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The 2017-S Ozark Riverways Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated versions to over $450 for high-grade silver proofs. While most quarters you find in your pocket change are only worth their face value, specific “S” mint mark editions and high-quality specimens can be a hidden treasure.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (P or D Mint) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| 2017-S Clad Proof | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| 2017-S Silver Proof | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| High Grade (PF70 Deep Cameo) | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
Understanding the 2017 Ozark Riverways Quarter Series
The 2017 Ozark Riverways quarter is the 38th release in the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) Quarters Program. This series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, honors national parks and historic sites across the United States. The Ozark Riverways design features the Alley Mill, a steel roller mill built in 1894 that served the local community in Missouri.
If you are unsure whether the coin in your hand is a standard issue or a collector’s item, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different mintages instantly. Most of these quarters were struck for general circulation at the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints.
However, the San Francisco (S) mint produced special versions specifically for collectors. These “S” quarters are not typically found in vending machines or grocery store change, which is why their value is significantly higher than 25 cents. CoinKnow can help you keep track of these specific mint marks so you don’t accidentally spend a valuable coin.
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How Much is a 2017-S Ozark Quarter Worth?
To determine the value of your coin, you first need to identify which type of 2017-S quarter you have. The San Francisco mint produced two distinct types: Clad Proofs and Silver Proofs. Additionally, they produced a “Business Strike” S-mint quarter sold only in special bags and sets from the US Mint.
Standard business strike S-quarters are relatively affordable but still carry a premium over their face value. For those tracking current Ozark Riverways quarter market prices, uncirculated specimens are the most sought after. Professional grading can push the price of a perfect “S” mint quarter into the hundreds of dollars.
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If you find an Ozark quarter with an “S” mint mark in a shiny, mirror-like finish, you likely have a proof coin. These were never intended to be spent. If the edge of the coin shows a copper stripe, it is a clad proof. If the edge is solid silver, you have found a 90% silver coin, which has intrinsic melt value in addition to its numismatic worth.
| Mint Mark & Type | Mintage (Approx.) | Average Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-P (Philadelphia) | 214,000,000 | $0.25 |
| 2017-D (Denver) | 248,600,000 | $0.25 |
| 2017-S (Clad Business) | ~900,000 | $2 – $10 |
| 2017-S (Clad Proof) | ~800,000 | $5 – $15 |
| 2017-S (90% Silver Proof) | ~600,000 | $25 – $40 |
Grading and the Value of Silver Proofs
When it comes to the 2017-S Silver Ozark quarter, the metal content is a huge factor. Unlike modern quarters that are made of copper and nickel, the silver proof version contains 90% silver. This means even if the coin is damaged, it will always be worth its weight in silver.
Serious collectors look for coins graded PR70 (Proof 70) by services like PCGS or NGC. A PR70 coin is considered “perfect” under 5x magnification. For an accurate value assessment of 2017 quarters, you must look at recent auction sales rather than asking prices.
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Because the mintage for the silver proof is the lowest among the Ozark varieties, these are the prize of the collection. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, as oils from your skin can degrade the “cameo” finish and lower the resale value significantly. Utilizing the CoinKnow app’s collection management feature can help you organize and value your silver coins as the market price of silver fluctuates.
Key Features of the Alley Mill Design
The reverse side of the 2017 Ozark quarter is truly a work of art. It depicts the Alley Mill, a historic merchant mill powered by a massive underwater spring. The design includes the inscriptions “OZARK RIVERWAYS,” “MISSOURI,” “2017,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The level of detail on the mill’s windows and the texture of the nearby trees are what collectors focus on when determining the grade of a coin. On a “Business Strike” S-mint quarter, look for sharp strikes where the lines of the building are crisp and clear. Any “mushiness” in the design usually indicates a worn die or a circulated coin.
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On the obverse (front), you will see the familiar portrait of George Washington. The most critical element here is the mint mark located to the right of Washington’s ponytail. A small “S” signifies it came from San Francisco, while a “P” or “D” indicates Philadelphia or Denver. Finding an “S” in your change is like finding a needle in a haystack!
Potential Errors to Look For
While the ATB series is known for high quality control, some 2017 Ozark quarters have been found with minor errors. Error coins are often worth much more than standard strikes because they are unique accidents of the minting process.
Common errors include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in an extra bump of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Ozark quarter, these are sometimes found around the windows of the Alley Mill. Another common error is the “Doubled Die,” where the letters or numbers appear to be doubled.
If you think you’ve found an error, compare it to standard coins. Errors that are obvious to the naked eye, such as a “clipped planchet” (where the coin is missing a circular slice) or an “off-center strike,” can fetch hundreds of dollars at auction.
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| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Die Chip | Small bumps on the Alley Mill | $5 – $20 |
| Machine Doubling | Slight ghosting on letters | Face Value |
| Off-Center Strike | Design not centered on the coin | $50 – $200 |
How to Store Your 2017-S Quarter
If you are lucky enough to own a 2017-S Ozark Riverways quarter, proper storage is essential to maintaining its value. A single scratch can drop a coin’s grade from an MS67 to an MS63, potentially losing you $50 or more in value. CoinKnow users often recommend using PVC-free coin flips or plastic capsules for long-term protection.
Avoid storing your coins in paper envelopes or cardboard boxes that contain sulfur, as this can cause the coin to “tarnish” or develop ugly toning. For silver proof quarters, the goal is to keep them in “Deep Cameo” condition—where the design is frosty white and the background is a deep, dark mirror finish.
Whether you’re a casual hunter or a serious collector, the 2017-S Ozark Quarter is a beautiful piece of American history. Keep an eye on your change, and if you see that “S” mint mark, you know you’ve found something worth more than just twenty-five cents.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 2017-S mint mark so special?
A: Most quarters are made in Philadelphia or Denver for general use. The San Francisco (S) mint primarily makes coins for collectors in limited quantities, making them rarer and more valuable to numismatists.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How can I tell if my 2017-S quarter is silver or clad?
A: Look at the edge of the quarter. If you see a solid silver-colored edge, it is likely the 90% silver proof version. If you see a copper or orange stripe, it is the standard copper-nickel clad version.
Q: Is a 2017-P or 2017-D Ozark quarter worth anything?
A: Generally, P and D mint quarters are only worth $0.25 if they have been used in circulation. However, if they are in perfect, uncirculated “Mint State” (MS67 or higher), they can be worth $10 to $30.
Q: Where can I sell my 2017-S Ozark Riverways quarter?
A: You can sell your coins to local coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or at major coin shows. For high-value graded coins, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions are a great choice.