2017-P Ellis Island Quarter Value: A Complete Guide
The 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for specimens in high-grade mint state. Whether you found one in your pocket change or a coin roll, understanding the specific mint marks and errors is key to determining its true market price.
| Condition / Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| High Grade (MS67) | $50 – $150 |
| Gem Mint (MS68+) | $350 – $600+ |
Overview of the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter Design
The 2017 Ellis Island quarter is the 39th release in the “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This series, which began in 2010, honors national parks and historic sites across the United States. The Ellis Island design specifically commemorates the iconic gateway through which millions of immigrants entered America between 1892 and 1954.
If you are unsure if you have a winner, using the top coin identifier and value app can help you instantly recognize the design and potential rarity of your find. The reverse (tails) side of the coin, designed by Barbara Fox, depicts an immigrant family arriving at the hospital building on the island.
The “P” mint mark located on the obverse (heads) side indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While billions of quarters are minted every year, specific years like 2017 saw varying production numbers that influence how easy it is to find a high-quality “P” mint specimen in the wild today. Many collectors use CoinKnow to track these mintage figures and stay updated on market shifts.
Breaking Down the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter Value by Grade
When assessing the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter value, professional grading is everything. Most coins you find in your daily transactions are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dents, or wear from being passed around. These are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents.
However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came from the mint—with a bright, satin-like luster and no visible scratches—you might have an “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” coin. These are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A grade of MS63 is common and worth a few dollars, but as you climb toward MS67 or MS68, the price skyrockets.
Determining the exact grade can be tricky for beginners. You can check the latest 2017-P America the Beautiful price data to see how much collectors are currently paying for high-grade specimens. Often, a single point in grading can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars.
| Mint State Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $2.00 |
| MS65 | $12.50 |
| MS67 | $85.00 |
| MS68 | $475.00+ |
Special Varieties and Error Quarters to Watch For
While standard quarters are plentiful, error coins are the holy grail for most hobbyists. For the 2017-P Ellis Island release, collectors have kept a close eye out for “Doubled Die” errors. A doubled die occurs when the coin hub imprints the image twice onto the die, creating a blurred or overlapping appearance on letters or numbers.
Another common error to look for is the “Die Chip” or “Cud” error. This happens when a piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in a small raised “blob” of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Ellis Island design, look closely at the windows of the building and the clothing of the immigrant family.
Finding an error can drastically increase the value of your pocket change. If you think you’ve spotted an anomaly, you can cross-reference it with the 2017 Ellis Island quarter value chart to see if it Matches known rare varieties. Many users prefer using CoinKnow to zoom in on high-resolution photos of known errors to ensure they aren’t looking at simple post-mint damage.
Production Numbers and Rarity of the Philadelphia Mint Strike
The Philadelphia Mint produced 480,000,000 Ellis Island quarters in 2017. While nearly half a billion coins sounds like a lot, it is actually a moderate mintage compared to some other years in the America the Beautiful series. For example, some designs saw nearly double that production.
Because these coins were meant for general circulation, the vast majority are worn down. Finding a “P” mint mark coin in a pristine, “Gem” condition is rarer than the mintage figures suggest. Collectors often buy “Mint Sets” directly from the US Mint to ensure they get high-quality versions of these coins.
If you are “roll hunting”—buying rolls of quarters from the bank—keep an eye out for rolls that are exclusively 2017-P. These “uncirculated rolls” can sell for a premium over their $10 face value because they contain coins that haven’t been scratched by the friction of other coins in a cash register.
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Rarity Score (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 480,000,000 | 2/10 |
| Denver (D) | 494,000,000 | 1/10 |
| San Francisco (S – Business Strike) | 914,000 | 8/10 |
How to Tell the Difference Between P, D, and S Mint Marks
Understanding where your coin was made is the first step in valuation. The mint mark on a 2017 quarter is found on the obverse side, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “P,” “D,” or “S.”
The “P” stands for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. While “P” and “D” coins were made for your wallet, “S” quarters were mostly made for collectors. In 2017, the San Francisco Mint produced a limited number of “S” mint business strikes that were never released into general circulation. These are much rarer than the “P” versions.
Using an app like CoinKnow helps social collectors identify these letters quickly. If you happen to find an “S” mint mark in your change, it likely escaped from a collector’s set and is worth significantly more than 25 cents, even if it has a bit of wear and tear.
Is Your 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter Worth Selling?
If you have a standard, circulated 2017-P Ellis Island quarter, it is likely best used for a parking meter or a laundry load. However, if you notice the coin is exceptionally shiny, has a distinct error, or was part of an original uncirculated set, it is worth holding onto.
High-grade coins (MS66 and above) should be kept in protective flips or capsules to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the surface. If you believe your coin could be a “Condition Rarity” (a coin that is common in low grades but rare in high grades), you might consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Before spending money on grading fees, which can cost $20-$50 per coin, do your research. Compare your coin to finished auction listings on eBay or use a coin valuation tool. Many people find that their “rare” find is actually quite common, so being informed is the best way to avoid losing money in the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter
Q: Why is the 2017-P Ellis Island Quarter famous?
A: It is popular because it depicts an iconic moment in American history—the arrival of immigrants. It is also part of the highly collectible America the Beautiful series which features 56 different designs.
Q: Can I find a 2017-S Ellis Island quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is possible, but very rare. Most “S” mint quarters were sold in special mint bags or sets at a premium price. If one is in your change, it was likely spent by someone by accident.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2017-P Ellis Island quarter?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 condition have sold for over $500 at major auctions. These coins must be essentially perfect under magnification to reach such prices.
Q: Is there a silver version of the 2017 Ellis Island quarter?
A: Yes, the U.S. Mint produced silver proof versions (90% silver) for collectors. These do not have a “P” mint mark; they feature an “S” mint mark and have a mirror-like finish.
Q: How do I know if my quarter has a Doubled Die error?
A: Look for “ghosting” or a thickening of the letters in “United States of America” or “Ellis Island.” A magnifying glass or a digital microscope is usually necessary to confirm this.
