The 2017-S Ozark Riverways Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. This beautiful coin, minted in 90% silver, is a favorite among collectors and casual hobbyists alike for its stunning design and precious metal content.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR/PF 65) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Deep Cameo (PR/PF 69) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| Perfect Grade (PR/PF 70) | $60.00 – $115.00 |
Understanding the 2017-S Ozark Silver Quarter Rarity
If you have found a shiny 2017 quarter featuring a water mill, you might be holding a small treasure. While millions of quarters are minted for pocket change every year, the “S” mint mark version from San Francisco comes in two distinct varieties: copper-nickel clad and 90% silver. Identifying which one you have is the first step in determining the 2017-S Ozark Riverways silver quarter value. To help you identify the metal composition instantly, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to scan their finds and get instant data.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarter was the 38th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, the silver versions were never intended for circulation. They were sold in special sets to collectors. Using the CoinKnow app can help you track the auction history of these specific strikes, as their value is heavily tied to their “Proof” finish—a mirror-like surface that makes the design pop.
Because these coins are made of silver, they have an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the silver market. However, for a collector, the numismatic value far exceeds the price of the raw metal. The 2017-S Ozark Riverways silver quarter value is particularly strong for coins that have been kept in their original US Mint packaging, as scratches or “milk spots” can detract from the final price.
Silver vs. Clad: How to Tell the Difference
It is a common mistake to assume every 2017-S quarter is silver. The San Francisco Mint produced a “Clad” proof version and a “Silver” proof version. The easiest way to tell is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, you likely have the 90% silver version.
To be absolutely certain about your coin’s worth, you can check the current value of 2017 quarters across different mintages. Silver quarters weigh approximately 6.25 grams, whereas clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams. If you own a digital scale, this is the most accurate DIY method to verify your find.
| Feature | 90% Silver Proof | Clad Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.25g | 5.67g |
| Edge Color | Solid Silver | Copper/Orange Stripe |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | Copper-Nickel Clad |
The Design of the Ozark Riverways Quarter
The reverse of the 2017-S Ozark Riverways quarter depicts Alley Mill, a steel roller mill built in 1894. This mill was used to convert wheat into flour and is a symbol of the heritage of the Ozark mountains in Missouri. The intricate details of the windows, the water, and the surrounding trees are what make the “Proof” finish so impressive.
Collectors looking for high-quality strikes often compare this coin to others in the series, such as the 2017 Effigy Mounds quarter price trends to see how the market is moving. When a coin is struck as a proof, the dies are polished, and the planchets are struck at least twice, resulting in frosted details and mirrored backgrounds.
If your coin feels extra heavy or looks Exceptionally shiny, it’s worth taking a closer look. The CoinKnow app allows users to zoom in on design details to check for doubling or other mint errors that could significantly increase the 2017-S Ozark Riverways silver quarter value. Even a small die crack or unusual frosting pattern can turn a $15 coin into a $50 coin.
Grading and Its Impact on Value
In the world of coin collecting, “Grade” is everything. Most 2017-S silver quarters will be in PR69 or PR70 condition because they were sold in protective plastic cases. A PR70 (Perfect Proof) means the coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. The difference in price between a 69 and a 70 can be quite large.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC charge fees to certify these coins. For a standard 2017-S Ozark silver quarter, it might not be worth the cost of grading unless you are certain it is a perfect 70. You can use CoinKnow to browse a gallery of graded coins to compare your coin’s luster and strike to professional standards.
| Grade | Market Price (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| PR67 Cameo | $10.00 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $15.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $30.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $100.00+ |
How to Sell Your 2017-S Silver Quarter
If you’ve determined that your coin is the silver version and you’re ready to cash in, you have several options. For a quick sale, local coin shops are convenient, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices (around 60-70% of the retail value) so they can make a profit.
Online marketplaces like eBay are great for reaching collectors directly. When listing your 2017-S Ozark Riverways silver quarter, make sure to take high-quality photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse). Mention the “S” mint mark and the silver content clearly in your title.
Another option is to hold onto the coin. Since it is made of 90% silver, its value will never drop to zero. As the years go by, fewer of these coins remain in pristine condition, which may lead to a rise in the 2017-S Ozark Riverways silver quarter value for collectors looking to complete their America the Beautiful sets.
FAQ
Q: Is every 2017 quarter with an “S” mint mark silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both copper-nickel clad proofs and 90% silver proofs. You must check the weight or the edge of the coin to be sure. Silver quarters do not have the brown copper stripe on the side.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the Ozark Riverways quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (the “heads” side) to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “S” indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
Q: How much silver is in a 2017-S Silver Quarter?
A: These coins contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. While this gives the coin a “base” value, the collector value (numismatic value) is usually much higher than just the silver price.
Q: Can I find a 2017-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. These coins were sold in sets, but sometimes they are broken out and spent by mistake. If you find one in circulation, it will likely be scratched, which lowers the value to its silver weight (about $5-$8).