that a quarter is only worth 25 cents—but for a few lucky people, a specific 2005 Kansas state quarter is bringing in hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Thanks to a minting mistake, some coins from that year contain an error where the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is missing the “T,” reading instead as “IN GOD WE RUST.” These quirky and collectible coins are turning up in pocket change, and collectors are eager to get their hands on them. Here are three versions of this rare Kansas quarter you should look out for.
2005 Kansas Quarter ‘In God We Rust’ Obverse Grease-Filled Die Error
This is the most common version of the Kansas error quarter. The “T” in “TRUST” is partially or completely missing due to grease or debris that clogged the die during minting. Though technically a production flaw, this error has caught the attention of collectors because of how clearly it alters the phrase. Depending on condition, this error coin has sold for $100 to $300 or more at auctions and online marketplaces.
2005 Kansas Quarter Partial ‘In God We Rust’ with Faint T
In some error coins, the “T” isn’t fully gone but appears faint or ghosted. These coins are also desirable among collectors who appreciate the uniqueness of transitional or partial errors. The fading of the “T” can vary, and in high-grade versions, these coins have fetched up to $500. Their value increases further if the coin remains uncirculated or has additional minor errors, like die cracks.
2005 Kansas Quarter Double Error: ‘In God We Rust’ + Off-Center Strike
Even rarer are coins that feature the iconic missing “T” along with another error, such as an off-center strike or die break. These “double error” quarters are extremely scarce and highly sought-after. A Kansas quarter showing both a grease-filled die and off-center minting has been known to sell for over $1,000, especially in mint-state condition. If you spot such a coin, hold on tight—it might be one-of-a-kind.
The next time you receive a Kansas state quarter in your change, give it a second look. The “In God We Rust” error has become one of the most well-known and valuable modern minting mistakes. With different variations worth anywhere from $100 to over $1,000, this is one coin that could add serious value to your collection—or turn your pocket change into a payday. Coins like these remind us that small mistakes can make a big difference when it comes to rare U.S. currency.
FAQ’s:
1. Why does the Kansas quarter say “In God We Rust”?
It’s a minting error caused by a grease-filled die that obscured the “T” in “TRUST,” resulting in the phrase reading as “RUST.”
2. How can I check if I have this error coin?
Examine the obverse (front) of your 2005 Kansas quarter under good light or magnification to see if the “T” in “TRUST” is faint or missing.
3. Are these error coins still in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some are still found in pocket change, coin rolls, or old collections.
4. What increases the value of an error coin like this?
Factors include coin condition, whether the error is full or partial, and whether the coin has additional errors like off-center strikes.
5. Should I clean my error coin before selling it?
No—cleaning can damage the coin and reduce its value. Leave it as-is and get it appraised professionally if needed.
