The 2008-D Alaska State Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in circulated condition to $10 or more in pristine mint state — and a rare few have sold for over $100 due to errors or exceptional grades. If you found one of these coins in your change jar or a collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.

What Is the 2008-D Alaska State Quarter?

The 2008-D Alaska State Quarter was minted at the Denver Mint as part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. Alaska was the 49th state to be honored in the series, making this one of the final releases in the long-running program.

The reverse design features a grizzly bear emerging from water with a salmon in its mouth, set against a backdrop of the Northern Star and the state motto “The Great Land.” It’s a stunning design that many collectors genuinely love.

The “D” mintmark on the obverse (the heads side) tells you this coin was struck in Denver. Over 254 million of these quarters were produced at the Denver Mint in 2008, which means they’re common — but condition and errors can still make certain examples very valuable.

If you’re not sure how to read mintmarks or identify what you have, using a free coin identifier app is a great starting point. It can help you sort through coins quickly without needing any prior experience.

How Much Is the 2008-D Alaska Quarter Worth Today?

For most people, the 2008-D Alaska State Quarter in average circulated condition is worth face value — 25 cents. But once you move into uncirculated territory, values start climbing.

Coins that have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster are called “mint state” coins. Graded on a scale from MS-60 to MS-70, even a modest MS-63 example can fetch $1 to $3 at retail. Higher grades like MS-65 and above are where things get interesting.

Here’s a general value breakdown based on condition:

For a deeper look at certified auction prices and dealer retail values, you can check out detailed 2008 quarter value data that breaks down prices across multiple grades and mint years.

Error Coins That Could Make You Rich (Well, Richer)

Here’s where things get exciting. Not all 2008-D Alaska quarters are the same. A small number were struck with errors during the minting process, and those coins can be worth significantly more than a standard issue.

Some errors to look for include:

Double Die Errors — Where the design appears doubled or slightly blurred. These happen when the die strikes twice at slightly different angles.

Off-Center Strikes — The design is noticeably shifted, leaving a crescent of blank metal on one side.

Die Cracks and Cuds — Raised lines or blobs of metal caused by a cracked die. Large die cuds especially can add real collector value.

Wrong Planchet Errors — Extremely rare, but a quarter struck on a dime or nickel planchet can sell for hundreds at auction.

If you think you might have an error coin, don’t clean it — ever. Cleaning destroys value. Instead, examine it carefully under magnification and consider getting it authenticated. CoinKnow is a great tool for beginners who want to quickly scan and identify potential errors using their smartphone camera before spending money on professional grading.

Should You Get Your 2008-D Alaska Quarter Graded?

Professional grading through services like PCGS or NGC makes sense if your coin looks truly exceptional — no scratches, full mint luster, sharp strike, and perfect eye appeal.

The cost of grading typically runs $20–$50 per coin for standard submissions. So unless your coin is at least MS-65 or has a suspected error, grading may cost more than the coin is worth.

That said, if you’re sitting on a roll of bank-wrapped quarters from 2008 or a mint set, those coins may be worth having looked at. Comparing your coin against certified examples is the smartest way to gauge where yours stands.

You can also reference current market prices for 2008 State Quarters in mint state to get a better sense of where the market is right now before making any decisions.

For quick at-home assessments, CoinKnow offers a fast, reliable way to scan your coin and get an instant value estimate — no expertise required.

Where to Sell Your 2008-D Alaska Quarter

If you’ve determined your coin has value beyond face value, you have several solid selling options:

eBay — The largest marketplace for coins. Search completed listings to see what similar coins actually sold for (not just asking prices).

Local Coin Shops — Great for getting a quick in-person opinion, though dealers will typically offer 50–70% of retail value.

Coin Shows — If you’re near a larger city, regional coin shows attract serious buyers and often yield better prices.

Online Coin Auctions — Sites like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers are ideal for certified, high-grade coins.

Whatever route you choose, knowing your coin’s true condition is step one. CoinKnow can help you walk into any negotiation with confidence.

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my 2008-D Alaska quarter is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated coin has never been used in everyday transactions. Look for original mint luster — a bright, cartwheel-like sheen when you tilt the coin under a light. Any dullness, scratches, or worn high points indicate the coin was circulated.

Q: Are 2008-D Alaska quarters rare?
A: No, the standard 2008-D Alaska quarter is not rare — over 254 million were minted. However, high-grade examples (MS-67 and above) and error coins are genuinely scarce and attract collector interest.

Q: What’s the most valuable 2008-D Alaska quarter ever sold?
A: Certified MS-68 examples have sold for $100 or more at major auction houses. Error coins with dramatic off-center strikes or wrong planchet errors can exceed $200–$300 depending on the severity and buyer demand.