The 2017 D Ellis Island Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in circulated condition to over $15 in high-grade mint state. While most coins you find in your pocket change today are only worth a quarter, certain specimens with specific labels or high grades can fetch surprising premiums.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25
About Uncirculated (AU)	$0.30 – $0.50
Mint State 63 (Uncirculated)	$1.00 – $2.50
Mint State 67+ (Gems)	$15.00+

Identifying Your 2017 D Ellis Island Quarter

If you’ve recently looked through your spare change and found a quarter featuring a young immigrant family arriving at a historic building, you have the Ellis Island National Monument quarter. This coin was the 39th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters program launched by the U.S. Mint. To identify the specific “D” version, look on the obverse (the side with George Washington) for a small “D” mint mark located to the right of the ribbon in Washington’s hair. This indicates the coin was struck at the Denver Mint.

Finding a coin that looks particularly shiny might lead you to wonder about its potential market price. Many novice collectors use a top coin identifier app to quickly determine the exact variety and mint origin of their finds. The CoinKnow app is particularly helpful for this, as it allows you to scan the coin and get an instant estimation.

Since over 480 million of these quarters were struck in Denver, they are not inherently rare. However, for a coin to be worth more than its face value, it generally needs to be in “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State” condition. This means the coin has no visible wear from being passed around in transactions and still retains its original luster from the minting process.

Current Market Value Factors for Denver Minted Ellis Island Quarters

The value of a 2017 D Ellis Island quarter is primarily determined by its preservation. Most quarters found in the wild have been “circulated,” meaning they’ve touched thousands of hands and other coins, causing scratches and dullness. These are almost always worth exactly 25 cents. However, collectors often check 2017 quarter value charts to see if their specific mint mark or condition provides a boost.

For those lucky enough to find a coin that was tucked away in a bank roll or a collection, the price can increase. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A 2017 D quarter graded as MS65 (Mint State 65) is worth about $1.00 to $2.00, while a very rare MS68 specimen can sell for $30 or more at auction.

Grade	Market Price (D Mint)
MS63	$0.75
MS65	$2.50
MS66	$5.00
MS67	$12.50

Design Details and Historical Significance

The reverse design of the Ellis Island quarter is a poignant tribute to America’s history as a “melting pot.” Designed by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, it depicts an immigrant family standing in front of the Hospital Building on Ellis Island. The man, woman, and child carry their belongings in suitcases, symbolizing the hope and uncertainty of millions who arrived in the United States between 1892 and 1954.

On the obverse, you find the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan in 1932. The “D” mint mark is the key feature for this specific guide. Because the Denver Mint produced so many, it remains one of the most common quarters from the 2017 series. This makes high-grade versions even more important to collectors who want to complete a “perfect” set of the America the Beautiful series.

If you are curious about how this design compares to other releases from the same year, you can view the 2017 America the Beautiful quarter price data for coins like the Effigy Mounds or Frederick Douglass issues. Using the CoinKnow app can also help you organize your collection and see which designs are currently trending in popularity among hobbyists.

Common Errors and Varieties to Look For

While most 2017 D Ellis Island quarters are standard, error hunters are always on the lookout for mistakes made during production. Errors are what truly turn a common quarter into a valuable treasure. With such a massive mintage, minor mechanical errors are bound to happen.

One common type of error is the “Die Crack.” This happens when the stamp (die) used to strike the coin develops a crack, leaving a raised line of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Ellis Island quarter, these are often found near the roof of the hospital building or around the edges. Another error to watch for is a “Double Die,” where the design appears slightly doubled or blurred, particularly in the lettering of “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Error Type	Potential Value
Minor Die Crack	$2.00 – $10.00
Major Off-Center Strike	$20.00 – $100.00
Struck Through Grease	$5.00 – $15.00

Tips for Selling Your Ellis Island Quarter

If you believe you have a high-value version of this coin, the first step is to protect it. Keep it in a PVC-free plastic holder or a coin flip to prevent further scratches. Fingerprints contain oils that can permanently damage the surface, so handle your coin by the edges.

When you’re ready to sell, avoid local pawn shops if you think the coin is rare, as they often pay only face value for common quarters. Instead, consider listing it on specialized hobbyist sites or eBay, where collectors actively search for specific grades. The CoinKnow app can help you determine if your coin is worth the cost of professional grading, which usually starts at around $20 per coin.

Keep in mind that for a 2017 D Ellis Island quarter to be worth the effort of professional shipping and fees, it generally needs to be a very high grade (MS67 or better) or possess a clear, dramatic error. For most people, finding one in a “mint set” or “uncirculated roll” is the best way to ensure you have a coin worth more than 25 cents.

Where to Sell	Best For
Local Coin Shop	Quick Sales / Bulk Rolls
Online Auctions	Error Coins / Certified Grades
Coin Shows	Networking and Appraisals

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many 2017 D Ellis Island quarters were made?

A: The Denver Mint produced exactly 480,200,000 Ellis Island quarters in 2017. Because of this high production number, they are very common in circulation today and usually only worth their face value unless they are in perfect condition or have an error.

Q: Is there a silver version of the 2017 Ellis Island quarter?

A: Yes, but not with a “D” mint mark. Silver versions were minted in San Francisco and carry an “S” mint mark. These were sold in special proof sets and are made of 90% silver, making them significantly more valuable than the copper-nickel “D” quarters found in change.

Q: What is the most valuable 2017 D quarter ever sold?

A: While prices fluctuate, high-grade examples (MS68) of the 2017 D Ellis Island quarter have sold for upwards of $100 in the past. Most “Top Pop” (highest known grade) coins are sought after by registry set collectors who are willing to pay a premium for perfection.

Q: How can I tell if my 2017 quarter has an error?

A: Look for things that seem “wrong,” such as letters that are doubled, parts of the design that are missing, or raised blobs of metal (die chips). Comparing your coin to a standard one using a magnifying glass or a coin app is the best way to spot these anomalies.