2017-P Frederick Douglass Quarter Value: Price & Guide
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The 2017-P Frederick Douglass Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are only worth face value, certain mint errors and high-quality strikes can command a significant premium among coin collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65-MS66) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Quality (MS67+) | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
History of the Frederick Douglass Quarter Design
The 2017 Frederick Douglass quarter is the 37th release in the “America the Beautiful Quarters” Program. This specific coin honors the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. It serves as a tribute to one of American history’s most influential abolitionists, authors, and orators.
For many everyday Americans, finding one of these in a jar of change is the start of a numismatic journey. To accurately identify your find, using the top coin identifier and value app can help distinguish between a common circulation coin and a rare minting.
The reverse design depicts Frederick Douglass seated at a writing desk with his home, Cedar Hill, in the background. It was designed by Thomas Hipschen and engraved by Phebe Hemphill. Because millions were minted, most retain only their “spendable” value. However, the CoinKnow app can help you spot the subtle differences that separate a standard quarter from a collector’s item.
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Determining the Mint Mark and Rarity
The “P” mint mark on your 2017 Frederick Douglass quarter indicates it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Unlike the San Francisco (S) mint marks, which are often produced for collectors in limited quantities, the Philadelphia strikes were intended for general circulation.
While the “P” mint mark is common, the condition of the coin is what determines the ultimate price. A coin that has been banged up in a cash register is significantly less valuable than one that has been tucked away in a roll.
Collectors often look for “Mint State” (MS) designations. According to recent 2017-P America the Beautiful price trends, coins reaching MS67 or MS68 are incredibly rare for this year. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan the surface of the coin to check for scratches and “bag marks” that might lower the grade.
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Grading the 2017-P Frederick Douglass Quarter
To understand the 2017-P Frederick Douglass Quarter value, you must understand the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Most coins you find in your pocket are “Circulated” (G-4 to AU-58). These are simply worth 25 cents.
“Uncirculated” coins (MS60 and above) haven’t been used in trade and still have their original mint luster. A high-grade 2017-P quarter can be surprisingly expensive.
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| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Typical strike with light marks | $2 – $4 |
| MS65 | Strong strike, very few marks | $10 – $15 |
| MS67 | Nearly perfect, exceptional luster | $150 – $225 |
| MS68 | Top-tier specimen, extremely rare | $600+ |
If you think you have a high-grade specimen, it may be worth getting it professionally slabbed by PCGS or NGC. Check the latest 2017 quarter value updates to see if current market prices justify the grading fees.
Rare Errors and Varieties to Look For
Often, the real money in modern quarters like the 2017-P Frederick Douglass comes from minting errors. These occur when something goes wrong during the production process at the Philadelphia Mint.
Look for “Doubled Die” errors, where the image or lettering appears doubled. On the Frederick Douglass quarter, check the writing desk and Douglass’s hand or the wording “Frederick Douglass.”
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Another common error to search for is a “Clipped Planchet” or “Off-Center Strike.” While rare, these can turn a 25-cent coin into a $50-$100 item instantly. CoinKnow is a great tool for beginners to compare their coins against known error databases.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Double Die | Slight doubling on letters | $5 – $20 |
| Die Chip | Small bumps on the surface | $2 – $10 |
| Major Off-Center | Design shifted significantly | $50 – $150+ |
Why the Philadelphia Mint Strike is Unique
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 248 million Frederick Douglass quarters in 2017. Because they were minted in such high volume, they were released into circulation quickly, leading to many coins having “contact marks.”
Finding a “clean” 2017-P quarter is actually harder than you might think. Collectors call this “condition rarity.” When a coin that is usually found in poor condition is discovered in a perfect state, the price skyrockets.
Always keep an eye out for coins that have a reflective, mirror-like finish or exceptionally sharp details on Douglass’s hair and the bricks of the building. These are the traits that collectors are willing to pay a premium for at auctions.
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Tips for Selling Your Frederick Douglass Quarters
If you believe you have a valuable 2017-P Frederick Douglass quarter, your first step should be to protect it. Avoid touching the surface of the coin with your fingers, as oils can damage the finish. Place it in a PVC-free flip or a plastic coin holder.
Selling on platforms like eBay or at a local coin shop is the most common route. For high-end coins, an auction house might be better.
Always research recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic view of the market. Many people list common quarters for thousands of dollars, but they rarely sell for those amounts unless they are truly unique errors or the highest possible grade.
FAQ
Q: Is there a silver 2017-P Frederick Douglass Quarter?
A: No, the Philadelphia “P” mint quarters are composed of a copper-nickel clad. Silver versions (90% silver) were only minted at the San Francisco mint with an “S” mint mark for special Proof sets.
Q: How many 2017 Frederick Douglass quarters were made?
A: Between the Philadelphia and Denver mints, over 430 million were produced. Specifically, the Philadelphia mint (P) produced 248,200,000 quarters.
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Q: What is the most expensive Frederick Douglass Quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 have sold for over $600 at major auctions. However, the vast majority in circulation are only worth 25 cents.
Q: Where can I find the mint mark?
A: The mint mark “P” is found on the obverse (the side with George Washington) to the right of his ponytail, just below the “In God We Trust” inscription.
Q: Should I clean my coin to make it worth more?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates micro-scratches that significantly reduce its value in the eyes of professional collectors and grading services.
