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The 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. This stunning coin, part of the America the Beautiful series, captures a piece of American history and remains a favorite for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR65) | $10 – $15 |
| Deep Cameo (PR69) | $18 – $25 |
| Perfect Grade (PR70) | $45 – $110 |
Identifying Your 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter
If you have found a 2017 quarter featuring the iconic image of an immigrant family approaching Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty in the background, you might be holding a small treasure. However, not all 2017 Ellis Island quarters are made of silver. Most quarters you find in your pocket change are composed of a copper-nickel clad. To determine if yours is the silver version, you must look for the “S” mint mark on the obverse (heads side) next to George Washington’s ponytail.
If you’re unsure about the metal composition or the specific variety of your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard circulation coin and a specialty silver issue. The silver versions were specifically minted for collectors and contain 90% silver and 10% copper. These were only sold in special sets by the U.S. Mint, meaning they should never naturally appear in a vending machine or a grocery store checkout lane.
For those who are just starting their collection, the CoinKnow app is an excellent resource to log your finds. It allows you to track the silver melt value and market trends in real-time. Knowing whether your coin is a “Business Strike,” a “Clad Proof,” or a “Silver Proof” is the first step in understanding its true financial worth in today’s active numismatic market.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Silver Content and Melt Value of the Ellis Island Quarter
The 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter holds intrinsic value beyond its face value of 25 cents. Because it is struck on a 90% silver planchet, its “melt value” fluctuates daily based on the spot price of silver. Each of these quarters contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Silver Purity | 90% Silver (.900 Fine) |
| Silver Weight | 0.1808 Troy Oz |
| Total Weight | 6.25 Grams |
Collectors often look at the current price trends for 2017 quarters to decide when to buy or sell. While the silver weight provides a “floor” for the price, the collector demand for a “Deep Cameo” finish—which features frosted designs against mirror-like backgrounds—often pushes the price significantly higher than the silver value alone.
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Understanding the San Francisco “S” Mint Mark Varieties
In 2017, the San Francisco Mint produced three distinct types of Ellis Island quarters. Understanding which one you have is crucial for an accurate valuation. First, there is the “S” Clad Proof, which looks shiny but has a copper edge. Second, there is the “S” Business Strike (Uncirculated), which was sold in bags and rolls for collectors but not released into general circulation. Finally, there is the “S” Silver Proof, which is the most valuable of the common varieties.
The Silver Proof is easily identified by its brilliant white, shiny edge. If you see a copper stripe on the side of the coin, it is not the silver version. While all “S” minted coins from 2017 are somewhat collectible, the silver versions are the centerpiece of the America the Beautiful series. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you compare high-resolution photos of various finishes to find a match.
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The market for these coins is quite stable. You can check the 2017 quarter value guide to see how the Ellis Island design compares to other releases from the same year, such as the Effigy Mounds or Frederick Douglass quarters. Generally, Ellis Island is one of the more popular designs due to its sentimental and historical significance to millions of Americans whose ancestors arrived through that port.
Grading and Condition: Why PR70 Matters
When dealing with modern coins like the 2017-S Silver Quarter, “condition is king.” Most silver quarters come from the Mint in nearly perfect condition. Therefore, a coin that has even a tiny hairline scratch might only be worth $10. However, coins professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC as “Proof 70” (the highest possible grade) can command a significant premium.
| Professional Grade | Descriptive Quality | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR68 | Very minor imperfections invisible to the naked eye. | $12 |
| PR69 | Near perfect; tiny flaws visible only under 5x magnification. | $25 |
| PR70 | A perfect coin with no post-production flaws at 5x magnification. | $85+ |
If you happen to find one of these in a plastic “slab” (a protective case from a grading company), do not open it! The slab protects the grade and the value. For everyday Americans finding these coins in older family collections, keeping the coin in its original Mint packaging or a PVC-free flip is the best way to preserve its worth.
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The Historical Significance of the Ellis Island Design
The reverse design of this quarter, created by Barbara Fox and engraved by Phebe Hemphill, depicts an immigrant family in front of the hospital building at Ellis Island. This site served as the gateway for over 12 million people entering the United States between 1892 and 1954. Because of this emotional connection, the 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter is often bought as a gift for family history enthusiasts.
Collectors often look for “errors” on these coins, though they are rare for silver proof strikes. Using the CoinKnow app, you can search for reported die cracks or striking errors that might increase the value. While standard silver proofs are common, a silver proof with a legitimate minting error would be an incredibly rare find, potentially worth hundreds of dollars to the right specialist.
Even without an error, the 2017-S Silver Quarter serves as a beautiful memento. It is part of the fourth-to-last year of the America the Beautiful series, which ran from 2010 to 2021. As the series has concluded, interest in completing full sets of “Silver Proofs” has grown, which helps maintain the secondary market value for individual coins like the Ellis Island quarter.
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Where to Sell Your 2017-S Silver Quarter
If you have decided to part with your coin, you have several options. For a quick sale, a local coin shop is the most convenient, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices (around the melt value of the silver). If you have a high-grade PR70 specimen, you might see better results through online auctions or specialized coin forums where collectors compete for top-tier items.
Before selling, it is vital to research the latest realized auction prices. Modern silver quarters are highly liquid, meaning they are easy to sell because people always want silver. However, prices can fluctuate based on the volume of coins available on the market. Always ensure you are comparing your coin to the “S” silver version and not the “P” or “D” clad versions which are only worth 25 cents.
Finally, remember that the “Value” of a coin is what someone is willing to pay for it today. By using digital tools and price guides, you can enter any negotiation with confidence. Whether you are holding onto the coin as an investment or looking to cash in on a lucky find, the 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter remains a shining example of American numismatic artistry and history.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2017-S Ellis Island quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If the edge is solid silver/white with no copper stripe, it is likely the silver version. Additionally, it must have the “S” mint mark. These were specifically issued in 90% silver sets.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is the Ellis Island quarter rare?
A: The “S” Silver Proof version had a mintage of roughly 600,000 to 800,000. While not “rare” in the sense of a 19th-century coin, it was not released for circulation, making it much harder to find than the millions of “P” and “D” quarters found in pocket change.
Q: What is the melt value of a 2017 silver quarter?
A: The melt value depends on the current price of silver. Since the coin contains 0.1808 ounces of silver, you multiply 0.1808 by the current silver spot price per ounce. Usually, this value stays between $4 and $6.
Q: Can I find a 2017-S Silver Quarter in my change?
A: It is extremely unlikely. These were sold directly to collectors in protective packaging. If you find one in change, someone likely broke it out of a set and spent it by mistake. If you do find one, it is likely the “Clad” version, which is not made of silver.