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The 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. Part of the “America the Beautiful” series, this coin honors the iconic gateway to the United States and remains a favorite among casual collectors and history buffs alike.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.35 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Mint State (MS63 – MS65) | $2.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $40.00 – $150.00+ |
History and Design of the Ellis Island Quarter
The 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter was released as the 39th coin in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. This specific release commemorates the Ellis Island National Monument in New Jersey, the historic immigration station that processed millions of people entering the U.S. between 1892 and 1954. If you have recently found one of these in your change, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the design and mint mark quickly.
The reverse design features an immigrant family approaching the Ellis Island hospital building, symbolizing the hope and anxiety of arriving in a new land. Above them are the words “ELLIS ISLAND,” “NEW JERSEY,” “2017,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The obverse features the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan.
Because the CoinKnow app allows you to instantly recognize these designs, many people have discovered that their pockets are filled with more than just spare change. While millions were minted, the condition of the coin is what truly determines if you have a common quarter or a collector’s item.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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2017-P Ellis Island Quarter Value and Grading
When determining the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter value, professional coin graders look at the level of wear on the surface. Coins minted in Philadelphia (indicated by the “P” mint mark) were sent directly into circulation, meaning most of them have scratches and dullness from being handled.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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A “Mint State” (MS) coin is one that never entered circulation. These are usually found in rolls from the bank or specialized mint sets. For those looking for precise data, the 2017-P quarter price guides often show a sharp jump in value once a coin reaches the MS67 grade or higher.
Most quarters you find in your pocket will be worth exactly 25 cents. However, if you find one that looks remarkably shiny, with no scratches on Washington’s cheek or the immigrant family’s robes, it might be worth a few dollars. Serious collectors pay a premium for “perfection,” so a coin with a high technical grade can sell for a surprising amount at auction.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| VG/VF (Fine) | Heavily worn, flat details. | $0.25 |
| EF/AU (Extra Fine) | Slight wear on highest points. | $0.75 |
| MS63 | Uncirculated but many marks. | $3.00 |
| MS66 | Strong luster, very few marks. | $15.00 |
| MS68 | Nearly perfect, extremely rare. | $150.00+ |
Rare Errors to Look For on the 2017-P Quarter
Beyond just the condition, many everyday Americans look for mint errors. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint. While no major “headline” errors are common for this specific year, certain minor varieties can increase the market worth of 2017 quarters significantly.
Common errors to look for include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the metal die breaks off, leaving a raised lump of silver-colored nickel on the coin. Double dies are also a favorite among hunters; if you notice a slight doubling in the lettering of “ELLIS ISLAND” or “NEW JERSEY,” you might have a rare variety.
The CoinKnow app is a great resource here, as it allows you to zoom in on high-quality images to compare your coin with known error types. Identifying a “Struck Through Grease” error or a “Clad Layer” error can turn a common 25-cent coin into a $20 to $50 collectible item instantly.
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Mintage Figures and Rarity
Understanding the mintage numbers helps explain why the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter is generally easy to find. The Philadelphia Mint produced 254,000,000 of these quarters, while the Denver Mint produced 234,000,000. Because nearly half a billion were made, they are not considered “rare” in the traditional sense.
However, the “P” mint mark coins are sometimes slightly harder to find in the Western United States, and vice versa for the “D” mint marks. This regional scarcity doesn’t usually affect the price for circulated coins, but it makes finding a “Gem” quality P-mint coin a fun challenge for those living on the West Coast.
The vast majority of these coins were meant to be used for daily transactions. This makes the few that were preserved in mint-sealed bags much more valuable to people building a complete collection of the America the Beautiful series.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Mint Mark | Location | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | 254,000,000 |
| D | Denver | 234,000,000 |
| S (Proof) | San Francisco | ~800,000 |
Collecting the 2017 Ellis Island Quarter
For a casual collector, the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter is a fantastic starting point. It is affordable, visually striking, and rich in history. Many families enjoy “coin hunting” by going to the bank, getting a $10 roll of quarters, and searching for the Ellis Island design.
If you are looking to start a serious collection, focus on finding coins that have “Full Steps” on the hospital building or exceptionally clear details on the family’s faces. These high-detail coins are the ones that end up being professionally graded by companies like PCGS or NGC.
Remember to handle your coins by the edges. The oils from your skin can cause discoloration over time, which hurts the grade and the future value. Using the CoinKnow app can help you track your collection as it grows, making it easy to see which parks and monuments you still need to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2017 Ellis Island Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (the side with George Washington). Look to the right of Washington’s ponytail; you will see a small “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the standard quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint did produce a special 90% silver version at the San Francisco Mint for collectors, but these were never released into general circulation.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter?
A: While most are worth face value, a 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter graded in MS68 condition can sell for over $150 at auction. Rare error versions can also command higher prices depending on the severity of the mistake.
Q: How can I tell if my quarter is an error coin?
A: Check for abnormalities like doubling in the letters, metal “blobs” that shouldn’t be there, or a design that seems “off-center.” Using a magnifying glass and a reliable coin app is the best way to confirm an error.