2004 Wisconsin Quarter Extra Leaf: High Leaf, Low Leaf, and Fakes

The 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters

The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with an "extra leaf" on the corn stalk is one of the most famous modern coin varieties. Two distinct versions exist — the "High Leaf" and the "Low Leaf" — and both command significant premiums over normal Wisconsin quarters. But the popularity of this variety has also spawned counterfeits, making authentication essential.

The High Leaf

The High Leaf variety shows an additional leaf element curving upward to the left of the normal leaves on the corn stalk, positioned higher on the design.

2004-D Wisconsin quarter High Leaf variety — close-up of corn stalk area

High Leaf — extra leaf curving upward to the left of the normal leaves

The Low Leaf

The Low Leaf variety shows an additional leaf element curving downward, positioned lower on the corn stalk between the existing leaves and the cheese wheel.

2004-D Wisconsin quarter Low Leaf variety — close-up of corn stalk area

Low Leaf — extra leaf curving downward between the leaves and cheese wheel

Normal Wisconsin Reverse

For comparison, here is the normal Wisconsin quarter reverse without an extra leaf:

Normal 2004 Wisconsin quarter reverse for comparison

Normal reverse — no extra leaf present (standard 2004 Wisconsin quarter)

What Caused the Extra Leaf?

The exact cause remains debated. The two leading theories are:

Intentional die damage — Some researchers believe a Mint employee deliberately gouged the die to create the extra leaf, either as sabotage or to create collectible errors.
Accidental die gouge — Others attribute it to accidental contact with a foreign object during die preparation or maintenance.

Regardless of cause, PCGS and NGC both recognize and attribute the High Leaf and Low Leaf varieties, and they are widely collected.

How to Authenticate

The extra leaf varieties exist only on 2004-D (Denver) quarters. Check the following:

Confirm the coin is 2004-D — not Philadelphia (no mint mark) or San Francisco (S)
The extra leaf should be a raised element that is part of the die — not a scratch or gouge added after minting
On genuine examples, the extra leaf has consistent relief and flows naturally with the surrounding design
Post-mint alterations (scratches or tool marks made to simulate a leaf) typically show disturbed metal, incorrect relief, or inconsistent texture

Given the popularity and value of this variety, professional grading service attribution is recommended. Search NumisDex for detailed listings of both the High Leaf and Low Leaf varieties.