2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter Value and What Collectors Are Paying Today
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The 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 in typical circulated condition, but proof versions struck at the San Francisco Mint can fetch $10 to $25 or more depending on grade and packaging. If you found one of these quarters in your pocket change or an old coin jar, you’ve come across a historically significant coin — and it may be worth more than 25 cents.
What Is the 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter?
The 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters program, which ran from 2009 to 2021. Each year, the U.S. Mint released five quarters honoring national parks and historic sites across the country. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., was honored in 2017 as part of this series.
The “S” mintmark on this coin tells you it was made at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (“P”) and Denver (“D”) mint coins that were released for general circulation, the San Francisco versions were produced exclusively as proof coins for collectors. That means they were struck using special polished dies and high-quality planchets to create a mirror-like finish.
If you’re holding a shiny, sharp-looking quarter with an “S” on the front near George Washington’s neck, you’ve got yourself a collector’s coin — not an everyday spender. To get a more accurate read on exactly what you have, using a coin identifier and value app can help you quickly confirm the mintmark, grade, and estimated value from your smartphone.
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How Much Is the 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter Worth?
The value of the 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter depends heavily on its condition and whether it comes with its original packaging. Proof coins in top grades command the highest prices, especially when graded by a third-party service like PCGS or NGC.
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Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (ungraded, no box) | $1 – $5 |
| Proof (with OGP and COA) | $8 – $15 |
| PR69 DCAM (PCGS/NGC graded) | $12 – $22 |
| PR70 DCAM (perfect grade) | $25 – $50+ |
| Silver Proof (S, 90% silver) | $10 – $30+ |
Note that the U.S. Mint also produced a silver proof version of this coin in 90% silver, which is worth significantly more due to its precious metal content. You can check current 2017 quarter value estimates including silver proof variants to see how the market is trending right now.
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For comparison, if you’re curious how the circulation strike version of the 2017 quarters is doing, you can also view detailed price data for the 2017-P Effigy Mounds quarter in mint state, which gives you a good sense of how the broader 2017 America the Beautiful series is valued in the collector market.
What Makes This Quarter Special to Collectors
Frederick Douglass was one of America’s most powerful voices against slavery. Born into bondage around 1818, he escaped and became a celebrated abolitionist, writer, and statesman. His historic home in Washington, D.C. — Cedar Hill — is preserved as a National Historic Site and is now honored on this quarter.
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For coin collectors, the historical significance of the design adds an extra layer of appeal beyond just the coin’s metal or grade. Many collectors focus specifically on proof sets from the San Francisco Mint, and the Frederick Douglass quarter is a popular piece in that lineup.
CoinKnow is a great tool to scan and identify this type of coin instantly. If you’re building a collection of America the Beautiful proof quarters, CoinKnow helps you track which coins you have, check current values, and identify varieties you might be missing.
How to Tell If You Have the Silver Proof Version
The standard 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter is made from the same copper-nickel clad composition as regular quarters. However, the U.S. Mint also made a silver proof edition using 90% silver and 10% copper, sold in a special Silver Proof Set.
To tell the difference without a lab test, look at the edge of the coin. Clad quarters show a visible copper stripe on the edge. A silver proof will show a uniform silver-white edge all the way around with no copper layer visible.
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You can also weigh the coin. A clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams. If you don’t have a precise scale handy, CoinKnow can help you identify the exact variety once you scan the coin with your phone camera.
Should You Get It Graded?
If your 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter looks perfect — no fingerprints, no spots, no haze — it might be worth submitting to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. A coin graded PR70 DCAM is considered perfect and can sell for two to three times what an ungraded example brings.
However, if the coin shows any handling marks or cloudiness, professional grading fees likely won’t be worth it. In that case, selling as-is in the original Mint packaging is your best bet.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter rare?
A: It’s not rare in the traditional sense — millions were minted — but it’s a collector-only coin not found in everyday circulation. Proof coins in perfect condition, especially silver proofs graded PR70, are relatively scarce and command premium prices.
Q: Can I find a 2017-S Frederick Douglass Quarter in change?
A: Very unlikely. San Francisco Mint proof coins are only sold directly through the U.S. Mint in proof sets and collector packages. They are not distributed through banks or into general circulation.
Q: What’s the best way to store this quarter to preserve its value?
A: Keep it in its original Mint packaging if possible. If it’s already removed, store it in an acid-free coin flip or a hard plastic coin slab. Avoid touching the coin’s surface — oils from your fingers can cause permanent hazing over time and reduce its grade and value significantly.
