2017-S George R. Clark Silver Quarter Value Guide
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The 2017-S George R. Clark Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in gem uncirculated condition to over $150 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While most quarters you find in change are made of copper and nickel, this special “S” mint mark version was struck specifically for collectors in 90% fine silver.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR-65) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Deep Cameo (PR-69) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| Perfect Grade (PR-70) | $80.00 – $165.00 |
History of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Quarter
If you’ve recently looked through a collection or found a shiny coin with an “S” mint mark, you’ve stumbled upon a piece of American frontier history. The 2017 George Rogers Clark Quarter is the 40th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. It honors the site in Indiana where Colonel Clark led a daring surprise march in 1779 during the American Revolution.
Identifying this coin and its composition is the first step toward understanding its worth. If you are unsure whether your quarter is the silver variety or the standard copper-nickel version, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to get an instant appraisal. This is particularly helpful because the San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”) produced both silver proof and non-silver clad versions of this coin in 2017.
The 90% silver version was sold only in special Mint sets, meaning it should never have entered general circulation. However, many of these coins find their way into “the wild” when collections are broken up or spent by people unaware of their precious metal content. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe rather than a copper-colored line, you likely have the more valuable silver version.
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Understanding the 2017-S George R. Clark-Silver Quarter Value
The primary driver of the 2017-S George R. Clark-Silver Quarter value is its condition and its silver content. In 2017, the US Mint was still using the classic 90% silver and 10% copper alloy for its silver proof sets. This gives the coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the price of silver, but the collector value is almost always higher than the raw metal value.
Because these coins were struck using a “Proof” process—meaning they were hit multiple times by specially polished dies—they feature a mirror-like finish. A quarter that has been handled and scratched will be worth significantly less than one that has remained in its original plastic capsule. Professional collectors look for “Deep Cameo” effects, where the design (frosted) contrasts sharply against the background (mirrored).
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Checking detailed America the Beautiful quarter price data shows that even within the 2017 series, the silver George Rogers Clark stands out due to its popularity among Indiana residents and military history buffs. Below is a breakdown of how the silver version compares to other 2017 issues.
| 2017 Quarter Type | Composition | Average Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-P/D George R. Clark | Clad | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| 2017-S George R. Clark (Clad) | Clad Proof | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| 2017-S George R. Clark (Silver) | 90% Silver | $12.00 – $160.00 |
How to Identify a Silver Quarter vs. a Clad Quarter
A common mistake for everyday Americans is confusing the “S” mint mark clad quarter with the “S” mint mark silver quarter. Both were minted in San Francisco, but their values are very different. The clad version is made of a nickel-copper blend and is usually worth about $3 to $5, while the silver version starts at double digits.
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To find the current market price for 2017 silver quarters, you first need to confirm the weight. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. If you don’t have a jeweler’s scale, look at the edge of the coin. A silver coin will be bright white all the way through, whereas a clad coin will show a distinct orange/brown copper layer in the middle of the “sandwich.”
If you find yourself with a handful of different quarters from 2017, using CoinKnow can help you categorize them instantly. The app’s database differentiates between the Effigy Mounds, Frederick Douglass, Ozark Riverways, Ellis Island, and George Rogers Clark designs. Each of these has a specific silver mintage that affects its long-term rarity.
Factors That Increase the Value of Your 2017-S Quarter
What makes one 2017-S Silver George Rogers Clark Quarter worth $15 and another worth $150? It all comes down to the grade. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since silver quarters are proof coins, they are expected to be nearly perfect. However, even microscopic scratches (hairlines) caused by wiping the coin with a cloth can drop the value significantly.
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The most valuable coins are those graded “PF 70 Ultra Cameo” by services like PCGS or NGC. These coins have zero visible imperfections under 5x magnification. If you have a coin that looks flawlessly shiny and has been kept in its original US Mint packaging, it may be worth sending in for professional grading.
Additionally, look for “strike errors.” While uncommon in proof coins, errors like doubled dies or clipped planchets can send the value skyrocketing into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always keep your coins in a protective flip or sleeve to ensure you don’t lower the grade by handling them with bare hands.
| Grading Term | Description | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PR-60 to PR-64 | Visible scratches or hazy surfaces. | Lower (around $10) |
| PR-65 to PR-68 | Attractive with minor flaws. | Moderate ($15 – $30) |
| PR-69 to PR-70 | Virtually perfect or totally perfect. | High ($40 – $150+) |
The Reverse Design: Colonel George Rogers Clark
The reverse (tails side) of this quarter is what makes it a favorite for many. Designed by Frank Morris and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, it depicts George Rogers Clark leading his men through the icy flooded plains of the Illinois Territory. It captures a moment of extreme bravery and perseverance, which is why many people who live in the Midwest enjoy keeping these as keepsakes.
The detail on the silver version is much crisper than on the high-production quarters found in your pocket. In the silver strike, you can clearly see the ripples in the water around the soldiers and the texture of their 18th-century attire. If these details appear “mushy” or worn down, your coin has likely been in circulation, and its value will be closer to the silver melt price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Before selling, it’s wise to consult CoinKnow to see recent auction results. This ensures you aren’t taken advantage of by a pawn shop or a buyer offering only face value. Knowledge is power when it comes to numismatics, and the George Rogers Clark quarter is a perfect entry point for new collectors to learn about the difference between bullion and numismatic value.
Final Thoughts for Casual Coin Hunters
Finding a 2017-S Silver Quarter is an exciting moment for any casual hunter. While you won’t retire on the proceeds of a single quarter, finding a coin worth 40 to 100 times its face value is a great “win.” Always remember to check the mint mark on the right side of George Washington’s portrait. If you see an “S,” your next step should be checking the edge to see if it’s silver.
Whether you decide to keep it as an investment in silver or sell it to a dedicated collector, the 2017-S George R. Clark Silver Quarter is a beautiful piece of American craftsmanship. Keep it clean, keep it dry, and always use a digital guide to stay updated on the latest market trends.
FAQ
Q: Is every 2017-S George R. Clark quarter made of silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both “Clad” proof quarters and “Silver” proof quarters. The clad version consists of copper and nickel, while the silver version is 90% silver. You must check the weight or the edge of the coin to be sure.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Why is my quarter shiny but doesn’t have an “S” mint mark?
A: You likely have a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark quarter that is simply in good condition. These are standard circulation coins and are generally worth only 25 cents unless they have a major mint error.
Q: Where can I sell my silver 2017 quarter?
A: You can sell it to local coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or to reputable online bullion dealers. To get the best price, make sure you know the approximate grade of your coin before walking into a shop.
Q: How much silver is actually in the 2017-S Silver Quarter?
A: These coins contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. Therefore, even if the coin is damaged, it will always be worth at least 0.1808 times the current spot price of silver.
