The 2017-S Ellis Island Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are worth their face value, specific “S” mint marks and high-quality proofs can command a significant premium among collectors and enthusiasts today.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated (Average)	$0.25 – $1.00
Uncirculated (MS65)	$5.00 – $15.00
Proof (PR69)	$10.00 – $25.00
Silver Proof (PR70)	$60.00 – $150.00+

Overview of the 2017-S Ellis Island National Monument Quarter

The Ellis Island quarter was the 39th release in the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” (ATB) Quarters Program. This specific design honors the historic immigrant gateway in New Jersey. If you’ve discovered one of these coins in your wallet, the first thing you should look for is the mint mark. Most quarters you spend at the grocery store feature a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mark. However, the “S” mint mark from San Francisco is where things get interesting for the average person.

If you are unsure about what you are holding, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different versions released that year. Unlike the common P and D versions produced for general circulation, the S-mint quarters were typically struck for collectors. The San Francisco Mint produced both “Business Strike” uncirculated coins for collector sets and high-end “Proof” coins.

Because many of these coins were sold in rolls or sets directly to hobbyists, they often remain in pristine condition. Using the CoinKnow app allows you to quickly scan any 2017-S quarter to see if it carries the luster and strike quality that auction houses look for. While the design depicts an immigrant family arriving at Ellis Island, the real “arrival” is the extra cash in your pocket if you find a rare silver version.

Understanding the Different 2017-S Mint Versions

Not all “S” quarters are created equal. In 2017, the San Francisco Mint actually produced three distinct types of Ellis Island quarters. First, there is the standard copper-nickel clad “Business Strike” (specifically for collectors, but not intended for circulation). These are relatively common but still fetch more than 25 cents. Second, there are the Clad Proofs, which feature a shiny, mirror-like background and frosted details.

The third and most valuable type is the Silver Proof. These are minted in 90% silver and 10% copper. Identifying a silver proof can be done by looking at the “edge” of the coin. If you see a solid silver color without a copper-colored stripe, you likely have a silver quarter. Reviewing the 2017 Ellis Island quarter price trends for silver editions shows that high-grade proofs can reach impressive amounts.

Metal Composition	Mintage (Approx.)	Rarity Level
Copper-Nickel Clad (S-Mint)	914,000	Common Collector Item
90% Silver Proof (S-Mint)	~600,000	Scarce/Demand High

What Makes the 2017-S Ellis Island Quarter Valuable?

When determining value, condition is everything. Numismatists use a 70-point scale to grade coins. A quarter that has been rattling around in a laundry machine will likely never be worth more than its face value or its weight in silver. However, a Proof 70 (PR70) coin—which is a “perfect” coin under 5x magnification—is a different story. These immaculate pieces are the ones that break records at auction.

The 2017-S quarters were not released into general circulation. This means that if you find one in your change, someone likely broke open a collector set and spent it by mistake. This “accidental circulation” makes the “S” mint mark a exciting find for everyday Americans. If you happen to stumble upon a clean, shiny version, checking the current 2017-S quarter market data is the best way to see what buyers are currently paying.

Because the mintage numbers for San Francisco quarters are significantly lower than those of Philadelphia or Denver, there is a natural scarcity. Collectors who want to complete the full America the Beautiful set must buy these “S” quarters separately. This constant demand helps maintain a floor price of several dollars even for the most basic collector-strike 2017-S Ellis Island quarters.

How to Identify a Silver vs. Clad Quarter

Many people ask how to tell if their 2017-S Ellis Island quarter is the valuable silver version. The easiest way is the “Tissue Test” or the “Edge Test.” Look at the rim of the coin. If you see a distinct brown or orange line, it is a copper-nickel clad coin. If the edge is brilliant, pure silver-white all the way through, it is likely the 90% silver proof.

Another method is weighing the coin. A standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a 90% silver quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams. If you have a sensitive kitchen scale, this is an easy way to verify your find. Regardless of the material, if your coin looks “different” or extra shiny, use CoinKnow to get an instant identification and historical price data.

Coin Feature	Clad Version	Silver Version
Edge Color	Copper/Brown Stripe	Solid Silver/White
Weight	5.67 Grams	6.25 Grams
Sound (Ping Test)	Dull Thud	High-Pitched Ring

Are There Any 2017 Ellis Island Quarter Errors?

While most of the value in the 2017-S series comes from the silver content or the high grade, error hunters occasionally find “Doubled Die” or “Die Chip” varieties. For the Ellis Island design, look closely at the details of the family. Some collectors have reported minor doubling on the inscriptions around the edge or doubling on the windows of the building in the background.

Error coins are the “wild cards” of the coin world. A standard 2017-S might be worth $10, but a confirmed doubled die error could easily sell for $100 or more to the right buyer. To spot these, you usually need a magnifying glass or a digital microscope. If you notice something unusual—like an extra leaf or a blurred letter—you should consult a professional or a community of experts.

When scanning your coins with CoinKnow, pay attention to any visual anomalies the AI flags. Sometimes, value isn’t about what the mint intended to create, but the mistakes they made along the way. Even if your coin isn’t a rare error, preserving its condition in a flip or a plastic holder is key to maintaining its future resale value.

Summary of Price Estimates by Grade

To give you a better idea of what to expect when selling or buying, look at the price breakdown below. These values represent “Real World” prices you might see at a local coin shop or on online auction sites. Remember that coins sent to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC often sell for more because their authenticity and grade are guaranteed.

Mint & Type	MS/PR 65 Value	MS/PR 70 Value
2017-S Clad Business Strike	$5.50	$45.00
2017-S Clad Proof	$4.00	$28.00
2017-S Silver Proof	$18.00	$165.00

Whether you found your Ellis Island quarter in a jar of change or inherited it as part of a collection, knowing its “S” mint mark status is the first step. While most quarters are meant for spending, these San Francisco beauties are meant for saving. Keep your eyes peeled for that small “S” next to George Washington’s portrait!

2017-S Ellis Island Quarter FAQ

Q: Why is the ‘S’ mint mark more valuable than ‘P’ or ‘D’?

A: The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produce coins in the hundreds of millions for everyday use. The San Francisco (S) mint only produces limited quantities specifically for collectors, making them much rarer in the long run.

Q: Is every 2017-S quarter made of silver?

A: No. In 2017, the mint produced “Business Strike” clad quarters and “Clad Proof” quarters for collectors, which contain no silver. Only the “Silver Proof” version is made of 90% silver. Always check the edge of the coin!

Q: Where can I sell my 2017-S Ellis Island quarter?

A: You can sell your quarter to local coin shops, at coin shows, or via online marketplaces like eBay. For high-value silver proofs or high-grade coins, using a reputable auction house or getting the coin professionaly graded is recommended to maximize your profit.

Q: How many 2017 Ellis Island quarters were made?

A: While over 400 million were made for circulation across the P and D mints, only about 914,000 S-Mint clad business strikes were produced, making the S-mint versions much harder to find in the wild.