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The 2017-S George R. Clark Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in basic Proof condition to over $120 for high-grade specimens. While most quarters you find in your pocket are made of copper and nickel, this specific “S” mint mark version was struck in 90% silver, making it a prize for any lucky finder.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $75.00 – $125.00 |
Understanding the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Silver Quarter
If you have just discovered a shiny, detailed quarter featuring a group of pioneers, you likely have a piece of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This specific design honors the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana. While millions of these quarters were produced for general circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, the 2017-S version is special. If you aren’t sure exactly what version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the common “clad” versions and the valuable silver issues.
The “S” mint mark indicates it was minted in San Francisco. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, these were sold directly to collectors in sets. Because they weren’t meant for circulation, finding one in your change is rare and usually means someone spent a collector’s item by mistake. The CoinKnow app is a fantastic tool to keep on your phone for these exact moments, allowing you to scan the coin and see its metallic composition instantly. To get a better grasp of the broader market, you can check the latest 2017 George Rogers Clark quarter worth information to see how it stacks up against its peers.
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Materials Matter: Silver vs. Clad Quarters
The primary driver of the 2017-S George R. Clark silver quarter value is its metal content. In 2017, the U.S. Mint still used “Coin Silver,” which consists of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin a distinct “ring” when dropped and a much brighter, whiter luster than the duller grey of standard quarters. For those trying to build a collection, knowing the current price trends for 2017 specialty quarters is essential for making smart buys.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Because of the 90% silver content, even if the coin were damaged, its “melt value” would still be higher than 25 cents. However, as a numismatic item, it is worth much more than just its weight in silver. Collectors look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish, where the design elements are frosted and the background is mirror-like. If you are unsure if your coin is silver, the CoinKnow app can guide you through visual checks, such as looking at the edge of the coin—if you see a solid silver color with no copper stripe, you’ve found a winner.
| Feature | Silver Proof Version | Standard Clad Version |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) | P, D, or S |
| Edge Appearance | Solid Silver Color | Orange/Brown Copper Stripe |
Grading and How It Affects Value
When dealing with silver quarters, the “grade” or condition is everything. Most 2017-S silver quarters will be in “Proof” condition because they were handled carefully by the mint. However, tiny scratches or signs of “milk spots” (white cloudy patches) can lower the price. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A 2017-S Silver George R. Clark unit in PR70 is considered “perfect” and commands the highest premiums at auction.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Many casual collectors use CoinKnow to get a baseline grade before deciding whether to pay for professional third-party grading. If your coin looks like it has never been touched and has a deep, mirror-like finish, it might be worth the investment to have it slabbed. Even a one-point difference—say, from PR69 to PR70—can double or triple the market value of the coin. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can permanently damage the silver surface.
The “S” Mint Mark Varieties
It is important to note that not every quarter with an “S” mint mark is silver. In 2017, the San Francisco mint produced both Clad Proofs and Silver Proofs. Additionally, they produced “Circulating Mintage” S-quarters which are not proofs at all. These were made for collectors but were not struck with the same mirror-finish as the proof sets.
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To determine the 2017-S George R. Clark silver quarter value accurately, you must verify the metal. If the coin weighs approximately 6.25 grams, it is silver. If it weighs 5.67 grams, it is the standard copper-nickel version. Silver versions are significantly rarer, as they were only available in the Silver Proof Sets, whereas the clad versions were much more widely distributed in various collector products.
| Quarter Type | Weight (Grams) | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-S Silver Proof | 6.25g | Moderate-High |
| 2017-S Clad Proof | 5.67g | Moderate |
| 2017-S Business Strike | 5.67g | Moderate |
Historical Significance of the George Rogers Clark Design
The back of the coin depicts George Rogers Clark leading his men through the flooded plains of the Illinois Country during the American Revolutionary War. It’s a powerful image of leadership and perseverance. For many Americans, these quarters are more than just money; they are miniature history lessons. This historical appeal adds a layer of “thematic value” to the coin beyond just the metal.
Collectors who specialize in military history or “America the Beautiful” sets often scramble to find high-grade silver versions to complete their collections. Because the George Rogers Clark quarter was the last release of 2017, sometimes the production quality is slightly different than the first releases of the year. If you find one in a collection or at an estate sale, it’s worth taking a moment to identify its specific traits.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Where to Sell Your 2017-S Silver Quarter
If you’ve confirmed you have a silver version and it’s in great shape, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the fastest route, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices (about 50-70% of the retail value) so they can make a profit. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for reaching a wider audience of collectors willing to pay full price.
Before listing your coin, ensure you have clear, high-resolution photos. Buyers want to see the “S” mint mark clearly and check for any scratches on the pioneer figures. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you track recent sales data so you don’t accidentally sell your silver treasure for the price of a common clad quarter.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2017-S Quarter is silver without a scale?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. A silver quarter will be solid silver-colored all the way through. A standard clad quarter will show a distinct copper/orange stripe in the middle of the edge. Also, if you gently tap the coin, silver has a higher-pitched, longer-lasting ring than copper-nickel.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Is a 2017 George Rogers Clark quarter with a ‘P’ or ‘D’ mint mark worth anything?
A: Generally, ‘P’ (Philadelphia) and ‘D’ (Denver) quarters found in circulation are only worth their face value of 25 cents, unless they have a major mint error. Only the ‘S’ silver proof versions carry a high collector premium.
Q: What is the melt value of a 2017 silver quarter?
A: The melt value fluctuates with the market price of silver. Since the coin contains about 0.18 ounces of pure silver, you can multiply the current silver spot price by 0.18 to find the raw metal value. As of recent markets, this is usually between $4 and $6, but the collector value is much higher.
Q: Why are some 2017-S quarters not silver?
A: The San Francisco mint produced three versions: a 90% silver proof, a copper-nickel clad proof, and a copper-nickel “business strike” for collectors. Only the silver proof version is made of precious metal.