How Much is the 2008-P Alaska State Quarter Worth Today?
The 2008-P Alaska State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $1,200 in rare, high-grade mint states. For most Americans, the shiny coin found in pocket change is worth its face value, but certain “Extra Claw” errors and high-quality specimens can fetch hundreds of dollars from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Pocket Change) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Mint (MS67+) | $100.00 – $1,100.00+ |
| “Extra Claw” Error Variant | $2.00 – $100.00 (Depending on Condition) |
Overview of the 2008-P Alaska Quarter Dollar
If you have stumbled upon a quarter featuring a grizzly bear clutching a salmon, you are holding the Alaska State Quarter. Released on June 23, 2008, this was the 49th coin in the United States Mint’s highly successful 50 State Quarters Program. The “P” mint mark located on the obverse (the side with George Washington) indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
While the Mint produced over 250 million of these coins in Philadelphia alone, finding one in pristine condition is becoming increasingly difficult. If you are unsure whether your pocket change is a rare gem or just a regular quarter, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between common circulation strikes and valuable collector pieces in seconds.
The 2008-P Alaska quarter is particularly famous among enthusiasts because of a very specific die error known as the “Extra Claw” or “Six-Clawed Bear.” Most people don’t notice these tiny details, but for a professional collector, these microscopic differences translate into real cash. CoinKnow helps users zoom in on these features to ensure they don’t spend a hidden treasure at the grocery store.
Understanding the 2008-P Alaska Quarter Market Value
When determining the value of your 2008-P Alaska State Quarter, the single most important factor is the grade. The grading scale ranges from 1 to 70. Most coins you find in your wallet are “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, oil from fingers, and smoothed-out details. These are generally worth exactly 25 cents.
However, if you have a coin that looks like it just popped out of a fresh roll from the bank, its value increases. Collectors look for “Mint State” (MS) coins. An MS65 Alaska quarter might only be worth a few dollars, but as the grade climbs to MS67 or even MS68, the price skyrockets due to the scarcity of perfect strikes. For a detailed breakdown of how these grades translate to dollars, you can check out the 2008 quarter price guide by grade, which highlights how even a single point in grading can double a coin’s worth.
The Philadelphia Mint is known for sometimes having “messy” strikes compared to the San Francisco or Denver Mints. This makes high-grade “P” quarters surprisingly rare. If you find one with zero scratches on the bear’s fur, you might be looking at a significant profit. Use CoinKnow to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of certified Mint State examples.
| MS Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $0.85 |
| MS65 | $5.00 |
| MS67 | $45.00 |
| MS68 | $450.00+ |
The Famous 2008 Alaska “Extra Claw” Error
The 2008-P Alaska Quarter gained massive popularity in the numismatic community due to the discovery of the “Extra Claw” error. On the reverse of the coin, the grizzly bear is reaching for a salmon. Due to a cracked or chipped die during the minting process, some coins appear to have a sixth claw on the bear’s left paw (the one on the right side of the coin).
There are actually several variations of this error. Some collectors call them “die chips.” Beyond the extra claw, some coins show an “Extra Fin” on the salmon or a “Drool” coming from the bear’s mouth. These small imperfections are exactly what you should look for if you want to find money in your change.
While a standard circulated quarter is common, an “Extra Claw” error in good condition can sell on eBay for $10 to $50. If you manage to find an “Extra Claw” error that is also in “uncirculated” condition, the price can climb even higher. To find out more about what makes these specific errors so profitable, consult this comprehensive 2008 state quarter value report.
How to Identify a Valuable Philadelphia Mint Quarter
Identifying a 2008-P Alaska Quarter is simple once you know where to look. First, flip the coin to the side with George Washington. Look to the right of his ponytail. You will see a small capital letter “P.” This stands for Philadelphia. If you see a “D,” it’s from Denver; if it’s an “S,” it’s from San Francisco (usually a proof coin).
The “P” mint quarters from 2008 are notorious for having “bag marks.” Because they are transported in large ballistic bags, they bump into each other, creating tiny nicks. Finding a 2008-P Alaska quarter without these marks is like finding a needle in a haystack.
To check the quality yourself, hold the coin by its edges (never touch the flat surface, as finger oils cause damage). Look at it under a bright lamp. Does the light reflect smoothly across the bear’s body, or is it interrupted by scratches? CoinKnow offers a virtual grading assistant that can help you determine if your coin’s luster is high enough to justify professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC.
| Key Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | The small “P” next to the ribbon. |
| The Bear’s Paw | Look for an extra “Sixth Claw” or bump. |
| Luster | A frosty, “cartwheel” shine indicates high value. |
Collecting the Full 2008 State Quarter Set
The Alaska quarter was just one part of the 2008 release schedule. That year also saw the release of quarters for Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Hawaii. Many everyday Americans began collecting these sets as a hobby, which keeps the demand for high-quality 2008 quarters relatively stable.
While the Alaska “P” quarter is the standout because of its errors, the Hawaii “P” and Oklahoma “P” quarters also have their own fan bases. If you have a full 2008 set in an original Mint-issued wrapper or a “Mint Set” box, do not open it! The value of a sealed set is often higher than the individual coins combined unless one of the coins is a potential MS69.
Collectors often look for “satin finish” versions from 2008. These were not released for circulation but were included in official U.S. Mint sets. They have a distinct, smooth, matte appearance. These are often confused with regular quarters by the public, but they are consistently worth more than the shiny ones you get back as change at the store.
Where to Sell Your Alaska State Quarter
If you think you have a valuable 2008-P Alaska Quarter, you have several options for selling it. For common error coins like the “Extra Claw,” eBay is the most popular marketplace. You can see what others are paying by filtering for “Sold Listings.”
For high-grade coins (MS67 and above), you should consider professional grading first. A coin worth $500 as an MS68 is only worth $0.25 if it isn’t “slabbed” (sealed in plastic by a grading company). Once graded, these coins are often sold through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
If you aren’t ready for the auction house, local coin shops are a great place to get a quick opinion. However, be aware that shops need to make a profit, so they will offer you a “wholesale” price. For the most accurate, real-time data on what collectors are actually paying right now, many users rely on CoinKnow to track market trends and auction results.
| Selling Venue | Best For… |
|---|---|
| eBay | Error coins and mid-grade uncirculated coins. |
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash and expert identification. |
| Auction Houses | Extremely rare, high-grade (MS68+) specimens. |
FAQ
Q: Why is the 2008-P Alaska Quarter the most famous from that year?
A: It is mainly due to the “Extra Claw” die error. While other 2008 quarters have errors, the Alaska bear error is very easy to see with a simple magnifying glass, making it a favorite for “cherrypickers” looking through their change.
Q: Can I find a 100% silver Alaska Quarter from 2008?
A: No, the 2008-P quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. However, there are 90% silver versions of the Alaska quarter, but they were only minted in San Francisco and will have an “S” mint mark. They were sold only in special Proof Sets.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2008-P Alaska Quarter?
A: A 2008-P Alaska Quarter graded MS68 by PCGS sold for over $1,100 at auction. Most quarters never reach this grade because Philadelphia strikes that year were generally average in quality.
Q: Should I clean my Alaska quarter to make it worth more?
A: Absolutely not! Never clean a coin. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin loses significantly more value than a dirty or toned coin.
Q: How can I tell if my 2008 quarter has the “Extra Claw” error?
A: Look at the bear’s paw on the right side of the coin. You will see the standard claws, but look for a small, raised bump or line that looks like an additional claw or a “sixth digit.” Use a magnifying glass or a high-zoom camera app like CoinKnow to get a clear view.
