2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter: Value & Identification
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The 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $150 in perfect Proof-70 condition. This stunning piece of American history was part of the America the Beautiful Quarters series, and its silver composition makes it a favorite for both silver stackers and numismatic collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| PR-65 (Gem Proof) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR-69 (Near Perfect) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| PR-70 (Deep Cameo) | $80.00 – $165.00+ |
What Makes the 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter Special?
If you have found a 2017 quarter with an “S” mint mark and a noticeably shiny finish, you might be holding a piece of 90% silver bullion. Unlike the standard copper-nickel quarters we use for vending machines, the San Francisco Mint produced a limited number of “S” mint mark quarters specifically for collectors. Understanding the nuances of these coins can be tricky for beginners, which is why many enthusiasts use the top coin identifier and value app to instantly verify their finds.
The 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful (ATB) series, featuring the iconic Great Hall which served as the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. While the circulation-strike quarters are made of a base metal “sandwich,” the silver proof version contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This intrinsic metal value provides a “floor” for the price, ensuring that even if the coin is scratched, it is still worth more than its face value.
For those just getting started, identifying this coin requires a quick look at the edge. A standard quarter has a copper stripe visible on the edge, but a silver proof quarter will have a solid, bright silver edge. Tools like CoinKnow can help you scan the coin to determine if you have the rare silver version or the more common S-mint clad version, as both were produced in 1867.
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Identifying the Silver vs. Clad S-Mint Quarters
It is a common misconception that all “S” mint mark quarters are made of silver. In 2017, the San Francisco Mint actually produced two different types of quarters for collectors: the Silver Proof and the Clad Proof. The cladding is a mixture of copper and nickel. While both look beautiful and shiny, their market values differ significantly. Many collectors consult highly accurate 2017 silver quarter value data to ensure they aren’t overpaying or underselling.
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To tell the difference without a scale, look at the weight. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs only 5.67 grams. If you don’t have a jeweler’s scale, the “tissue test” or the “ring test” are old-school methods, but using the CoinKnow app’s database is far more reliable for modern collectors.
| Feature | 90% Silver Edition | Copper-Nickel Clad |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.25g | 5.67g |
| Edge Appearance | Solid Silver | Copper Stripe Visible |
| Composition | 90% Ag, 10% Cu | 75% Cu, 25% Ni |
Determining the Grade and Market Value
The value of a 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter depends almost entirely on its “Grade.” Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. Since these were issued in protective plastic lenses by the Mint, most are found in “Proof” condition (PR or PF). A PR-70 Deep Cameo is the “Holy Grail” for this specific year; it means the coin is perfect under a microscope and has intense contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background.
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Real-world market data shows that current America the Beautiful quarter prices fluctuate based on the spot price of silver and collector demand. If your 2017-S shows even tiny scratches (hairlines) from being handled with bare hands, the grade will drop to PR-63 or PR-65, significantly lowering the premium.
If you are looking to sell, keep in mind that coin shops usually pay “wholesale” prices, which might be 20-30% lower than the retail values listed in guides. However, because the silver content alone remains valuable, these quarters are a solid investment. Always check CoinKnow for recent auction results before visiting a dealer.
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Design Details of the Ellis Island Reverse
The reverse design of this quarter is particularly poignant. Designed by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, it depicts a young girl in the foreground with her family arriving at the Ellis Island hospital building. Behind them stands the imposing structure of the Great Hall. This design resonates with millions of Americans whose ancestors passed through this historic portal.
The inscription reads “ELLIS ISLAND,” “NEW JERSEY,” “2017,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” For the silver collector, the intricate details of the family’s clothing and the architectural lines of the building are much sharper on the proof strikes than on the business strikes found in your pocket change. This level of detail is a hallmark of the San Francisco Mint’s superior striking process.
Historical Context and Mintage Figures
The 2017-S Silver Ellis Island Quarter was the 39th release in the ATB series. By 2017, the excitement for the series was well-established, but the silver proof sets had lower production numbers compared to earlier years in the program. This scarcity is what drives the collector value above the melt value of the silver.
In 2017, the Mint produced approximately 904,000 of the 90% silver sets. While nearly a million might sound like a lot, when you consider how many are tucked away in private collections or lost to the elements, the number of “perfect” specimens available for trade is relatively small. The low mintage compared to billions of regular quarters makes them a “must-have” for a complete set collection.
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| Year / Mint | Mintage (Approx.) | Rarity Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-S Silver Proof | 904,603 | Uncommon |
| 2017-S Clad Proof | 2,100,000 | Common Collector Item |
| 2017-D Circulation | 243,000,000+ | Abundant |
Summary of the 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter
Whether you are an experienced numismatist or someone who just happened upon a shiny “S” mint mark quarter, the 2017-S Ellis Island Silver Quarter is a treasure worth holding. It bridges the gap between bullion investing and historical appreciation. Remember to keep your coin in a protective flip or capsule; skin oils can tarnish the silver surface and destroy its “Deep Cameo” finish.
As the price of silver continues to be a major factor in the economy, these quarters serve as a dual-purpose asset. They represent a piece of the American story—the immigrant experience—while also holding tangible wealth in the form of precious metal. Always verify your specific coin’s condition using CoinKnow before making any buying or selling decisions.
FAQ
Q: How much silver is in a 2017-S Ellis Island Quarter?
A: The 2017-S Silver Proof version contains 90% silver and 10% copper. This amounts to approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. Note that the standard “S” quarters found in some sets are clad (copper-nickel) and contain no silver.
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Q: Can I find a 2017-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. These coins were never intended for circulation; they were sold in sets. However, sometimes people break open sets and spend them. If you find one, it will likely be “impaired,” meaning it has scratches that lower its collector value, though it retains its silver value.
Q: Why is my 2017 quarter worth only 25 cents?
A: If your quarter has a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark, it is a standard circulation coin made of copper and nickel. Over 480 million of these were minted, so they are only worth face value unless they have a significant mint error.
Q: Is the 2017-S Ellis Island quarter a good investment?
A: Silver quarters are generally considered a “safe” investment because they have a floor value based on silver prices. While they may not appreciate as rapidly as rare gold coins, they are highly liquid and always in demand by series collectors.
